Owner-Implemented Functional Analyses and Reinforcement-Based Treatments for Mouthing in Dogs

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.

Automated summary

The study focuses on function-based interventions to reduce mouthing behavior in dogs, emphasizing the importance of identifying the underlying functions to effectively address problematic behaviors. By conducting a functional analysis and implementing owner-implemented interventions based on the identified functions, the study successfully reduced mouthing in companion animals.