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Dog Disorders - Learn To Treat Your Dog's Emotional Disorders

By April Claeyssens
Dec 30, 2008
Because you're a dog lover you want your dog to be happy and well adjusted. That's the case most of the time, but some dogs come with or develop emotional disorders.

If you received your dog as a puppy and you've become his 'everything' your dog will probably have some type of emotional disorder especially when you're away. If you rescued an older dog (2 and up), he may have adopted another type of emotional disorder called survival skills. There are many types of emotional dog disorders and each one can be dealt with. If you take the time to see what's bothering him you may be able to alleviate his issues.

Emotions are what give dogs an urge to act in response to a situation. It also illustrates how they may feel once they have reacted. Dogs feel a range of emotions that spans the emotional spectrum. Studies have shown that good emotions range from:

- Joy
- Excitement
- Happiness
- Contentment

These are the emotions we all want to feel. So thankfully dogs know what each of these emotions feels like. On the other hand emotional dog disorders also cover the following:

- Fear
- Anger
- Sadness
- Frustration
- Anxiety

These emotional dog disorders should be dealt with for the sake of your dog. Put yourself in your dog's place. If you were full of fear, anger, sadness, frustration and anxiety, you'd probably be at the doctor's office. Dogs are open books. They tell you there's a problem by their demeanor, their voice, their tail and numerous other signs.

Fearful Dogs:

Some dogs are fearful by nature. Other dogs fear can be learned. This dog disorder may also come with adoption. Common fears include: going to the vets office, physical punishment, the sound of loud noises and confinement. Fearful dogs may attempt to escape, urinate involuntarily or even bite. If fear is running your dog's life then take the time to remedy that. If you know what's bothering your dog you can slowly reintroduce him to what he fears while you remain calm. Then reward him for his calm behavior. It is never acceptable to punish your dog. He won't understand and his fear will only escalate.

Angry Dogs:

Angry dog disorders are usually perpetrated by humans. Food, water and shelter are mandatory. If your dog is tied up in the yard or confined to a small space he will become angry. So, if you mistreat your dog he will become hostile. This type of disorder is difficult to change and should be dealt with swiftly. Any type of discipline must be done calmly. You're going to have to regain your dog's trust.

Sad Dogs: Some emotional dog disorders include sadness. All dogs will feel sadness during their life span. If they lose their playmate or a loved member of the family, dog's can become depressed. Allow your dog to grieve over his loss. Try replacing something he has lost. He can learn to be happy again if he feels loved and protected.

Frustrated and/or Anxious Dogs: Take the time to assess why your dog is frustrated or anxious. Start socializing him in a controlled environment. This dog disorder calls for lots of exercise. Allowing him to walk, run or swim will help him see that life can be fun. Start some dog training. It keeps his mind focused and alleviates stress. Teach him to play with other dogs his own size. You'll be a proud dog owner when others see your dog as well adjusted.

As you can see, emotional dog disorders are not a life sentence. If you love your dog, his emotional well being is important to you. Dogs love to please, so if you're able to reduce or eliminate non-productive behavior, you're giving your dog the greatest gift - happiness.
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