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Old 06-02-2010, 11:45 AM
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Default Re: Question: Why do dogs run in circles?

Because its hard to run in squares! Or they wanna smell their butts or you have the "Colonel Bogey" record … the faster you play it, the faster your dog will run … or your dog is the watchdog and needs winding …

Or seriously …

You might think that a dog running in circles is humorous, but for some dogs it can turn into an obsessive disorder and lead to physical and psychological problems if not dealt with. The dogs with the worst cases of running in circles can keep going for several hours, almost as if they are in a trance. Make sure that your dog does not have a medical condition, such as worms or a rash, that is causing irritation in the rear-end area. Otherwise, there are several steps you can take to train your dog to stop running in circles. Be patient, consistent and diligent, and with time your dog can be relieved of this behavior.

In older dogs, running around in circles is often associated with having been kept in a small pen. Some just get so excited.

Or your dog is showing a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD also causes dogs to chase their tails. OCD is a medical illness that causes animals to have unwanted thoughts and repeat certain patterns of behavior. German Shepherds often chase their own tails because they are genetically predisposed to exhibit compulsive behaviors.

There are many reasons a dog may circle and it often may only be discerned when the behavior is examined in the context of when, where and how it is manifested.

For example many dogs may circle in the area of where they are about to lay down. This is most probably a behavior that they retained from their wild dog and wolf ancestors. Many animals will check the area where they lay or bed down for anything that makes the area undesirable They also trample down the grasses, dirt, etc. for a more comfortable or hidden location.

Domesticated dogs have taken that behavior and used it to get our attention and get their owner to react in a certain way. Such behavior is often built upon as trick or as a way of alerting the owner that the dog needs something as specific as food, water, or access to an area where they may use the bathroom. Thus over the centuries dogs and humans have expanded this behavior for our mutual benefit.

Dogs may circle out of distress, trying to reach an itch, sore, or injury. One such distress may be worms, or impacted anal glands which can cause mental distress and physical discomfort.

Some dogs circle an area before they urinate or defecate. Since this is often also used a way of marking territory, the circling may be part of the preparation of the area for that purpose. Again another behavior likely linked to their wolf and wild dog ancestry.

Dogs may circle out of nervousness or anxiety; such as when it is storming or when their owner leaves them; often as a symptom of separation anxiety.

Dogs running in circles go hand in hand with dogs chasing their tails. They are both obsessive behaviors that may be challenging to get rid of. They both stem from some psychological disorder being either boredom, fear, frustration or anxiety. The underlying cause needs to be treated in order for the manifestation to disappear. Getting rid of this habit may be challenging and may need a dog behaviorist to solve, especially in the most severe cases that have settled and become chronic.

Below are some tips that may help reduce the behavior and at best eradicate it before becoming chronic:

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Running in circles is often due to pent-up energy. Regularly take your dog on walks, runs, or to the dog park to play with other dogs.

Do not egg on your dog when he is running in circles. Laughing or getting excited will tell your dog that the behavior is a way to get attention.

Do not keep your dog in a small pen or on a short chain. Running in circles can be a result of the dog being conditioned to confinement in a small area.

Distract your dog as soon as he starts to run in circles. Give your dog a toy or bone, or play fetch.

Do not stop your dog by scolding or yelling. This will only add to any anxiety. Stop your dog from running in circles by picking up or holding him firmly with a leash. Start interacting with your dog by talking, loving and giving him a treat. This will divert your dog's attention elsewhere,

Relieve sources of anxiety. Anxiety can often cause nervous behavior, like running in circles. Sources of anxiety include leaving the dog alone for long periods of time, having lots of strangers over or loud noises.

Take your dog to an animal behaviorist if the condition is too extreme for you to deal with on your own. There may be particular brain tests and medications that can be administered.

If all fails, well .... apa susah? Simply replace it with a cat ....
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