However, I would speculate that constant mistreatment would lead to a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty in the world. Unfortunately, not much is known about the reason abuse increases excitability and activity. These dogs are more nervous in everyday situations such as walking on stairs. Two surprising unique characteristics of maltreated dogs are increased nervousness and hyperactivity. Excitability and Hyperactivity in Abused Dogs
This theory is supported by the fact that rescued, sheltered, or re-homed dogs are very likely to develop separation disorders regardless of whether they were previously abused. However, because these neglected animals are typically re-homed and experience unstable lifestyles, these attachment behaviors may be a result of their unstable circumstances. Psychological abuse of animals may also lead to development of separation disorders such as separation anxiety. Abused Dogs Seek Attention and Attachmentĭog behavior is not only influenced by physical maltreatment, but psychological mistreatment as well, as further studies indicate.ĭogs that receive little social interaction or that are abandoned by their previous owners tend to be more attached to their new owners and to seek their attention compare to dogs from stable homes. The linked recent study of dog behavior and canine victim abuse showed that aggressive behavior increases the risk for being harmed.
It is also possible that aggression may not only be a symptom of dog abuse, but a risk factor. Animals that are extremely fearful of strangers and other dogs are also highly aggressive toward strangers and dogs, suggesting that aggressive behavior is motivated in part by fear. Dogs experiencing stressful events early in life tend to develop behavioral disorders such as increased hostility towards people and other dogs.Īnother cause of increased aggression could be fear. In addition to fear, mistreated dogs may also exhibit higher levels of aggression toward strangers and other dogs. Aggression Toward Strangers and Other Dogs While the reason for this fear is less clear, experts speculate that this trepidation of other dogs may be due to the presence of dogs during the mistreatment of the animal. However, a little less expected is the increased fear that abused dogs may have for other dogs. Animals abused by humans in a non-obvious way (neglect, starvation) were less fearful of strangers because they were not taught to associate humans with mistreatment. This is especially true for animals that were physically abused by humans in an obvious direct way. Not surprisingly, previously abused dogs display a heightened fear of strangers. If shelters and rescue organizations can educate adopters on the behaviors of abused pets, it's more likely that these animals will be adopted into a home that can deal with those behaviors and help the dog work through them. Knowing that a dog has been abused previous means more tolerance and better care of them. Thus, education on the signs and behavioral abnormalities of abuse by dog owners may reduce the likelihood of relinquishment of abused dogs to shelters by improving owner awareness. Unfortunately, many dog abuse signs have also been identified as reasons that owners may relinquish their pet to an animal shelter.
READ NEXT: 20 Signs of Stress in Dogs.Other Causes of Behavior Issues in Abused Dogs.Abused Dogs Seek Attention and Attachment
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