Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2022

Publisher

Springer

Source Publication

Behavior Analysis in Practice

Source ISSN

1998-1929

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00554-y

Abstract

The most effective behavioral interventions are function based, which requires the identification of the behavioral function. A functional analysis is conducted to isolate and identify the environmental variables maintaining target behavior, and this method is effective across species. In domesticated dogs, mouthing is a common behavior and is considered problematic by many people. However, mouthing is not always simple to treat with standard interventions without identifying the function of the dog’s mouthing. Without efficacious interventions, undesirable behavior in companion animals may result in reduced welfare, an increased likelihood of relinquishment, or an increased probability of euthanasia. The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical demonstration of an owner-conducted functional analysis to identify the contingencies maintaining mouthing behavior in dogs and apply the results to owner-implemented function-based interventions to reduce mouthing. Identified functions included attention and tangibles, and owner-implemented interventions were successful at reducing mouthing in all three dogs.

Comments

Accepted version. Behavior Analysis in Practice, Vol. 15, No. 1 (March 2022): 269-283. DOI. © 2022 Springer. Used with permission.

Download
Kodak_15607acc.docx (521 kB)
ADA Accessible Version

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS