Canine Behaviour Foundation Course
Module 3 - Section - 3 - Hyperactive Dogs
Module 3 - Section - 3 - Hyperactive Dogs
- General
- Factors that could contribute to the behaviour
- Modifications
- Prevention
. General
So often dogs in training and in the home environment are labelled either Hyperactive or OTT/ADHD, and it is rather a combination of the factors listed further below which are impacting on the behaviour, rather than the dog being truly hyperactive. We prefer to call them OTT (over the top) or Busy dogs rather than hyperactive.
In actual fact, a true or clinically hyperactive dog (or dog suffering from hyperkinesia) is comparatively rare! Dogs that really do suffer from hyperkinesia, display frenetic activity in all situations - seem to have absolutely no attention span - are easily and quickly distracted -overreact to daily sounds as if they have never heard them before - and tend to stay agitated/aroused by same, rather than realizing that something they hear daily and get over it.
They often seem to have no impulse control and often exhibit very high degrees of attention seeking behaviour towards owners and family members and it is rare to find them lying down quietly and calmly. The behaviour of a true hyperactive dog is really extreme in all areas and dogs that are hyperactive can become reactive if contained and they don’t get their own way and are really not at all emotionally stable – with behaviour being likely to change very quickly.
From a clinical point of view, these dogs normally have increased respiratory and heart rates and after the vet, or vet behaviourist has ruled out owner/dog relationship impacting on the behaviour, they will look to other possible physical contributing factors such as Hyperthyroidism (* see note) allergies (food sensitivity or true allergies can contribute towards a dog being restless and OTT) and cognitive decline.
Note – in the book by Pat Miller mentioned below, with regard to thyroid dysfunctions, she also says that “Some physiological conditions are believed to play a role in canine ADHD as well. In a study published in 1999 by Drs. Jean Dodd’s and Linda Aronson, in collaboration with Drs. Nicholas Dodman and Jean DeNapoli of Tufts University, 634 dogs were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction as it related to various behavior problems. Forty-two of those dogs were determined to be hyperactive; thirty-one percent of the hyperactive dogs (13) were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction.
Of 95 dogs in the study whose behavioral responses to thyroid therapy were evaluated, 81 dogs (85.3 percent) showed at least a 25 percent improvement in their behavior. Thirty-four of the dogs (35.6 percent) showed better than 75 percent improvement. Of 20 dogs treated with conventional methods and modification techniques over the same time period, only 11 (55 percent) improved by at least 25 percent.”
2. Factors that could be contributing to the OTT/ Busy behaviour.
Have a read through the links below –
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/14/clinical-hyperactivity-in-pet-canines.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1686557/pdf/canvetj00367-0050.pdf
So often dogs in training and in the home environment are labelled either Hyperactive or OTT/ADHD, and it is rather a combination of the factors listed further below which are impacting on the behaviour, rather than the dog being truly hyperactive. We prefer to call them OTT (over the top) or Busy dogs rather than hyperactive.
In actual fact, a true or clinically hyperactive dog (or dog suffering from hyperkinesia) is comparatively rare! Dogs that really do suffer from hyperkinesia, display frenetic activity in all situations - seem to have absolutely no attention span - are easily and quickly distracted -overreact to daily sounds as if they have never heard them before - and tend to stay agitated/aroused by same, rather than realizing that something they hear daily and get over it.
They often seem to have no impulse control and often exhibit very high degrees of attention seeking behaviour towards owners and family members and it is rare to find them lying down quietly and calmly. The behaviour of a true hyperactive dog is really extreme in all areas and dogs that are hyperactive can become reactive if contained and they don’t get their own way and are really not at all emotionally stable – with behaviour being likely to change very quickly.
From a clinical point of view, these dogs normally have increased respiratory and heart rates and after the vet, or vet behaviourist has ruled out owner/dog relationship impacting on the behaviour, they will look to other possible physical contributing factors such as Hyperthyroidism (* see note) allergies (food sensitivity or true allergies can contribute towards a dog being restless and OTT) and cognitive decline.
Note – in the book by Pat Miller mentioned below, with regard to thyroid dysfunctions, she also says that “Some physiological conditions are believed to play a role in canine ADHD as well. In a study published in 1999 by Drs. Jean Dodd’s and Linda Aronson, in collaboration with Drs. Nicholas Dodman and Jean DeNapoli of Tufts University, 634 dogs were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction as it related to various behavior problems. Forty-two of those dogs were determined to be hyperactive; thirty-one percent of the hyperactive dogs (13) were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction.
