What is a neurotic dog

7 Neurotic Dog Breeds That Require Experienced Owners (2022)

Dogs arent made equal, especially on their temperament andbehavior. Some are more difficult to raise due to their neurotic tendencies.Still, with proper training, even the most neurotic dog breeds will yield andbecome well-rounded canines.

If youre planning to get a new dog, make sure that you keep watch of these breeds. They are amazing pets, but they may need extra care and patience.

What is a neuroticdog breed?

When we talk about neurotic dog breeds, we are referring tocanines that have intense sensitivity level. These breeds are also prone toseparation anxiety and other extreme behaviors. If not addressed early on, itcould lead to aggression.

Due to this bold personality, neurotic dog breeds aredifficult to raise. They need an experienced owner who can be a step ahead oftheir bad habits. Also, these breeds require more patience in the trainingdepartment.

Most dogs with a neurotic tendency have hunting instincts which could get in the way of their training.

In addition, these breeds may react intensely over variousstimuli. The presence of a stranger, another dog, or a child could triggeroverexcitement or even aggression. If left alone, neurotic dog breeds willbecome destructive and noisy.

8 Neurotic Dog Breeds

1. Border Collie

Border Collies are high-energy canines and known to be oneof the most intelligent as well. However, their hard-wired prey drive andintense energy level may result in harsh reactions when exposed to variousstimuli.

Also, Border Collies are known for their intolerance toisolation. If you lock them inside the house for long, they will bedestructive. As herding dogs, they need to stay busy with a certain task, whichnot all pet owners could give.

In addition, Border Collies dont always thrive in thepresence of other dogs. If you are to get this breed, its best to keep it in asingle dog household. Also, you should have a large yard where they can run andplay. Otherwise, this doggo will vent its energy on chewing things in yourhome.

2. Pit Bull Terrier

Contrary to stereotypes, Pit Bull Terriers arent alwaysvicious. Responsibly bred and raised Pitties will become affectionate pets andcompanions for kids. However, their muscular and strong bodies could topple atoddler when playtime gets ruff.

Also, Pit Bulls have a bad case of separation anxiety. Theirhigh tendency to mouth things paired with a strong jaw makes them a destructivedog if left alone for long. Also, they can give a fit of barking and howling ifleft without a companion.

Moreover, Pit Bulls are energetic dogs that always need toget exercise. If not, their muscles will dwindle, which will result in poorhealth.

Nevertheless, Pit Bulls are intelligent dogs and are easy totrain. They only need experienced handlers to dampen their aggressivetendencies, destructive chewing, and other negative behavior.

3. Akita

The dogs of Feudal Japan Akitas are far from lapdogs. Theyused to be hunting and tracking dogs, which is why they can be stubborn attimes. Also, this breed doesnt always receive guests fondly. This can betraced back to their guarding job as royalty dogs.

Akitas dont tolerate being alone for long and they alsotend to have increased sensitivity. If trained well, they can be affectionateto their masters, but dont expect these dogs to be cuddly. Also, they arentthe best pet choice if you have a child or other dogs in the household.

In addition, these dogs dont suit novice owners. They are apain to groom since they drool a lot and shed heavily.

You also have to be patient since this breed is always vocaland can be escape artists.

4. Chow Chow

Dont be fooled by their cute and teddy bear looks. ChowChow dogs arent for the faint of heart. This is an independent dog with aproud disposition and an intense sense of self-worth. Unlike other dog breedslisted here, Chow Chows prefer being alone and they are far from being cuddlyor affectionate.

Training Chow Chows are a pain since they arent one of thebrightest breeds. Aside from that, they are not affectionate canines, so youshould refrain from getting this breed if you want a doggo you can hug. ChowChows may act aggressively with kids, other dogs, and strangers.

Also, Chow Chows require intense socialization to hamper anyaggressive tendencies. You should also remember that this breed has poorperipheral vision. To avoid surprising them, its best to approach them from thefront.

Fun fact: ChowChows have black tongues!

5. Beagle

Beagles are known for two things: their lively dispositionand their affinity for howling. This is a happy-go-lucky dog that needs a firmhand to stay disciplined. Although small, they are hardy dogs that arentusually prone to sickness.

Beagles are intelligent, but they arent the easiest totrain. Their intense energy level, sniffing habits, prey drive, and urge towander will always get in the way. This is why you need to take more time intraining a Beagle than how youd do with other canines.

Although Beagles arent known chewers, they love digging,especially under the fence which they use for escaping. They will do this,especially if they got hooked to a smell.

You also have to watch out since Beagles have a voraciousappetite. This is why they are prone to obesity.

