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HMWTC-shadow fixation/chasing
I am doing a consult in 2 days w a 6 month old newly adopted cattle dog mix. She seems from the info I have gotten quite anxious in general possibly. She has recently started chasing and fixating on shadows. I’d love help being pointed in the right direction with this kind of behavior!
thank you!
anna
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5 Replies
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Hi @AnnaBee , if it turns out to be a truly compulsive behavior (rather than you being able to resolve the issue through appropriate exercise, lots of enrichment, and training), there are behavior meds that can help with that issue. Directing the pet parents to consult with a veterinary behaviorist would be a helpful step.
I look forward to hearing more about what you discover when you meet with the family this week.
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Thank you so much. I’ve been reading some good articles and learning about these issues—thanks for your guidance and will follow up when I have more info!
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@AnnaBee I have questions! (Don’t I always!? ???? )
You say she’s “newly adopted” – from what type of situation? Was she kenneled in a shelter or? How long was she there? Any information on why she was surrendered?
Stress can bring out compulsion-like behaviors, but it could be that with some regular routines and LOTS of enrichment, she’ll settle in. ACDs are work-aholics and not for a casual dog owner, so give them a ton of encouragement to get into regular training classes, a dog sport, and all the physical and mental games they can muster. Take a look at the SEEDS posts here in DD – make sure the dog is also getting the rest and “downtime” she needs, too.
And then, yes, I agree with Virginia… if the dog cannot be interrupted from chasing shadows, is unresponsive to a redirection to a toy or food then rush to a behavior vet.
Let us know how it all goes!
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Great questions! I did the consult this morning and it went well, this poor pup has a lot going on! She was adopted 10 days ago after being found abandoned in Baton Rouge. She now lives w her new dedicated mom who is awesome. I suggested managing environment to reduce shadows, interrupting shadow fixations when they occur, and working on finding the appropriate mix of enrichment/activity with decompression time and learning to settle. They are already doing a ton w her and I wonder if she wouldn’t enjoy just laying around w a kong more as she learns about her new home. I suggested chatting w their vet next time they are there about the appropriateness of behavior
meds.
thanks for everyone help and insight
anna
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Nice work, @AnnaBee ! They are lucky to have you helping them. Yes, rest is SOOO important as is decompression time. ????
Will you be going back for a follow up? If so, take a sec to ask about the dog’s diet ???? if you haven’t already. Certain grains like corn???? can ramp a dog up and create more anxiety. But my guess from what you’ve said about these folks is they’re feeding something premium. Just worth asking about.
✅Keep us posted on this girl’s progress. Sounds like she’s had a busy couple of weeks, and who knows how much craziness prior to that. R & R might be just what the dogtor orders!????
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