Behaviour modification

When applying any behaviour modification techniques it is crucial to be consistent in your approach for the method to be effective.  This means making sure everyone is doing the same thing and even having a weekly review to ensure that everyone who deals with the animal is applying exactly the same method.  It helps to write it down in a clear format and stick to the fridge or anywhere else that is easily accessible.  It is not fair on the animal to send mixed messages by not sticking to the same behaviour plan.  It could even make behaviours worse.

Some animals learn quicker than others and often you may need to trial and error different techniques until you are successful.  However, make sure you give it a while before changing the procedure so that it has been given enough of a chance.

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Here is an example of a behaviour plan

Biting
What Mia does (description of the behaviour)
Mia bites people mainly on the arms and legs.  This is usually when you start to play with her or give her attention and is often paired with when she gets over excited. 

Action (What the consequence is for the behaviour)
Mia is picked up and placed in a room where she is isolated.  She is left there for 5 minutes (use of a timer).  When picking Mia up the word “no” is said once and then any other behaviour is ignored.

The plans that you write out must also be for positive or wanted behaviour.  The more a behaviour is reinforced the more likely she is to demonstrate that behaviour again. Here is an example.

What Mia does (description of the behaviour)
Mia allows a person to rub her tummy and she doesn’t bite them.

Action (what the consequence is for this behaviour)
Mia is told “good girl” and/or is given a treat.

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Below is a list of different techniques that can be applied to any animal and any situation to reinforce appropriate behaviour and deter any unwanted behaviour.  When giving reinforcement it is vital that the delivery of the treat or the “well done” is immediately after the behaviour has occurred for Mia to be able to pair it.

1. Extinction – when you ignore the behaviour
2. Re-direction – when you redirect the animal to a more appropriate activity
3.Positive reinforcement (treats and strokes)
4.Negative reinforcement (taking away a brush if it scares the animal)

Assessing why behaviour occurs

Data can be taken to assess the function of any behaviour.  This is so you can implement the best plan.  An example would be if ‘Mia; was biting then it may be because she is teething and not for attention.  If this was the reason then redirection would be the best plan as she needs to continue biting and will find it difficult to stop even if told off through other means.

ABC charts
These can be measured to assess behaviour.  Use this especially if you are finding a method unsuccessful.  A – anticeedent – what happened immediately before the behaviour occurred.  B – behaviour – describe the behaviour in detail.  C – consequence – what happens immediately after the behaviour has occurred (include anything you implemented yourself).  Below is an example.

             A                                          B                                                         C

Someone knocked                  ‘Mia’ ran to the door                          ‘Mia’ was shut in a room
at the door                            barked several times                             before the door was
                                                                                                               opened.

Here you can see a usual event that would happen with most dogs.  However, moving ‘Mia’ into another room may make her more anxious about who is at the door which in turn will increase her barking the next time someone comes.  You can see if the behaviour increases if your next data entry shows that ‘Mia’ barks more and jumps up at the door.  This means that putting her into a separate room makes the behaviour worse so a new method would be needed.