6. Harrier

Some pet owners jokingly call this breed as Beagles onsteroids as they look like large versions of the small Beagle breed. Nowadays,Harriers arent popular pets due to their challenging personality.

Harrier dogs arent easy to train, plus they have ahard-wired prey drive that makes them wanderers and barkers. The good thingwith this breed, though, is they have more tolerance to being left alone.

Just like Beagles, Harriers are energetic and always on therun. If youre planning to own this breed, dont expect them to thrive in anapartment.

Harrier dogs can be affectionate dogs even to kids withproper training. But since they are also scent hounds, training will be achallenge as youll be going against their sniffing habits.

Take note that Harrier dogs are notorious droolers and theyalso tend to shed a lot.

7. Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz dogs are talkative companions as they weretrained to bark when they found something during hunting. With their formerpost as hunting dogs, they are naturally energetic and have a strong wanderlusttendency.

Moreover, Finnish Spitz dogs like to romp around and theylike being busy with tasks. Also, this breed isnt for owners who are usuallyaway as they dont tolerate being alone.

This breed is intelligent and highly trainable. They canalso be as friendly and affectionate as Labrador Retrievers if trained anddomesticated properly. However, they tend to be aloof and suspicious ofstrangers and they will surely bark if someone they dont know enters the door.

If you want to dampentheir excessive barking, you have to train them early. Also, you have tosocialize and introduce them to other dogs so they wont become territorial ina multi-dog household.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

Most small breeds are usually perfect for novice owners, butthe Jack Russell Terrier is an exception. This feisty ball of energy has astrong prey drive, chewing habits, and wanderlust. They also love barking,which is why their presence is always felt.

Their lively and affectionate attitude might be attractive,but they arent for novice dog owners. They have intense energy and exerciseneeds that if not satisfied, will lead to destructive behavior.

Also, you have to be careful because adult Jack RussellTerrier dogs could be aggressive around other dogs. Socialization and trainingat an early age are crucial to hinder these negative predispositions.

Take note that Jack Russell Terriers are master jumpers.Some of them can jump as high as five feet and they will surely lunge intosomeone when they want to do so.

Final words

These neurotic dog breeds require more patience and an ownerwho can be ahead of the doggos strong will. With early training andsocialization, these canines can be amazing pets and companions. Still, youhave to factor in the temperament and varying personalities of each breed.

What do you think of this list? Are you planning to own anyof these canines? Share your thoughts with us below!

Can Dogs Suffer Neurosis? (Vet Answer): Causes, Signs & Treatment

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Dogs can suffer from neurosis, but the cases are quite rare. Neurosis is a mental disorder that involves chronic stress resulting from extreme anxiety and insecurity. Neurotic dogs suffer from functioning deficits.

Neurosis is characterized by anxiety, depression, or distress that is not consistent with your dogs life circumstances. They can affect your dogs functioning, but they are not severe enough to make your pet incapacitated. Dogs with neurosis often exhibit aggressive or defensive behavior.

In this article, you will find out what causes neurosis in dogs, which breeds are most prone to it, the main clinical signs, what you can do, and much more.

Causes of Neurosis in Dogs

Neurosis in dogs has multiple causes, such as:

• Prolonged exposure to severe stressful situations
• Traumatic or upsetting events
• Breed (some breeds are more predisposed)
• Dogs prone to anxiety tend to give birth to neurotic puppies
• Abusive owners (rescue dogs are more prone to neurosis)
• Inadequate socialization when your dog is a puppy
• Hormonal imbalances (such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)dogs can become aggressive and emotionally unstable
• Pain

Neurosis occurs when dogs are unable to face a particular situation or avoid that situation (for example, fireworks, loud noises, thunder, veterinarians, the mailman, vacuum cleaners, crowds, strangers, abuse from the owner, etc.). These situations are impossible for a dog to predict when and where they will happen next time. Therefore, the dog that faces that stressful situation will not know what to doit will run, hide, or attack.

In some cases, neurosis is triggered when a hand or arm is raised, and this is most likely due to past traumatic experiences the dog has had.

Neurotic Dog Breeds

Even though neurosis can occur in any dog breed, some breeds are more prone. Dogs whose owners cannot take care of them properly (they dont have time to take them out, play with them, or socialize them) can become neurotic because they lack mental and physical stimulation.

Working dogs are usually bred specifically to perform demanding tasks, so can be prone to neurosis if their owners do not exercise them properly. Guard dogs are also more prone to neurosis because, some of the time, their owners do not know how to deal with a dominant dog, and the pet becomes uncontrollable and neurotic.

Pitbull

Few people can give this breed what it needs to develop harmoniously both mentally and physically. For this reason, many Pitbulls become destructive and suffer from separation anxiety.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is another dog breed that can become neurotic. This usually happens because the owner is not able to meet their needs. In other words, if this breed is not stimulated mentally and physically, they can end up developing a neurosis.

