It is common knowledge that the number one reason for dogs being turned over to the pound or humane society is behavior problems. Dog problems like chewing, digging, and of course aggression, may best be corrected by seeing a behaviorist. General temperament evaluations are also made. The behaviorist then applies certain behavioral principles or models to the subject animal, which help to determine how the problem behavior evolved, and what interventions can be made to create the target behavior. Educating the owners is key to an effective behavior modification.
Owners learn the basics of positive and negative reinforcement.
One lesson that most owners need to understand is the power of intermittent positive reinforcement. Most people do not appreciate that intermittent positive reinforcement is more powerful than consistent positive or consistent negative reinforcement. Usually the dog and behaviorist demonstrate the mechanisms of behavior modification, including the timing. The dog may even spend extensive time with the behaviorist in especially difficult situations. Goals are set and future appointments made to measure the owner s progress with the behavior modification.