Canine behavioral issues such as aggression, excessive barking, and jumping are among the leading causes of dog relinquishment to shelters. These problems not only compromise the wellbeing of dogs but also the emotional bond with their owners. A new study by Villegas et al. (2024) introduces an innovative tool to help address these challenges: the Doggy Issues and Guidance (DIG) assessment.
The DIG tool is a structured, open-ended interview designed to capture the nuanced variables contributing to each dog’s unique behavioral issues. Five dog owners participated in the initial assessment phase, allowing researchers to map out individualized behavioral profiles. For two of the dogs, researchers conducted functional analyses to empirically validate the information gathered through DIG.
Following assessment, a reinforcement-only training plan was implemented to replace problem behaviors with desirable ones like sitting and lying down calmly. These intervention strategies emphasized cooperation and positive behavior without punishment or aversive control.
Importantly, owners who completed follow-up social validity questionnaires rated the entire process positively in terms of acceptability, clarity, collaboration, and feasibility. Treatment outcomes were also met with high satisfaction, demonstrating the practical value of DIG for real-world application in behavior modification.
This study emphasizes the power of individualized, science-based approaches for resolving complex canine behavior issues. The DIG tool may provide veterinarians and behavior consultants with a structured path to humane, evidence-based treatment, reducing the risk of shelter surrender and improving canine-human relationships.
Source: Laura Villegas, J. Jessel, F. Lemos. “Using the Doggy Issues and Guidance (DIG) Assessment Tool for Informing Individualized, Reinforcement-Based Treatment of Canine Behavioral Issues.” Published in Análisis y Modificación de Conducta, 2024-07-04.
