Using the Doggy Issues and Guidance (DIG) Assessment Tool for Informing Individualized, Reinforcement-Based Treatment of Canine Behavioral Issues

Abstract

Behavioral issues put dogs at risk of being surrendered to animal shelters and potentially being euthanized. We designed an open-ended interview that has been termed the Doggy Issues and Guidance (DIG) assessment tool to inform the individualized treatment of behavioral issues. Five owners were interviewed using the DIG assessment to identify relevant variables influencing their dog’s behavioral issues. Two dogs then participated in a subsequent functional analysis, empirically validating information obtained from the interviews. Finally, we used cooperation skills training to increase appropriate behavior (i.e., sitting and lying) and replace the behavioral issues (i.e., aggression, barking, jumping) in two canines relying solely on reinforcement. Social validity questionnaires were conducted to evaluate (a) the acceptability, understanding, collaboration, and feasibility of the DIG assessment and (b) acceptability and satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. Owners who completed the social validity questionnaires provided positive ratings for the entire assessment and treatment process.