In
a study published in Plos One named “Environmental Effects on Compulsive Tail
Chasing in Dogs” ( Tiira, et al., 2012) it is noted that Tail
Chasing is a stereotypical behavior that seems to have a higher rate of
occurrences in dogs that had experienced “lower quality care” and were
separated earlier from their mothers compared to dogs with no tail chasing. The
study revealed Dogs receiving vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin B6 and
C) chased their tails less compared to the dogs not receiving these supplements.
Another finding in this study is boredom is not
a significant cause of tail chasing, although the presence of children and/or
other dogs in the house served to reduce tail chasing. In an earlier study
conducted by Dr Nicholas Dodman and his team, discovered a spot on canine
chromosome 7 that contains the gene CDH2 (Cadherin 2). This gene was found to
be varied in dogs with compulsive disorders. ( Dodman, et al., 2010) . In an article in
the NY Times Dr. Karen L. Overall, environmental causes
might outweigh genetic factors in development of compulsive behaviors. She further
states dogs confined in kennels, shelters, and dogs from puppy mills “seem
prone” to developing compulsive disorders. (Derr, 2010) In the same article,
Dr Edward Ginns (who worked on the study with Dr Dodman) states “Although
antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and
clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, and behavior modification have proved
effective at controlling compulsive behavior in dogs and people, they do not
appear to correct underlying pathologies or causes” He believes (in many cases)
there is an underlying genetic predisposition to compulsive disorders. It
appears that the most effective method of treating compulsive disorders is a
combination of drug and behavior modification therapies. The behavior modification
should include teaching the dog to relax in different situations
(environmental, social, etc.) and/or redirecting the dog to an activity as a
substitute for the compulsive behavior. Philip K Greis
Monday, December 23, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Canine Puberty
When the male puppy starts puberty (approx.
4-9months), his testosterone level will increase to 2-3 times what it will be when
he becomes physically mature. Jean Petersen of Canine Consultants (Petersen, 1995) claims this high
level of testosterone stimulates the physical development of his body's
secondary sexual characteristics; broader head, thicker neck, broader
shoulders, and heavier lip folds that make him look definitely masculine. It
also increases aggressive behavior. He will start challenging the authority of
the other members of the family he lives with trying to improves his status in
the hierarchy (order of authority). If he is strongly dominant genetically,
this challenging process can results in serious aggressive behavior towards
people and mostly other intact males. If not properly supervised, the dog may
wonder away from home as if in search of a mate. Although bitches (female dogs)
go into estrous twice a year, a dog can mate all year long. Other secondary
sexual characteristic behavior is leg-lifting during urination and “humping”
(initiating the sex act) on other organisms and inanimate objects, and
attention deficits and a lack of focus. According to Ian Dunbar (Dunbar, 1996) , the intersex
aggression (between males) can be attributed to the scent of testosterone of
each dog. Over 90% of dog fights occur between intact males. Being destructive
and disobedient are other behaviors present at this stage (puberty-adolescent).
In an article for clickersolutions.com (Alexander, 2008) , Melissa Alexander
states “A puppy’s brain is going through incredible changes. The cerebral
cortex becomes a leaner, meaner thinking machine. During the period where it
does all this new myelination, however, it's not a very efficient thinking machine;
especially during the early adolescence period”. The testosterone peak is from 6 - 12 months
of age. It will then level off at about 3 years of age. The aggressive behavior
begins to subside. The dogs focus returns, but they will leg-lift to urinate
and hump female dogs.
According to Dr Dunbar, castration in most mammals
will eliminate secondary sexual characteristics, but not in dogs. The masculine
characteristics of dog behavior have nothing to do with adult hormone levels.
“Whether or not a male dog will lift his leg when urinating, sniff and mount
female dogs and be more aggressive than female has all been preprogrammed by
fetal testosterone in utero (pre-birth in the womb).
Philip K Greis
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