Of 95 dogs in the study whose behavioral responses to thyroid therapy were evaluated, 81 dogs (85.3 percent) showed at least a 25 percent improvement in their behavior. Thirty-four of the dogs (35.6 percent) showed better than 75 percent improvement. Of 20 dogs treated with conventional methods and modification techniques over the same time period, only 11 (55 percent) improved by at least 25 percent.”
2. Factors that could be contributing to the OTT/ Busy behaviour.
- Breed – all breeds can exhibit OTT behaviour, but breeds such as the sporting and herding breeds are bred to be active, alert and with high energy levels. If the breeding was good, it is doubtful if any of the above traits would be excessive, but we need to take into account the puppy farmers, backyard breeders who would just not look at this aspect and less than committed, responsible breeders where the genetics were not fully studied and the improvement and maintenance of breed standards are not adhered too. The breeds that tend towards hyper behaviour more are the Herding and Sporting breeds.
- Breeding – In the case where a pup has been isolated from its littermate’s too young and experienced social isolation the chances of OTT behaviour being exhibited appear to be increased. In a book by Pat Miller, Know Your Dog, train your dog – ISBN 978-1-929242-50-4, she says “ On a 1961 study conducted by Waller and Fuller found that puppies raised in semi-isolation exhibited excessive social contact behaviour when given limited access to other puppies. One conclusion of this study is that dogs may possess a biological need for a certain minimum amount of daily social stimulation and activity, and if that need is not met, a dog compensates with excessive activity when placed in a social situation” We have definitely experienced this at Puppy School with ‘only’ pups, especially those of the Bullie breeds.
- Lack of social interaction.
- In the circumstances of a dog that owner says is hyperactive, look very carefully at the owner. Does the owner tend to be a bit hyper or very nervy themselves? If so, the dog could easily be picking up the nervous energy from the owner and responding accordingly. If you do feel this is the case then in addition to doing normal modifications we would definitely suggest that time is spent showing the owner how to act in a much calmer manner around the dog, especially when doing any training and in the home environment. This alone can have a dramatic impact on lessening the hyper behaviour in a dog. Often, just showing them a few basic TTouches will help to calm both owner and dog down and show them the difference that can be made by working with the dog is a lower and slower tone of voice.
- Lack of, or not enough exercise, especially where working breeds are concerned. It could well be that right dog – but wrong home. We know of a Border collie who lives with their owner in a hanky sized garden and is perfectly balanced emotionally. However, this dog goes for a 6km run each and every day. By the same token we have come across dogs that are OTT and they have huge gardens but not enough of the correct exercise is done.
- Boredom and frustration. In addition to receiving sufficient exercise is the dog being mentally stimulated by varied chew toys, sufficient social interaction?
- Phobia’s – very often if there are phobias at play the normal behaviour tends to escalate if the phobia is not being addressed. It could be a case that the stress levels are being heightened and dog not able to settle down.
- Stress – the OTT behaviour could be a result of the dog just not coping in any given situation and it has gone into the F= Fooling Around mode. Here the whole of the dog’s interactions with owner has to be looked at, as well as determining when the hyper behaviour is evident. If, for example, the dog is relatively normal in the home environment, and only appears hyper/OTT when at dog school or a similar situation, then we could determine that stress in that particular situation could be a factor towards the behaviour.
- Hyper behaviour being (inadvertently) reinforced by inappropriate responses from the owner.
Have a read through the links below –
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/14/clinical-hyperactivity-in-pet-canines.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1686557/pdf/canvetj00367-0050.pdf
3. Modifications.
Examine if sufficient social interaction of good quality. Is dog receiving enough mental stimulation? Here with breeds such as the BCollie and other very clever breeds we would bring in the use of Clicker and treat simple tricks and stimulate the dog mentally. Dog mind games and puzzles can also be used for a dog like this. In fact mind games have shown to reduce both the amount of OTT behaviour and also impact on reactive behaviour in some instances. Another area where they are excellent is with dogs that ignore their owners or seldom listen to them – just by the way!
