Obsessive compulsive disorder, or "OCD," is a behavioral problem that seems to occur mostly in sensitive, easily stressed dogs, manifested as a seemingly pointless, repetitive behavior. The behaviors expressed typically would be considered normal, if they were performed at the right time, for a reasonable duration of time. But compulsive dogs repeat these behaviors excessively, at odd times, sometimes for hours per day.

In addition to the chasing behaviors you describe, self-licking, self-chewing, spinning and pacing are other examples of possible compulsive behaviors dogs may develop. The particular manifestation seems to have something to do with breed and personality type; high-energy dogs, bred for a strong prey drive, might have more of a genetic predisposition to express energy in chasing behaviors if they develop a compulsive disorder. Inhibited, bored or lonely dogs may find comfort in what begins as normal self-grooming behaviors, but for dogs susceptible to compulsive behavior, these activities become ingrained and occur even when there is seemingly no stress. Attention-seeking dogs may display more overt behaviors, while self-comforting dogs typically lick themselves, or lick or even suck objects.

Although there seems, to the observer to be no purpose for these behaviors for the dog, there is a point and often more than one reinforcer. During moments of stress, the compulsive behavior provides an outlet for tension and resulting frustrated energy. Owner reactions may fuel the compulsive fires, but it is self-comfort and self-reinforcement that keeps them burning. Restraint only seems to increase the problem, creating additional anxiety and preventing its outlet.

Individual personalities and the amount of stress that individual canines can tolerate, as well as possible genetic predisposition, contribute to the development of compulsive behaviors. The fact that your dog's mother attempted to kill all of her puppies might warn that something may be amiss from a genetic standpoint. Because I have no history on your case and the dogs involved, I only can ask the questions you might want to start asking. Was the mother dog "abnormal" in any of her other behaviors? If so, it is possible her puppies could have specific inherent problems. Was the mother otherwise normal? If so, her "maternal intuition" might have caused her to begin culling her own litter. Had the mother ever been bred before? Had she raised her previous puppies or did others have to be taken from her as well? Is there any known (or disclosed) history of either puppy-killing or OCD in any of your puppy's ancestors? If your dog does suffer from a genetically based problem, it cannot be "cured," but that doesn't mean there isn't hope for an improved quality of life for both of you.

Various anti-obsessional drugs have been used in the management of this condition, and one may be more effective than another for a particular dog. Ask your vet to look into this, because a change in medication may need to be prescribed. These drugs take about three weeks to begin to work and as long as 16 weeks for maximum improvement. Some people have had success with a nonprescription natural sleep inducer called melatonin; it might be worth a try, but ask your vet to be sure. Behavioral modification also may help, but it probably will not be able to totally resolve your dogs obsessive behavior problem.

The best behavioral approach is indirect; increase your dog's daily exercise by doing positive obedience training; ask your vet, or a veterinary behaviorist, for suggestions regarding changes to diet that may influence behavior-low protein, additive-free diets seem to give the best results; increase emotional security by establishing leadership-try positive obedience training; spend quality time with your dog on a daily basis; provide interesting chewing objects and toys to reduce the possibility of boredom in the house; and finally, remove all attention from your dog when he demonstrates compulsive behaviors.

The only direct approach I would use in attempting to modify your dog's behavior may or may not help him to improve, but it will help you determine if he is able to control himself at all. As he begins the behavior, get up and walk away from him, or leave the room, without comment. When he stops the behavior, return, again saying nothing. If he begins stopping as you start to leave, change your mind and stay. This would indicate he is learning to change his behavior to change yours. The result may not be an overall reduction in the behavior, but it is worthwhile if it reduces it when he is in your presence. If this technique seems to increase his anxiety or compulsive behavior, stop using it.

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