Jack Russell vs. computer screen

Question
Hi. LuLu, my 5-6 year old Jack Russell (we got her from a
shelter, so age is approximate)likes to watch my roommate
play computer games. She stares at the computer screen,
whines, pants, drools, and shakes almost uncontrollably. I
have noticed that when there are dogs on the television
screen, she does the same thing, but not to this extent, and
there are no dogs in the game my roommate is playing. Is
this normal JRT behavior? Should I be worried about the
shaking? Also, when he is not playing the games on the
computer, she stares at the blank screen, sometimes for
hours. She is eating fine, exercising, and going to the
bathroom normally. I'm just slightly concerned about the
shaking. Thanks!
Stephanie

Answer
Stephanie, so sorry, I never received this question until the site just forwarded it to me. It sounds like your jack is exhibiting OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) very common in jacks.
There are many reasons this occurs but it is usually caused from anxiety, stress or boredom. Usually anxiety. I am limited with space here but you should go online and read everything you can about OCD in dogs. There are ways to help her and break the cycle. Sometimes veterinary intervention (meds) are necessary. It's not a very happy way for a dog to live, so ask your roommate to please not play while LuLu is in the room. Here is a good article to get you started:

http://dogs.about.com/cs/disableddogs/a/ocd.htm