I would incorporate daily ‘work’ for the dog to do using a clicker. Examples are the dog putting its own toys away – helping to carry washing to the laundry, going to the gate to get the newspaper etc, etc. It is surprising how often a previously OTT dog will change its behaviour so much regarding attention deficit when Clicker is brought in – this dog is receiving mental stimulation that it definitely needs.
Another point that we find very useful with OTT dogs is that in the case of a dog that may already get a daily run or go jogging with owner but is still OTT, is to change the dogs exercise regime and instead the dog is taken for a slow, scenting walk to an area where it has not been before. Very often owners are totally surprised that the OTT dog who appears very confident, in a situation such as above – or going for a 5km run, the same dog will actually exhibit fear behaviour – it is the first time the dog has been able to look around – it is normally tearing by at full speed! Dogs like this will often react to even a leaf moving on the ground when taken for a slow walk. If this does occur then the element of stress is even higher than previously thought. Here we would bring in daily walks starting in only one location until the dog is confident in that location and then change the location – this is a great exercise to build confidence.
What the owner does with the dog when it exhibits OTT behaviour needs to be examined as well. Unfortunately what often happens with OTT dogs is that because they are so badly behaved when inside the home, the owner cannot cope and the dog is left outside for longer and longer periods – which will just increase this dog’s stress, and the behaviour can easily worsen – this even happens with OTT pups.
Diet - what the dog is currently eating has to be examined. Many of the inexpensive dog foods have a high sugar content, by products, salt and artificial ingredients and preservatives. Kibble that is coloured is a definite no go. Foods such as these have the same effect on dogs as they can have in children, the result being anxiousness, hyper and jittery. Often just changing to a good quality food and a raw food such as Simply Pets will help the behaviour immediately.
Another factor could be that the food contains far too high an amount of protein and fat in the dry kibble foods. However, we have never found that a good quality raw product has in any way contributed to the behaviour - as above it often lessens it.
With a dog like this, if the dog was impossible inside the home, we would suggest bringing in the Lead Attachment exercises which will be discussed in another section, to habituate the dog to being in the home in a controlled manner and to teach it to settle down.
4. Prevention
Can this behaviour be prevented? Definitely the possibility can be reduced with genetics where a dog is purchased from a top quality breeder.
If it is true/clinical hyperkinesis, then the dog would need the assistance of meds to help it cope. However, with any puppy that appears to be hyperactive at puppy school, the whole interaction and behaviour needs to be looked at and modifications brought in immediately to lower the possibility of the pup growing into an OTT dog. We would bring in the modifications we have mentioned immediately and a pup like this would need to be carefully watched and the owner given the knowledge and tools to handle a pup such as this.
If the owner is committed they can end up with a well behaved, but very active dog, but in the wrong hands with an owner that was not prepared to do the work, this would be a disaster waiting for a place to happen!
- If it has been ruled out that the dog is hyperkinetic (very rare but a possibility) then continue with standard behaviour modification. If any doubt, have dog checked by vet.
- Find out exactly from the owner when the OTT behaviour happens and in what circumstances and look for stress and contributing factors here. Also ask a simple questions such as ‘is the dog much quieter when been out for a long walk and having had a good game of ball?” This will give you good insight as to whether the dog is really OTT or lack of exercise.
- Dog’s Needs – examine if sufficient exercise and also look at what type of exercise in this case. If games are being played at home where the dog is being made even more OTT, then scrap these and bring in more controlled activities.
- Make sure that activities engaged in are breed specific if this seems to be a concern.
Examine if sufficient social interaction of good quality. Is dog receiving enough mental stimulation? Here with breeds such as the BCollie and other very clever breeds we would bring in the use of Clicker and treat simple tricks and stimulate the dog mentally. Dog mind games and puzzles can also be used for a dog like this. In fact mind games have shown to reduce both the amount of OTT behaviour and also impact on reactive behaviour in some instances. Another area where they are excellent is with dogs that ignore their owners or seldom listen to them – just by the way!
I would incorporate daily ‘work’ for the dog to do using a clicker. Examples are the dog putting its own toys away – helping to carry washing to the laundry, going to the gate to get the newspaper etc, etc. It is surprising how often a previously OTT dog will change its behaviour so much regarding attention deficit when Clicker is brought in – this dog is receiving mental stimulation that it definitely needs.
