This Jack Russel owner is very concerned about her dog’s habit of obsessively licking the walls. Also, she would like more information about “doggie boarding schools” as the little jackie is quite hyperactive and needs to learn some manners!

Question:

Dear Glynne.

I fear my 17 month old Jack Russel has lost the plot! In the last 2 weeks, she has developed a disturbing habit of “licking” the walls inside my house, for hours on end. She also works herself up into such a frenzy whilst doing this, that she starts whimpering and panting to such an extent that I think she might keel over. She seems visibly stressed out at this point, but maybe she is just having fun, I dunno. Anyways, its caused quite a stir amongst my mates - they all think poor Smudge is certifiably eccentric. One friend even suggested she might have rabies - which I dont think is possible because she would’ve had to have been bitten by another infected canine, wouldnt she? She has always been a little hyperactive (she barks at shadows, cant keep still for not even a nono-second, etc.) but I always believed this to be something intrinsic to the breed. Nonetheless, this new obsessive compulsive behaviour is disturbing me, I want her to stop licking the walls, for my sanity and hers! In order to get her to stop, I have to put her outside in the garden - then the behaviour ceases. What else can I do, and what is causing this bizarre behaviour?

On a different note, I would like to send my Smudge, and my other little doggie to training school. Ive been told that there is a place that you can take them where instructors will do all the hard leg work…a doggie boarding school as such. Could you provide any recommendations in terms of a school? Ive been to training with Smudge when she was a wee mite, but she was/is quite a handful and I couldn’t manage to master much with her. Also, her manners have deteriorated to the extent where she jumps manically on me and others, and sometimes even bounces off the furniture and walls (when she’s not licking them off course). Sigh.

Thanks for any assistance you could provide.

Kate.

Hi Kate
I’m breathless just reading about your canine turbo! Poor Smudge is a very unhappy dog … that’s for sure.

• Firstly, you have correctly diagnosed the problem but I’m afraid there is no short cut or pill which will save the day and magically stop her licking the walls.
• This is a serious condition and you must get specialist help from an accredited behaviourist or your little dog will probably deteriorate further – even to a point when her quality of life will be questionable.
• Secondly, I think once her obsessive behaviour is remedied, her manners and demeanor will return to normal.
• My advice is not to send her to “Boarding School” aka “Boot camp” which in my opinion will exacerbate the situation.

If you are in KZN kindly visit my website www.petshrink.co.za and phone me to set up an appointment. Alternatively, should you be in another province, please visit www.ethology.co.za and click on ‘Society’ for a behaviorist in your area.
• And thirdly, any mammal can carry rabies including rats and monkeys, so do make sure her vaccinations are up to date!

If you love Smudge please get her some help immediately.
Glynne