Canine behavior problems: Behavior modification, obedience, and agility training

A program devised to treat canine behavior problems might involve components based on the following approaches: physiologic intervention, environmental manipulation, and behavior modification. In general, physiologic intervention is easily implemented via surgical procedures (e.g., castration) or pharmaceutical therapy. Environmental manipulation also is easy to accomplish, even by relatively inexperienced owners. Neither physiologic intervention nor environmental manipulation requires a significant investment of time, motivation, or understanding on the part of the owner. Many dogs, however, require behavior modification therapy to achieve long-term change in behavior. Unlike physiologic intervention or environmental manipulation, a behavior modification program does demand a substantial amount of time, understanding, and motivation on the part of the owner. This article discusses some of the elementary learning principles that must be understood by professionals and owners who are attempting to design or implement an effective program of behavior modification. A do-it-yourself program that is intended to help owners to teach their dogs to sit and stay is presented.