Compulsive Behaviour in Dogs

Now days almost every family take dogs as their pets. We all know that dogs are very loving and obedient animals. But do you know that dog has some compulsive behaviour like human beings? Canine compulsive behaviour (CCB) is very similar to Obsessive-compulsive behaviour (OCB) in humans.

                        

A dog who displays compulsive behaviour over and over, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life. Even human contribute to and exacerbate canine compulsive disorder by confining their dogs’ long hours in crates or small kennel runs, failing to provide outlets for their dog’s energy or treating their dogs harshly.

Some Compulsive Behaviour: -

•   Spinning: - Some dog spin in place and aren’t easily distracted when doing so. 

•   Tail chasing: - A dog runs in a tight circle as if chasing his tail. Tail chasing may include physical damage to the tail or just the motion of chasing it.

•   Barking: - Some dogs bark almost non-stop when there is no apparent trigger.

•   Self-injury: - self-injurious chewing, licking or scratching some part of his body over & over. Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers have excessive licking problems. 

(Note: - Dogs who excessively or compulsively lick or chew themselves must be taken to a veterinarian to rule out physical causes, such as pain & itching).

Now it’s important to know why do dogs develop compulsive behaviour?

Compulsive behaviour can develop for several reasons & sometimes for no reasons. 

Reason to Develop Compulsive Behaviour: -

•   Dogs who frequently tied up or confined & forced to live in small areas.

•   Dogs who experience social conflicts, such as long separation from a companion or frequent aggression from other dogs in the family.

•   Dogs who are physically abused or punished randomly and unpredictably. 

What to Do: -

Try the following suggestion: -

•   Give your dog at least 30 mins of aerobic (for example- running, swimming) everyday and at any time he when he might encounter a stressful situation.  

•   Take your dog on daily walks and outings.

•   If your dog likes other dogs, let him play off-leash with his canine buddies.

•   Frequently provide food puzzle toys, like the KONG, the Buster Cube, etc.

What not to Do: -

•   Do not punish or scold your dog for compulsive behaviour. Compulsive behaviours are not the result of disobedience or spite. They are distress responses.

•   Do not give your dog attention, like petting & praise, when he performs compulsive behaviours because doing so might cause an increase in those behaviours.