| name | behavioral-modification |
| locale | caveman-ultra |
| source_locale | en |
| source_commit | 82c77053 |
| translator | Julius Brussee homage — caveman |
| translation_date | 2026-04-19 |
| description | Address unwanted dog behaviors through desensitization, counter-conditioning, and management. Covers reactivity (to dogs, people, sounds), separation anxiety, resource guarding, excessive barking, and leash pulling using force-free methods with systematic threshold management. Use when a dog shows reactivity toward other dogs, people, or stimuli; when separation anxiety causes destructive behavior or vocalization; when resource guarding is present; or when behaviors like excessive barking or leash pulling interfere with daily life — after basic obedience is established.
|
| license | MIT |
| allowed-tools | Read |
| metadata | {"author":"Philipp Thoss","version":"1.0","domain":"animal-training","complexity":"advanced","language":"natural","tags":"animal-training, dog, behavior, reactivity, anxiety, desensitization, counter-conditioning"} |
Behavioral Modification
Unwanted dog behaviors → desensitize, counter-condition, manage env.
Use When
- Reactivity (lunge, bark, growl) at dogs, ppl, stimuli
- Separation anxiety → destruction, vocal, soiling when alone
- Resource guarding: stiff, growl, snap near food/object
- Excessive bark, jump, pull, etc. interfere w/ life
- After basic obedience — builds on foundation cmds
In
- Required: Specific unwanted behavior ("dog lunges at dogs on leash", not "bad")
- Required: Threshold distance or trigger level (close/intense before behavior)
- Optional: History (start, triggers, worsen factors)
- Optional: High-value treats dog eats when mildly stressed
- Optional: Vet clearance (rule out pain/medical)
Do
Step 1: Define Behavior
Precision matters — vague descriptions → vague interventions.
Behavior Analysis (ABC Model):
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Component | Define Specifically |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Antecedent | What happens BEFORE the behavior? |
| (Trigger) | e.g., "sees another dog within 30 feet" |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Behavior | What EXACTLY does the dog do? |
| | e.g., "stiffens, stares, then lunges and |
| | barks" |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
| Consequence | What happens AFTER the behavior? |
| | e.g., "owner pulls the dog away; the |
| | other dog leaves" (behavior is reinforced |
| | because the trigger goes away) |
+-------------+------------------------------------------+
Threshold Mapping:
- At what distance/intensity does the dog first notice the trigger? (alert)
- At what distance/intensity does the dog become unable to take treats? (over threshold)
- The working zone is BELOW threshold — where the dog notices but can still think
→ Precise behavior def + trigger + threshold distance + current consequence.
If err: No consistent trigger → log 1 wk: date, time, ctx, behavior, consequence. Patterns emerge.
Step 2: Pick Strategy
Strategy Selection:
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Behavior | Primary Strategy | Timeline |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Reactivity (dogs/people) | Desensitization + counter- | 4-12 weeks |
| | conditioning (DS/CC) | |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Separation anxiety | Graduated absence protocol + | 6-16 weeks |
| | management | |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Resource guarding | Trade-up protocol + | 4-8 weeks |
| | approach desensitization | |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Excessive barking | Identify function → teach | 2-6 weeks |
| | alternative behavior | |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
| Leash pulling | Penalty yards (stop when | 2-4 weeks |
| | pulling) + reward position | |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------+
