Everyone often sees posts in dog groups where owners share pictures of their dogs destroying their homes (a floor covered in peanut shells...). It's no surprise, and the owners are definitely embarrassed.
If a dog destroys a house once in its lifetime, it can still be a somewhat good memory, but if it happens frequently and the dog doesn't change no matter how much you train it, could the dog have ADHD?!
【Active】 or 【ADHD】
Of course, some breeds of dogs are naturally "active" and have high destructive power, or are more neurotic, but these dogs can be controlled through training.
But dogs with "ADHD" cannot focus, no matter how much you train them, they just won't improve. Often, when you become disheartened after trying to train them, you end up ignoring the dog, and the dog's condition worsens.
【ADHD】Symptoms
If your dog exhibits the following behaviors, you need to pay attention:
Short attention span for each task, unable to repeat them many times.
Constantly causing destruction, chewing up the sofa or scratching the carpet.
Sudden outbursts when the dog is stressed or doesn't get what it wants.
Difficulty adapting to new environments.
Frequent mood swings over minor things.
【ADHD】10-minute self-assessment
You just need to prepare a pack of treats and have your dog sit and give you their paw:
First minute: Keep asking the dog to sit and give its paw, and reward with a treat when it does.
After 4 minutes: For the first 2 minutes, continue with Sit, Hand & treats, but wait a few seconds before giving the treat. For the last 2 minutes, wait a few more seconds, and gradually increase the waiting time.
After that, for 5 minutes: For the first 3 minutes, wait for 30 seconds, then repeat Sit, Hand & Treat.
For the last 2 minutes: As long as the dog does Sit & Hand and looks at you, give a treat. If the dog gets distracted and doesn't look at you, don't give a treat. See how many times the dog gets distracted.
In these 10 minutes, it's normal for the dog to get distracted a few times, but if the dog gets distracted many times, it might have ADHD!
Medication and practice improvement
If your dog's behavior is giving you a headache, and after a self-assessment, you find that they are easily distracted, you might as well take your dog to the clinic for a check-up. The vet can help improve ADHD in dogs through medication and practice!
But no matter what, whether the dog has any illness or is very difficult to handle, don't give up on it. Raising a pet is a lifelong commitment!
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