Tracking Progress with Behavior Modification

A vital part of any management/behavior modification program is monitoring the progress of the chosen intervention for the individual dog or puppy. The ASPCA strongly recommends keeping a behavior log for each animal which you record notes about each behavior modification session.

You can download this sample behavior log (.pdf) or create your own.

Using a Behavior Log

Here are key tips for using a behavior log effectively to monitor each dog's progress:

• Record notes for every session, including date and time of the session and the other details requested. This information provides a fuller picture of what occurred during the sessions.
• Remain objective when recording observed behaviors. This makes it easier to evaluate whether the program is working.
• Review the previous day's logs before beginning each session.

A detailed behavior log makes it is easy to troubleshoot when a program is not moving forward as planned. You can read all of the dog's logs to find which reinforcements (food, toys, etc.) are successful with the dog, the time of day that is more productive, etc.

Supporting Adopters with B-Mod Tip Sheets

Each SAFER behavior modification protocol has a handout of tips that adopters can use to help their dog continue appropriate behaviors at home. Provide adopters with the tip sheets for the b-mod protocols the dog has completed, and review the instructions on each sheet with the adopter. The tips sheet is one key piece of your adoption follow-up program to help ensure the bond between adopters and their new canine family members stays strong.