Shadow Watcher

Question
Hi, I have a female Shar-pei that is about 1 1/2 years old. She has always been crazy for cats and birds and basicly anything that moved but she has started watching the shadows on the wall all day long searching all over the house in boxes  for somthing all day and all night. She wont stop for anything When walking her she pulls me on the leash to the point where i dont want to take her anymore. Any suggestions.

Thanks

Answer
Dear Dustin,

It sounds to me like your dog may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is surprisingly more common in dogs than one would think.

Think of it this way.  A human with OCD may check to make sure the door is locked 50 times a day.  Dogs will have less complex ways of expressing the illness, but it sounds like that's what you're describing.  This is sometimes exacerbated for indoor dogs, because they may additionally become bored from lack of stimulation.

I would suggest that you consult your veterinarian with regard to this behavior.  Even if it is OCD, it is easily treated, so not to worry.

In the meantime, I'd just make sure she got lots of exercise and stimulation, and it would be good if she could be taken into different environments - to the park, to a friend's house, etc.  If you have a safe outdoor area where she can run free, try allowing her additional time there.  

You may also wish to make sure she has plenty of interesting and unusual toys to keep her attention - you may even want to look in the cat aisle, to see if there are some things there she might enjoy (along the lines of chasing after birds, mice, etc).  Of course, since the Shar-Pei is a large dog, the selection may be limited due to safety concerns (i.e., choking), but it's worth a try.  The main thing is to try to find things that interest her.  You may even want to make that job easier on yourself by taking her with you to the pet store, to see what she seems to like.  That may also help you avoid some unnecessary expense due to trial and error (getting toys she ends up not liking).

If the behavior is being caused in whole or in part by boredom or lack of stimulation, these steps may help alleviate it.

As for the pulling on her leash, you obviously can't tolerate that, nor should you.  Considering her size, you may want to get her a harness-type leash, which will make her much easier to control because it allows you to control not only her neck, but her upper body as well.  Your local pet store should have them in stock, and be able to help you find the proper fit.  When she starts pulling you along, stop.  Stand there, and refuse to go anywhere until she returns to your side where she's supposed to be.  Do that every time she pulls, and she will learn that this is unacceptable.  The important thing with that training is to let her know in no uncertain terms that YOU are in charge of the walk, and you have the ability to control her.  In other words, YOU are the alpha dog!

If you haven't already given your dog obedience training lessons, she's at an age now where she can learn easily, and it will give her something to focus on besides the shadows and the boxes.  However, considering the severity of the shadow/box problem, I would strongly suggest you consult with your veterinarian before undertaking training because, if she does have OCD, you may be unsuccessful with training until she receives the proper medication to control that condition.

I hope this was helpful - of course, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to write again.

Warmest wishes,
Francesca