Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 11/8/2006

Question
We just aquired a 7 month male daschund.  We are his third family.  He is crazy about lights and shadows.  Getting better with shadows but crazy with the light thing.  For example we are unable to put a ceiling fan on because the changing light pattern on the ceiling sends him into a crazy dog, running, jumping, barking, he doesnt even pay attention to where he is running.  Also light reflecting off a door that moves when the door opens an closes will send him running right into the wall.  We have tried to reduce most reflecting light in the house but cant avoid it all.  If he has seen a reflection in a room and we close the door he will scratch and bark to get in to the room. Please give some advise.

Answer
Dear Patty,
Thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about Gus's (I'll call him Gus) compulsive behavior disorder.

Unfortunately these types of problems are not ones in which I can give you tips without actually working with you and Gus. There are many many. . . too many variables.

Basically, you'll need to teach Gus to relax when there are zero reflections, then slowly expose him to small pieces of events or stimuli that trigger his behavior. It may be that Gus cannot relax when there are any types of reflections (I suspect this is the case) so you have to come up with creative distractions and practice with these distractions before you use real reflections.  

Obedience training, structure, diet / nutrition, environmental enrichment,massage program, environmental management, classical conditioning, and other topics would be included in a behavior modification plan. There are tools like "blinders" (similar to the ones used on horses) that would also be part of a plan. In addition, pharmaceutical intervention may be helpful - it depends on many many . . . too variables to discuss here.

Do your best to redirect him, prevent him from being exposed (as you are already doing) be kind, do not use punishers. Feed a quality diet (no corn products and no by-products).

Contact a professional canine behavior specialist. It's very doubtful that a dog trainer will be able to help. You really need a vet behaviorist or another animal behavior specialist who has studied and worked with compulsive behavior disorders.

Visit http://www.apdt.com and look for a certified trainer. Ask if they have experience with compulsive behavior disorders.

Sorry I couldn't offer more suggestions.
AT