How do the Shelter dogs play? What do they do all day? Following is excerpts from the article, "Kennel Crazy" Behavior in Shelter Dogs, by Shawn Mathieson, of the American College of Applied Science. The complete article was sent to me by the North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare which is supervised by Attorney Reppy of Duke Law School. As a Shelter Dog Buddy, at the Wake County Animal Center, I got to take the dogs out for a walk on the grass 2 weeks out of 5 months. Reason: Shelter is always is crisis with parvo or shelter dog cold. The dogs spend their days, circling in the cage, sleeping, picking on dust particles, barking, crying, and just staring. They cannot experience the grass, trees or wind. I will never forget the two weeks I walked the dogs. I never will.
Here is the article:
Animal shelter workers frequently describe dogs that have gone “kennel crazy” from being in a shelter too long. The dogs become uncontrollable and un-adoptable and are inevitably euthanized. The behavior symptoms in anecdotal descriptions of “kennel crazy” appear similar to the symptoms of stress induced canine compulsive behavior disorders. Shelter dogs are subjected to many stresses such as confinement, noise, and social isolation. “Kennel crazy” may be a compulsive behavior disorder resulting from chronic stress experienced in the shelter environment. Breeders and researchers recognize that certain breeds, sizes, and genders handle stress in different ways and may be predisposed to compulsive behavior disorders. If we dismiss “kennel crazy” as something that inevitably happens to dogs that stay too long in shelters, it will continue to occur and dogs will continue to be euthanized for it. If we recognize “kennel crazy” as a compulsive behavior disorder, and recognize that certain dogs are predisposed to it, shelter workers may be able to use early intervention and treatment to avoid “kennel crazy” behavior and subsequent euthanasia.
Animal shelter workers frequently describe dogs that have gone “kennel crazy” from being in a shelter too long. The dogs become uncontrollable and un-adoptable and are inevitably euthanized. The behavior symptoms in anecdotal descriptions of “kennel crazy” appear similar to the symptoms of stress induced canine compulsive behavior disorders. Shelter dogs are subjected to many stresses such as confinement, noise, and social isolation. “Kennel crazy” may be a compulsive behavior disorder resulting from chronic stress experienced in the shelter environment. Breeders and researchers recognize that certain breeds, sizes, and genders handle stress in different ways and may be predisposed to compulsive behavior disorders. If we dismiss “kennel crazy” as something that inevitably happens to dogs that stay too long in shelters, it will continue to occur and dogs will continue to be euthanized for it. If we recognize “kennel crazy” as a compulsive behavior disorder, and recognize that certain dogs are predisposed to it, shelter workers may be able to use early intervention and treatment to avoid “kennel crazy” behavior and subsequent euthanasia.
“They begin to display "kennel crazy" behaviors: spinning, chewing “A kennel crazy dog just spins and spins in its run and can't stop” on the chain link, self- mutilation, lack of appetite and energy to name a few.”
(Yes, this happens. And much more. What are we going to do about irresponsible pet guardianship? )
I hope one day that Wake County will be the shining light for all North Carolina Shelters. I really do.
If you would like the complete article sent to you, email yodells@aol.com
