Understanding and Reversing Behavior Problems in Pets
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Behavior problems are a common issue among pets. Shockingly, 86-90% of all dogs exhibit some kind of behavior problem, and a significant 30% of shelter relinquishments and euthanasias are due to these issues. In fact, up to 80% of pets returned to shelters are due to behavior problems.
Many of these problems develop over time and could have been prevented. Aggression towards people is a common reason why pet owners seek help from a behavior specialist. Unfortunately, sometimes these issues are made worse by those handling the animals, such as veterinary staff. The good news is that there are simple solutions that owners, shelter workers, trainers, and veterinary staff can use to prevent and address these problems.
Four Methods of Modification
There are four main methods to modify pet behavior: habituation, desensitization, classical counter-conditioning, and operant counter-conditioning.
Habituation: This is when an animal gets used to a stimulus after repeated exposure to it. For example, a dog may initially react to loud sounds, but over time, it learns to ignore them.
There are two types of habituation:
Flooding: The animal is exposed to the stimulus at full intensity until it stops reacting.
Desensitization: The animal is exposed to the stimulus at a low level, and the intensity is gradually increased as the animal gets used to it.
Classical counter-conditioning: This involves creating a new association that is the opposite of a previously learned one. For instance, if a dog is scared of loud noises, you can teach it to associate those noises with tasty treats.
Operant counter-conditioning: This is training an alternative behavior that cannot be done at the same time as the problem behavior. For example, teaching a dog to focus on you instead of barking at other dogs.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many behavior problems can be addressed with these modification techniques, it's important to know when to seek help from a behavior specialist. If your dog has growled, snapped, or bitten anyone, or if you're concerned about controlling your dog, it's time to consult a professional. Similarly, if your cat is aggressive or if your counter-conditioning plan isn't working, a specialist can provide further assistance.
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