Obsessive Compusive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs

Dogs can and do obsess – some lick carpet, their feet, grout, the sofa fabric, air.  Some focus intently on cars, golf carts, or other moving objects such as tennis balls.

Where does this behavior originate?  Is it genetic?  Is it psychological?  Do they need medication?  When a human has a compulsion, they are observed, counseled, and some require medication.

When dogs exhibit the behaviors mentioned above, we tend to look at it like it’s not that big of a deal.  We may not try to work with the dog until what they are doing begins to annoy us or they are injuring themselves.  They may lick their feet or skin until they bleed.  The are so focused that nothing seems to break their trance.

Some breeds need to work.  They are genetically wired to fulfill a purpose.  If we don’t provide a healthy focus or something that engages their greater purpose, they may focus and eventually obsess on something else less appropriate.   Once they have gone into the trance-like state, it is difficult to get their attention.

Distracting them just prior to the second they go into their obsessive behavior is key.  See if it is a matter of boredom or their need to “work.”  Obedience training and behavior modification go hand in hand.  Some behaviors will shift automatically once the dog is given a job.  That may be putting a backpack on them and going for a focused walk.  It may be teaching them to do things you may not normally think of – learning to turn on lights, pick up things off the floor for you, or agility classes, etc.

When dogs have a lot of energy and a lot of intelligence, being left alone without a greater purpose, can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors as their focus is misplaced. If this goes on long enough, it will take a lot of time, consistency, and understanding on your part as you work with them to alter this behavior into something more positive.  It’s time well spent and you and your dog will both be happier!

If you have any questions or concerns about a behavior in your dog, please send a note in the box to the right.