Another point that we find very useful with OTT dogs is that in the case of a dog that may already get a daily run or go jogging with owner but is still OTT, is to change the dogs exercise regime and instead the dog is taken for a slow, scenting walk to an area where it has not been before. Very often owners are totally surprised that the OTT dog who appears very confident, in a situation such as above – or going for a 5km run, the same dog will actually exhibit fear behaviour – it is the first time the dog has been able to look around – it is normally tearing by at full speed! Dogs like this will often react to even a leaf moving on the ground when taken for a slow walk. If this does occur then the element of stress is even higher than previously thought. Here we would bring in daily walks starting in only one location until the dog is confident in that location and then change the location – this is a great exercise to build confidence.
What the owner does with the dog when it exhibits OTT behaviour needs to be examined as well. Unfortunately what often happens with OTT dogs is that because they are so badly behaved when inside the home, the owner cannot cope and the dog is left outside for longer and longer periods – which will just increase this dog’s stress, and the behaviour can easily worsen – this even happens with OTT pups.
Diet - what the dog is currently eating has to be examined. Many of the inexpensive dog foods have a high sugar content, by products, salt and artificial ingredients and preservatives. Kibble that is coloured is a definite no go. Foods such as these have the same effect on dogs as they can have in children, the result being anxiousness, hyper and jittery. Often just changing to a good quality food and a raw food such as Simply Pets will help the behaviour immediately.
Another factor could be that the food contains far too high an amount of protein and fat in the dry kibble foods. However, we have never found that a good quality raw product has in any way contributed to the behaviour - as above it often lessens it.
With a dog like this, if the dog was impossible inside the home, we would suggest bringing in the Lead Attachment exercises which will be discussed in another section, to habituate the dog to being in the home in a controlled manner and to teach it to settle down.
- House Rules: ignoring on arrival home, attention on owners terms or not at all. Very important point as mentioned previously dogs that are hyper tend to be demanding in looking for attention. NRM and rest of basic house rules.
- If dog is showing hyper behaviour – owner to totally ignore and walk away. If the owners reaction to the behaviour is impacting this will take care of this aspect.
- We would suggest that a dog like this not be allowed to run and play with children especially is they are noisy and excitable themselves. This may serve to reinforce the OTT behaviour and could even lead to reactive behaviour towards the children if stress levels became too high. Situations such as this would need to be supervised by adults and the children rather taught how to play more structured games with the dog.
- Try to get owner to engage in training geared towards what the dog was bred for and even some form of scent work that can be done at home as well.
- The dog being taught to ‘settle’ on a regular basis and for short periods.
- Basic obedience including the Wait/stay exercise in as many situations as possible. Each and every time the dog is successful in the Wait (and remember to tell the owner to start with very short time period and build up accordingly).
- One of the Avalon Pure for Dogs sprays could be considered (possibly one that is made especially for the dog) and we would definitely bring in the basics of TTouch. With a dog like this in addition to actual TTouches it is been found that a lot of Groundwork is done using different equipment and obstacles to help the dog to focus more and to improve overall balance is really beneficial. See if the behaviour reduces when a Wrap is used.
- Depending on the degree of OTT behaviour vet meds may have to be considered.
- A game such as the Flirt Pole can really benefit these dogs as well as dogs that Chase as mentioned before. The dog gets to engage in fast behaviour however is taught to Wait, Get it, Drop it and this helps the dog to focus.
4. Prevention
Can this behaviour be prevented? Definitely the possibility can be reduced with genetics where a dog is purchased from a top quality breeder.
If it is true/clinical hyperkinesis, then the dog would need the assistance of meds to help it cope. However, with any puppy that appears to be hyperactive at puppy school, the whole interaction and behaviour needs to be looked at and modifications brought in immediately to lower the possibility of the pup growing into an OTT dog. We would bring in the modifications we have mentioned immediately and a pup like this would need to be carefully watched and the owner given the knowledge and tools to handle a pup such as this.
If the owner is committed they can end up with a well behaved, but very active dog, but in the wrong hands with an owner that was not prepared to do the work, this would be a disaster waiting for a place to happen!
Assignment
- Put down a list of questions you would ask an owner of a dog where they told you the dog was totally OTT – these to relate directly to the OTT behaviour.
- List 3 reasons why this condition may occur
- A pup as puppy schools seems to be very hyper – list 3 basic exercises you would suggest are brought in excluding House Rules
