Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior by domesticated canines

Functional analyses are used to assess maintaining variables of behavior. Despite the large amount of research on functional analyses with humans, there are limited examples with nonhumans and even fewer studies incorporating modifications to standard methods of assessment with nonhumans. One modification that has yet to be evaluated with nonhuman animals is the trial-based functional analysis in which control and test conditions are embedded in naturalistic environments. This study compared a standard functional analysis with a trial-based functional analysis across different topographies of problem behavior with dogs. The results of the functional analyses corresponded for every dog. Individualized treatments were designed to reduce problem behavior. Implications of the trial-based functional analysis include feasibility for privately owned dogs and dogs under the care of shelters. The trial-based functional analysis offers a modification to established functional analyses that may allow increased access to the assessment of problem behavior.