![]() ![]() Seeing a flying insect may spark the behavior, but it persists when insects are not present. ORALįly snapping: Dog snaps randomly in air, apparently at invisible objects. Often seen in zoo animals and dogs in kennels, or along line fences. Pacing: Repetitive movement back and forth in a straight line – can be walking or running. Shadow or light chasing: Chases light reflections with extreme intensity fixates on possible light sources. Tail chasing: The dog turns in place in rapid circles, but appears to be focused on his tail. Spinning: Dog turns in place in rapid circles. The following are some of the more common canine obsessive compulsive disorders. Andrew Luescher was quoted in a January 7, 2010, ScienceDaily article saying, “You could probably make every dog have compulsive disorder if you provide enough threats or conflict.” A Menu of Obsessive Compulsive Canine Behaviors It has been suggested that seizure activity may play a role in triggering canine compulsive behaviors, but there is no scientific evidence to support that theory, and most behaviorists agree the primary culprit is stress. Indeed, there is a genetic component to the propensity to develop OCDs, and certain breeds do have a predisposition for certain compulsive behaviors. Highly motivated and high-strung dogs who are intolerant of conflict and frustration seem to be particularly at risk for developing compulsive habits.” It would stand to reason that dog breeds whose propensity for intense motivation has been enhanced by selective breeding – such as the herding and sporting breeds – would be more prone to compulsive behaviors. Still, all of the different classes appear to be related to conflict resulting from stress or arousal, and all seem to respond to similar treatment.Īccording to Steve Lindsay in his Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume Three: Procedures and Protocols, “Dogs most prone to develop compulsive behavior problems are frequently high-strung and impulsive. Results of studies suggest that locomotive disorders such as spinning, and oral disorders such as licking, are controlled by different parts of the brain. ![]() There is evidence that suggests while they are all neurologically based, they are not all caused by the same physiological phenomenon there may be several different classes of OCDs. Much of the underpinnings of OCDs are still a mystery to the veterinary medical and behavior world. In fact, they can make life pretty miserable, and are evidence that the dog is living in an environment that is stressful for him. For example, a dog kept isolated has no normal outlet for its instinct to interact within a group, whether animal or human.Ĭommon OCDs include behaviors such as spinning, tail chasing, fly snapping, shadow chasing, air licking, flank sucking, pica, persistent barking, and “hallucinating.” Despite the intriguing names for these behaviors, they are not fun for a dog or for his humans. – A lack of target object for normal behavior. – An unpredictable or uncontrollable environment. – Social conflicts that arise from competition for status, changes in social group, or separation. – Physical restraints such as close confinement and chaining. Luescher and Hewson suggest that examples of environmental stressors that can trigger compulsive behaviors include: Luescher, a veterinary behaviorist and director of Purdue University’s Animal Behavior Clinic, estimates that about 1 dog out of 50 suffers from canine compulsive disorder. Compulsive behaviors seem abnormal because they are displayed out of context and are often repetitive, exaggerated, or sustained.” Dr. Andrew Luescher and Caroline Hewson as, “Behaviors that are usually brought on by conflict, but that are subsequently shown outside of the original context. What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Dogs?Īlso called canine compulsive disorder (CCD) and compulsive behavior disorder (CBD), OCDs have been defined by behavior researchers Drs. An OCD can be a difficult and debilitating behavior for you and your dog to live with it’s not a cause for cheerful discussion. That kind of intense interest in a ball or toy can be useful for training and management purposes, and it’s definitely not what we’re talking about when we use the term “obsessive compulsive disorder” or OCD. What they really mean is that their dogs are very reinforced by the opportunity to chase a ball. Owners of herding and sporting breeds – Border Collies, Aussies, Kelpies, Labradors, Goldens, and others – often cheerfully talk about their dogs’ “obsession” with tennis balls. If your dog has an established obsessive compulsive disorder, seek the help of a qualified behavior professional, and realize that effective treatment will probably include the use of behavior modification drugs. Avoid engaging in behaviors with your dog that are likely to elicit compulsive disorder such as chasing a flashlight or laser beam, or reinforcing tail-chasing.Ĥ. ![]()
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