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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