Your dog may struggle to concentrate, stay calm and control its impulses which could indicate attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Often, you spot signs at an early age, for example in puppy groups, says dog trainer Julia Reich. “All animals are excited, but a dog with ADHD takes it to the next level.”

Animals with Attention DHD symptoms often react strongly to even minor stimuli, which has significant consequences: they become overexcited quickly and experience more stress than other dogs.

That can be frustrating for owners, as training such an animal is challenging. They find it difficult to concentrate, are easily distracted from their tasks and sometimes their excitement is almost impossible to control. The dog may also behave aggressively.

Path to diagnosis

If you fear your dog may suffer from ADHD, go to a vet and rule out physical causes, such as pain or thyroid problems.

You can also talk to a dog trainer to find out whether the dog is reacting nervously as a result of its behaviour or training.

Ultimately, it’s a diagnosis where you exclude other factors, says Reich. ADHD diagnosis in dogs is still in its infancy, she adds.

Check this questionnaire developed by experts. It asks dog owners to classify their pet’s behaviour based on 13 questions including “Is it constantly fidgeting?” “Does it react hyperactively?” or “Does it quickly become interested but also quickly lose interest?.” Once you reach a certain score, it recommends behavioural counselling.

Many causes

In general, ADHD does not have a single cause. Several factors can lead to such behaviour, from the genetic to the environmental. Male dogs tend to be affected more often than females, and there are also breeds that generally react quickly to external stimuli.

Researchers are focusing on breeds that are divided into show and working lines, such as Border Collies. Show dogs are more likely to exhibit ADHD-like behaviour than their working counterparts.

One issue is that show dogs tend not to get enough exercise, while owners of working dogs know their animals need tasks to perform and give them such tasks.

What to do if dog underchallenged

“It’s generally a problem when dogs are bought solely for their appearance, without considering the animal’s aptitudes and needs,” says biologist Sandra Foltin.

Dogs are bred for hunting or herding sheep, meaning physically demanding tasks. So going on a walk twice a day is not really enough to challenge them.

But what shoudl you do with a dog with ADHD? As an owner you need to be a trustworthy attachment figure for your dog, says Reich. That means you need to first take care of yourself in order to manage any negative feelings such as frustration or stress when interacting with your pet.

That’s because such feelings can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in your dog. You can learn breathing techniques, which you can use when walking your dog or during training, says Reich. Meditating regularly can also help.

How desensitization works

Make sure that your dog has enough peace and quiet at home. Your pet needs at least one place where it is always left in peace – even by children.

The next step is to consider which external stimuli the dog reacts to particularly strongly, such as children playing. Then work on desensitization. “Sit next to a playground and let the dog watch from a distance,” says Reich. Before your dog is overwhelmed, take it away so that it can recover.

Think about what kind of hobby the dog might enjoy. Does it have a good nose? Then mantrailing, for example, could be a good choice. Or does it like to fetch? Then keep your pet busy and calm it down with “dummy work.”

No dopamine rush

“It is very important to focus on rewards and never on punishment in all training methods,” says Foltin.

Don’t try to tire the dog out physically by throwing balls, for example as the dopamine rush this triggers can actually exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Try other ways to help your pet relax, such as conditioned relaxation. You start by relaxing your dog through massage or stroking, then link this state to a word – which requires training. The aim is for your dog to relax automatically as soon as it hears the word.

Some dietary supplements or serotonin preparations can also have a calming effect but talk with a vet about dosages. Also, take a look at your pet’s diet. “A protein content of over 20% to 25% can promote hyperactivity,” says Reich.