Functional characteristics of behavior problems in dogs

In behavioral psychology, function typically refers to the appetitive consequence, or reinforcer, that maintains a given behavior and causes it to occur more frequently. The primary method to identify the function of maladaptive or problematic behavior is through a method known as functional analysis . The present study was a comprehensive review of functional analysis used with dogs, to identify common reinforcers of various problem behaviors observed in dogs. The functional analysis method was effective at identifying the function of dog behavior problems in 27 of 28 cases, indicating that functional analyses are an efficacious method to better understand the reinforcer(s) for behavioral problems observed in dogs. Common reinforcers for different topographies as well as correlations between dog breeds, behaviors, and reinforcers are discussed. In addition to the empirical review, this study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of functional analysis methods as well as the current state of the literature as it relates to improving animal welfare broadly, and interventions for behavior problems observed in dogs specifically. • Functional analysis identified dog behavior function in 27 of 28 reviewed cases • Jumping up was the most common problem behavior across dog breeds • Attention and tangibles were top reinforcers maintaining problem behaviors • Functional analysis offers more accuracy than surveys for dog behavior problems • Strong links found between dog breed, behavior type, and behavioral function