Alternative Behavior in Dogs: Meaning and Structure

What does "alternative behavior" mean in dogs?

Alternative behavior refers to a desired behavior that a dog should exhibit instead of an undesired behavior. In modern dog training, it is a key tool for modifying behavior without punishing the dog or dampening its motivation.

Instead of trying to stop the dog from jumping up on visitors, we teach the dog to sit. Instead of punishing barking at the fence, we establish the recall to the owner. In learning theory, this approach falls under differential reinforcement—specifically DRA (differential reinforcement of alternative behavior) and DRI (differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors). Both are considered methods of choice when reducing unwanted behavior without using aversive stimuli.

Background + Scientific Context

The theory is based on operant conditioning as described by B. F. Skinner (1938, 1953). Behavior that leads to a pleasant consequence occurs more frequently; behavior that is not reinforced occurs less frequently. If an undesirable behavior consistently remains unreinforced, while an alternative behavior is reliably reinforced, the behavioral balance shifts.

This approach is well-supported by empirical evidence. Petscher, Rey, & Bailey (2009) provide a systematic review of differential reinforcement. Herron, Shofer, & Reisner (2009) show that positive reinforcement causes aggression as a side effect less frequently than punitive methods. Casey et al. (2014) and Ziv (2017) summarize: positive reinforcement is superior to punishment-based methods in terms of effectiveness and compliance with animal welfare standards.

Important to note: Alternative behavior doesn’t happen by magic. It requires clear cue signals, appropriate reinforcers, and a gradual increase in stimulus intensity (see desensitization).

Vitomalia-Position

We recommend offering alternative behaviors as the first step in addressing nearly any undesirable behavior. Instead of simply saying “no,” we ask: What should the dog do instead? This question helps steer training plans in a constructive direction.

We firmly reject the argument that alternative approaches amount to “bribery” or fail to replace proper training. Research and practical experience show the opposite—dogs learn faster, more reliably, and in a more relaxed emotional state when they are shown what works. Based on the available evidence, we consistently reject punishment-based methods such as startle stimuli, leash jerks, or prong collars.

When does alternative behavior become relevant?

Specific everyday situations where alternative behavior is key:

• Jumping – Sitting as an Alternative
• Leash-pulling (see Leash-pulling) – Eye contact as an alternative
• Barking at the window – go to a quiet spot instead of running toward the distraction
• Begging at the table – Lying on the ground
• Conflicts over resources – see Resource defense – The exchange gesture as an alternative

Alternative behavior therapy is not appropriate as the sole treatment for conditions involving pain or for clinical anxiety disorders, which should also be managed with veterinary behavioral medicine.

Practical application

1. Define the desired behavior: What exactly should the dog do instead? It should be observable, measurable, and meaningful.
2. Start in a low-stimulus environment: first the living room, then the garden, then the area where you go for walks.
3. Establish a marker signal: a clicker or a marker word, clearly conditioned (see clicker training).
4. Choose the right reinforcers: treats, toys, social attention—what works for this dog?
5. Introduce stimuli gradually: Choose the distance and intensity so that the dog can reliably exhibit the alternative behavior (do not exceed the threshold).
6. Generalization: Different locations, times of day, people—behavior must be applicable across different contexts.

Common Mistakes & Myths

• “Alternative behavior is bribery.” Reinforcement is not bribery, but conditioning. Bribery would involve rewarding the behavior beforehand—reinforcement comes afterward.
• “When that behavior occurs, I have to punish it.” Wrong. It’s more effective to make the alternative behavior so automatic that the undesirable behavior isn’t even performed in the first place.
• “My dog knows what he’s not allowed to do.” This is problematic from a behavioral science perspective. Dogs often don’t understand what they’re not supposed to do—they understand what works.
• “Reward becomes coercion.” When set up correctly, the reinforcement is gradually phased out (intermittent reinforcement), which actually makes the behavior more stable.
• “Commands like ‘Stop’ are sufficient.” A stop signal without a clearly trained alternative behavior often causes uncertainty rather than clarity in the dog (see interruption signal).

State of the art in 2026

The evidence for differential reinforcement is robust and draws on over 80 years of learning theory. Recent reviews (Vieira de Castro et al. 2020) show that dogs in positive-reinforcement-based training exhibit fewer stress indicators and learn complex behaviors more quickly than in aversive-trained comparison groups. Questions remain regarding the optimal reinforcement density for highly aroused dogs and the integration of this approach into pharmacologically supported behavioral therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to develop an alternative behavior?

Simple alternative behaviors in a low-stimulus environment are often established within 1–2 weeks. Generalization to real-life situations involving triggers takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the dog.

Does alternative behavior work for every type of dog?

Generally speaking, yes. However, the choice of amplifier and the increment must be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. With highly anxious dogs, patience is key.

What should you do if the dog ignores the alternative behavior?

Most of the time, the signal strength is too high or the amplifier isn't powerful enough. Either increase the distance or use a higher-quality amplifier.

Do I need a trainer to teach alternative behaviors?

With simple, everyday behaviors, you can teach your dog many things on your own. For dogs that are reactive, fearful, or aggressive, we recommend working with a qualified professional.

Related terms

• Positive reinforcement
• Clicker training
• cancel signal
• Lining up
• Desensitization
• Markersignal
• Resource conservation

Sources & Further Reading

1. Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan, New York.
2. Petscher, E. S., Rey, C., & Bailey, J. S. (2009). A review of empirical support for differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(3), 409-425.
3. Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1-2), 47-54.
4. Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs – A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60.
5. Vieira de Castro, A. C., Fuchs, D., Morello, G. M., et al. (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0225023.