Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 1/28/2012

Question
QUESTION: My almost 3 year old, 86lb, Irish Setter has started to obsessively chase shadows, reflections, or sunlight on the walls and floor inside the house. It seems to be getting worse and more frequent in the past few months. He has started to jump up onto counters and walls without any thought as to what might be in his way. He has knocked over plants, kitchen chairs, and spilled drinks or food while chasing.

He is a very nice, well behaved dog most of the time. He follows basic commands, and is very good on the recall. I am able to walk him off lead while hiking and he stays nearby. He likes other dogs, and is not aggressive. I send him to daycare about 3 times a month and he is always good with staff and other dogs.

He may be ball obsessed. He loves to play fetch and we are able to use Chuck-it while we walk in the country. Balls have to be kept in the garage though as he will bark to play with a ball inside the house. He knows where balls belong, and is absolutely fine with this.

I sometimes have to put him on a lead when guests come over as he gets excited and will not leave them alone. Once I have him on lead, after a bit he will be a better greeter and I can let him off lead. Lately though, especially when guests come over, I have to crate him as he will bark at the shadows or light, become more agitated, and become a disruption.

He has free run of the house while I am at work, and behaves very well. I find nothing toppled over, or disrupted in the house while I am gone.

I am not sure if it is important or not, but his mother died when the litter was 4 days old. The family I got him from bottle fed 13 puppies and all survived. The family stays in contact and we get litter mates together at homes,parks, and daycare.

After reading a few online articles I feel this may be a serious condition, but I do not want to over react. If you can help me learn why my dog may be doing this and what I can do to help him, I would be most appreciative.

ANSWER: Every single time your dog demonstrates this behavior, put him on leash.  Say nothing, don't touch him, simply leash him in a calm manner and go about your business for ten minutes or so, then release him.

From the description, it suggests some sort of neurological problem (seizure related) at worse, or at best the development of an obsessive compulsive behavior.  The leash restraint may calm him and stop the behavior but it isn't addressing the cause (if there is a biological cause).  I strongly suggest you consult a veterinary behaviorist.  One can be found at the following sites or by calling the veterinary college in your area:
http://www.veterinarybehaviorists.org/
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just to be clear, I do not hold on to the other end of the leash? I have one lead that I use just for when people come over, should I use that one? University of Minnesota has a Veterinary Behaviorist, I will try to get Opie in to see her soon. Thanks so much

Answer
Yes, hold onto the leash for at least five minutes.  This restraint is interpreted by most dogs as not only physical but emotional/behavioral.  It can stop obsessive compulsive behaviors such as tail chasing, etc., even if they are neurological.  Please let me know what the veterinary behaviorist has to say.