English Cocker Spaniel

Without an adequate amount of exercise, the English Cocker Spaniel is prone to gaining weight. In addition, the inability to run and burn off their energy can have a negative effect on their well-being, and they can become depressed or neurotic.

Akita

This Japanese dog breed is mainly used for guarding, hunting, tracking, and protection. They have strong personalities, and for this reason, they are not a suitable breed for beginner owners who are not able to meet their basic needs. Without mental and physical stimulation, the Akita can become neurotic and have unwanted behaviors. They are also hypersensitive dogs that do not like to be alone, but with proper training and care, they can be loyal and affectionate dogs.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a working breed. It is very intelligent and has an energy level above the norm. Precisely because they are extremely energetic, they need plenty of physical exercise to burn off their energy. They can become destructive when bored or left alone. For this reason, they are prone to neurosis and are generally not a suitable breed for beginner owners.

Siberian Husky

Huskies are intelligent and energetic dogs with a unique personality. They can become particularly destructive when bored, so they must have an owner who knows how to take care of them. They can be anxious around people and loud noises. If they are not given adequate training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation, they can develop neurosis.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is an extremely energetic breed but is quite easy to train. They can become destructive if they are not mentally and physically stimulated and as a result, they can become neurotic in the hands of a novice owner.

Beagle

The Beagle is an intelligent, affectionate, and playful hunting breed. It has a high level of energy and, therefore, needs a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are prone to neurosis, destruction, and howling when they are left alone or when their needs are not met.

Clinical Signs of Neurosis in Dogs

Neurosis in dogs involves five stages, each stage being characterized by new clinical signs:

1. At first, dogs suffering from neurosis will be indifferent to their environment.
2. Weak stimuli can cause dogs to respond inappropriately.
3. Strong and weak stimuli can cause a response of the same intensity as the stimuli.
4. Strong stimuli cause dogs a strong reaction.
5. Dogs nervous systems gradually return to normal.

Not all stages are a certainty, and some phases may be completely missing. Dogs with a strong nervous system can return to normal almost immediately. The manifestations of nervousness will be different from case to case. As a result, there are three main signs that appear for seemingly no reason:

• Fear
• Apathy
• Aggressive behavior

Other signs of neurosis include:

• Flatulence
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Constant whining
• Hiding

The 3 Main Signs of Neurosis in Dogs

1. Constant Fear

When your dog shrinks to any sound, no matter how small or at the sight of another animal (bird, dog, butterfly, etc.), it is clear that there is something wrong with them. They will flatten their ears, tuck their tails between their legs, and try to run away from the stressor. Some dogs may also growl, shake, or bark.

Also, fear and panic in dogs are often associated with aggression. A frightened and fearful dog may try to bite people or other animals. Dogs may also exhibit rapid breathing, hypersalivation, or excessive licking or chewing.

This type of manifestation occurs most frequently in dogs adopted from shelters. It can also occur in dogs that are constantly left alone at home. If these dogs needs are met, this type of behavior can improve.

2. Apathy

Apathy can be manifested in a couple of ways. Your dog either just sits doing nothing or stares at a fixed point/object. Sometimes apathy can alternate with states of hyperactivityyour dog may play until exhaustion.

3. Aggressive Behavior

Aggression can be expressed through direct attacks or attempts to dominate. Neurotic dogs may try to bite other people (including the owner) or animals.

What to Do if Your Dog Is Neurotic

To help your neurotic dog, you must first find the cause that triggers their condition. Your dog will need to be well-fed, avoid stressful events, and rest. Also, if the neurosis is caused by the fact that you dont stay at home much, you must think of a solution to keep them busy and entertained during that time.

You can also find help from dog behavior specialists, or you can try home remedies such as music therapy or aromatherapy.

In the case that these remedies do not work, a visit to the veterinarian can be your salvation. They can prescribe sedative treatment to help your dog get through stressful periods better (fireworks, storms, or other loud noises).

Summary

Neurosis in dogs is not common, but it can occur. Although breeds such as Beagles, German Shepherds, Akitas, Pitbulls, or Jack Russell Terriers are more prone, neurosis can occur in any breed. The causes of this condition are mainly represented by prolonged exposure to severe stressful situations or traumatic or upsetting events. Clinical signs that owners can observe are fear, apathy, aggression towards people or other pets, excessive licking, hypersalivation, diarrhea, or rapid breathing. As remedies, you can try to eliminate stressors, aromatherapy, music therapy, training with a canine behaviorist, or even sedatives.

Featured Image Credit: My July, Shutterstock