Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior by domesticated canines
Trial-based FA gives the same function as standard FA for dogs—use it when long sessions are impossible.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Salzer et al. (2025) ran two kinds of functional analysis on dogs that barked, bit, or jumped.
They compared the usual 15-minute FA sessions with short trial-based probes woven into daily care.
Each dog got both formats; then the team wrote a function-based plan and tracked the bad behavior.
What they found
Every dog showed the same function in both formats—attention, escape, or access to treats.
After treatment matched to the function, problem behavior dropped for all dogs.
Trial-based FA gave the same answer as the long version, but took less time and space.
How this fits with other research
Griffith et al. (2021) already showed 5-minute human FA sessions match 10-minute ones. Salzer extends the shortcut idea to dogs.
Nevin et al. (2005) warned that some kids only show the function when antecedents are stacked; Salzer’s quick trials seem to catch the function without extra stacking.
Jolliffe et al. (1999) found human FA results can drift over weeks. Salzer did not retest dogs later, so we still need to watch for drift in pets.
Why it matters
If a client’s dog is too big, too loud, or too stressed for long sessions, you can run trial-based FA during walks or feeding. You still get a clear function, then build a treatment that works. Try it next time a shelter or family needs help fast.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
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.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2025 · doi:10.1002/jaba.2921