JRT has true Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Question
I have been searching JRTs and OCD but what I have read that people think their dogs as having OCD doesn't really fit the true def. of OCD--at least as I have studied it.  Anyway, my dog is exercised, the only dog, has a great life (I'm home with him all day to boot).  But he has OCD.  If he sees a piece of paper on the floor and I tell him No, he starts walking back to me, then immediately turns around and goes back, I'll say no and then he does it again.  BUT, then the cycle repeats only I'm not saying "NO".  He'll keep going up to the piece of paper, walk away a few steps, turn around and do it again. If he saw a plastic bottle (a favorite "monitored" chew thing--very monitored and only short time) but he loves them.  IF he sees one on the counter, he'll do the begging and jumping up and down bit.  Then I show him that it was moved and no longer there.  He'll still continue to jump up and down and run over to me and run back over to the counter convinced it is still there.  I will have to lift him up again, he'll look/sniff and know it isn't there.  The second I put him down on the ground, he still starts to jump and whine for the plastic bottle.  I have tons of examples.  I equate the paper on the floor thing with people checking to see if the door is locked 15 times.  It looks just like that (I had a human roommate with OCD as well).  I should probably put an example in here that explains it a little better but I'm very tired.  Believe me--this dog has OCD.  People new to my house will even say something about him.  Of course, everyone thinks it's so cute and funny.  But I'm worried there is something really upsetting him.  Not sure if it's b/c they are hunters and probably need to be so intense and focused for their "job" or my dog is just a whack-job.  I will love him no matter what but like I said, I am really wanting to make sure there isn't something wrong that I could be helping him with--psychologically or physically.  thank you so much for your help. I hope this doesn't fall under the No Medical Questions.
Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Part of your dog's problem is that you're home all day watching him like a hawk, and giving into his whims.

If he cries when there something on the counter that he wants, rather than "giving into" his cries, and picking him up to "show him" anything, just ignore him. Leave the room, don't have a conversation about what's on, or not on the counter. It may take some time for your dog to stop demanding things of you, because you've been training him into this behavior, but if you stop catering to him, he'll eventually stop.

As far as the paper on the floor, if you don't want your dog to go after the paper, don't throw paper on the floor! Many times I let my dogs tear up junk mail, they seem to enjoy it so. There's no harm in this, there probably more of a chance your dog will hurt himself when he's chewing on plastic soda bottles.

Try giving a dog a toy such as a Kong, it's a hard rubber toy that bounces in an irregular way, and you fill with food or treats. This kind of toy is mental stimulation, and also occupies your dog as he works to get the food. It's a much better toy than either soda bottles or paper.

Train your dog the "Leave It" command. This is a command that's just used when you want your dog to leave something alone, rather than just saying "No" to him. Learn how to train your dog the Leave It command here:

http://www.loveyourdog.com/touch.html
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/2060_dog-obedience-leave-command-part1.htm

Even though you said your dog is well exercised, you didn't say how often or how long your dog gets exercise each day. It's possible the amount of exercise you give your dog isn't sufficient for your individual dog. If your dog really has an OCD disorder,  increasing the amount of exercise your dog receives is often a recommended treatment. A tired dog is a content dog, and not a compulsive pet.

Obsessive-compulsive behavior problem have been observed in the Jack Russell breed. You didn't say how old your dog is, If he's under 4 years old, this just might be his youthful energy, and would be normal for his breed.

Although there are no medications approved to treat compulsive disorders in dogs, some success has been achieved with antidepressants prescribed for similar disorders in humans. Rather than resorting to medication, providing appropriate aerobic exercise, regular daily obedience training and stimulating toys can help reduce a dog's inclination to perform a compulsive behavior. Providing a dog with a job that incorporates his breed-specific needs and making sure he receives adequate social stimulation are important. Finding an agility training class would be something your dog would probably love.


Best of luck,
Patti