Canine Compulsive Disorders are behaviors that seem out of context, odd , and directed at objects – the dog himself, a food dish, a car, or a toy. It often manifests itself in dogs who are stressed, bored, or maybe a little neurotic. It seems dogs have far more damaging and dangerous compulsive disorders compared to the cat. Most of them result in destruction of items or yards, and may include some uncontrollable aggression, continuous biting at their own feet, constant barking or attacking inanimate objects.

When the CCD is caused by stress, it is important to seek out help from a dog behaviorist and a veterinarian. Remember that a stressed dog is potentially a dangerous dog. While there are some disorders that can be put down to genetic make-up, they are generally odd behaviors rather than dangerous ones. For instance our Pug was a quiet, little dog until someone was leaving. He would then run to the door, and run in circles barking to keep the person from leaving.

I found out that several acquaintances that had pugs, experienced the same behavior. German Shepherds tend to chase their own tails and English Bull Terriers will stick their head underneath objects and then freeze in place. But these we can put down to funny breed habits. The other behaviors are nothing to smile about.

One of the most wide spread problems among dogs is aggression. Nothing is quite as frightening as seeing your own very angry animal lunging at you or a visitor in your home. There are many types of dog aggression, i.e. general aggression to other dogs or to you, fear and territorial aggression, and possession aggression. A lot of times, a dog who has been in a shelter for a very long time, or in a puppy mill, may begin to see that cage as their territory, defending it when necessary. This may carry through to his new home and his crate.

When a dog is caged, he is trapped and cornered so there is no way out except to fight. Many times this is just a temporary thing and once the dog is given a little more freedom, the “cage rage” will diminish. Dominance Aggression happens when the members of the pack struggle for the top position in the heirachy. You must insure that you are the top dog or there may be numerous problems arising if your dog becomes the leader. Make sure that you go through the doors first, up the stairs, and be first in the car. Do not let him up on the bed or place yourself in a position under him because height is the leadership position.

Food and toy aggression should be ended during puppyhood. Take his things, but give them back. Sharing is a foreign concept to a dog, especially if they are an only dog. If he gives you his toy willingly, or does not react when you take his food dish, lavish him with praise and give him a reward. And always remember that aggression breeds aggression so do not use punishment as a means to stop aggression. It just won’t work.

Fear Aggression comes when a dog feels cornered and must fight his way out of a situation. If your dog greets another dog or a visitor with ears laid flat against the head, head held low and tail tucked between his legs while growling, you can assume there is fear aggression. Remove your dog from the situation immediately because he could be a fear biter and that could be a law suit waiting to happen.

When our lab cross was young, she was terrified of thunder. We called John Gagnon, a trainer and behaviorist in Colchester, and asked him for help. We learned that thousands of dogs around the world have the same problem. Severe noise anxiety is the official name for this CCB. We started by making sure there were plenty of pieces of chicken before a storm.

Before Kenya began to cower we would hand out treats and continue to hand them out as long as she did not run to hide. We also got a tape of a thunderstorm and played the recordings, starting on a low volume and allowed them to get louder gradually. As the noise continued, we gave treats and sat with her and her fear became less and less. But the word is gradual – it took awhile, but eventually Kenya did not shake and hide during a storm but stayed on her place on the couch during the thunder and lightening.

Separation Anxiety is one of the most common complaints of dog owners. Dogs are pack owners and do not like to be left alone. While some will be patient and sit and wait for you to come home, others will destroy your house, bark, whine, and even poop on the floor. Dogs who have been abandoned and/or passed around from household to household are more likely to have Separation Anxiety than the puppy you adopted and socialized while growing up. You need to desensitize the dog to your comings and goings. Leave the house for a few seconds and then come back with a big hello and good dog and possibly a treat. Build up the time gradually. Invest in some good dog toys and consider doggy day care once or twice a week, depending on your budget.

There are so many types of compulsive canine behaviors, and many of them potentially harmful to your family and others. Before you take on a dog, please be sure you are ready for the responsibilities that come with it.

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