What term refers to techniques used to change animal behavior?

The term that refers to techniques used to change animal behavior is behavior modification. This encompasses a variety of methods and strategies aimed at altering specific behaviors in animals, often in a way that promotes positive actions and reduces unwanted behaviors. Behavior modification is rooted in understanding the animal's emotional state, environment, and the stimuli that influence their behavior.

Different approaches within behavior modification might include positive reinforcement, systematic desensitization, and counterconditioning, all aimed at effectively adjusting behaviors over time. These techniques can be particularly useful in a veterinary setting to help manage animals that experience fear or anxiety, thereby facilitating a more comfortable and safe environment for both the animal and the staff.

While the other terms might seem related, they often address different aspects of working with animals. Animal training typically focuses on teaching specific commands or skills, often with an emphasis on obedience or performance rather than behavioral change at an emotional level. Behavioral analysis involves studying and assessing behaviors but does not necessarily imply an active intervention or modification of those behaviors. Conduct management is less commonly used in the context of animal behavior and can refer to broader applications of managing behavior in various settings, not solely within veterinary practices.