Problem, Goal, Solution Tool

An interdisciplinary communication tool

As seen in Chronicle of the Dog, March 2010

Modifying Behavior during Health Treatment Sessions

At Canine Fitness Zone a communication tool has been developed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration for behavioral concerns that prevent assessment and treatment within a session: the Problem, Goal, Solution tool (PGS Tool). This method ensures the Health Professional (HP) and the Pet Dog Trainer (PDT) are working on the same problem and implementing the same solution. It also allows the PDT’s plan to be objective and measurable which helps the HP and family follow the recommendations which ultimately improves the dogs’ outcomes.

The first step of the tool, the Problem, is developed by the HP. The problem is stated in terms of the behavioral concerns impeding the therapeutic goal.

Problem: Sophie needs to have her back left leg stretched, but she won’t relax

The second step of the tool, the Goal, is developed with collaboration of the PDT and the HP. The PDT acts as the liaison between the therapist and the dog, advocating for the dog by balancing the need for a physical treatment with the behavioral capabilities of the animal.

Goal: Sophie will remain relaxed for 3 minutes to receive her stretches

The last step of the tool, the Solution, is developed by the PDT. It includes specific training exercises and behavioral modifications that can be used during a treatment session as well as practiced by the owners at home.

Solution:

1. Begin each session with HP signaling a calm state – sighs, yawns, deep breathes, etc…

2. Follow relaxation with Contact Comfort Exercises

3. Use only quiet verbal communication with dog

4. Complete short intervals of stretches (5 seconds). Repeat step 1 between each short interval. Gradually increase the duration of the stretch.