We recently received a question from
a trainer. The trainer observed that a dog she was working with would
occasionally spin during food-based training. She defined the spinning as a
“neurotic behavior” and asked how she could stop it.
Before trying to address a “neurotic
behavior” one must first determine whether or not the behavior rises to that
definition. Some of the common repetitive behaviors which can be correctly identified as “neurotic”
or “obsessive-compulsive” may in other contexts be a) perfectly normal, or b)
related to physical/medical conditions. Let’s look at four examples – spinning,
licking, snapping and pacing:
· Occasional spinning can be a normal behavior associated with
arousal. Some dogs spin for a few seconds before meals, or when they see a
leash and are excited about going on a walk. But spinning in response to stress
(such as the behavior sometimes seen in dogs at animal shelters), or habitual,
incessant spinning or tail chasing, can be problematic.
· Occasional licking and chewing on paws might simply be a
self-soothing behavior when done occasionally, whereas habitual licking and
chewing (especially to the point of creating hot spots) might be classified as
an obsessive-compulsive behavior. Of course, it can also be caused allergies or
fleas.
· Some dogs focus on and snap at real flies (even ones we
can’t easily see). A dog is equipped with an amazing ability to detect
movement. This is perfectly normal. People sometimes confuse "tooth clacking" with snapping. Tooth clacking can be a threat display, a demand for attention, or a stress signal. However, snapping at imaginary flies might be an obsessive-compulsive behavior, or it
might be caused by an eye problem or a neurological issue. It all depends upon the timing, context and frequency of the behavior.
· Pacing – for example, a dog who picks a spot in the yard and
walks back and forth repeatedly without any apparent reason – might be an
obsessive-compulsive behavior, or it could simply be that the dog smells a
critter or has recently chased a critter through that area, which of course
would be perfectly normal if done occasionally and for short periods of
time.
These are just four examples; there
are many others. Gathering detailed information through careful observation can
help us determine what’s going on. Before we label a behavior as “neurotic” or
“obsessive-compulsive” we should consider timing, context, frequency, intensity and several
other factors which are listed below. When the “red flags” below are present, our
concern rises, as does the likelihood that we may need to ask a veterinarian to
assist with diagnosis and treatment options, including a complete medical exam
and possible pharmacological intervention:
- Intensifies over time.
- Has no discernible physical or environmental cause.
- Goes on and on for long periods of time.
- The behavior is causing physical injury to the dog. Some examples would be pica, or licking/chewing to the point of creating hot spots.
- Cannot be interrupted even with physical restraint.
- Increases in frequency or duration.
- Interferes with normal functioning.
- Increases with age. For example, when seen in a young dog, tail chasing might be playfulness, which tends to decrease with age - whereas obsessive-compulsive behaviors tend to increase with age.
Now back to the trainer's question. When we watched a video of the "spinning during training" it was clear
that the spinning was triggered by the excitement of the training session.
Despite the occasional spin, the dog was fully engaged
in its environment and was focused on the trainer and the food rewards. He was
happily and intently working with the trainer. He was excited about earning food rewards (normal
anticipation/frustration) and was fully engaged in the training activity. In this dog, the spinning behavior was perfectly normal.
