Hyperkinesis: Understanding The Over-Reactive Beagle

Anyone who has worked extensively with beagles has occasionally been confronted by an over active, sometimes raging, vicious beast, the handling of which has required a heavy-duty tranquilizer and several assistants. In many instances, such behavior cannot be explained by improper handling or cruelty and neglect by owners. When it seems that nothing can be done, the dog is written off as “just plain mean” and relegated to the end of a chain or destroyed as a menace to the neighborhood. Since the early 1970s, such excitable and vicious behavior has been identified in some dogs as hyperkinesis, which in children has been under study for 40 years, and which can be effectively treated medically.

Hyperkinesis information and cases need as much exposure today as ever. “Hyperkinesis,” as a diagnostic entity, is described as: A hyper behavior that is treatable with stimulants. A great deal of public ignorance abounds regarding hyperkinesis, probably because it has recently been given a new label, i.e. ‘attention deficit disorder.’ While ADD, as it is termed, may describe certain aspects of the readily observable behavior of a hyperkinetic dogs, it lacks the physiologic symptoms which can be described and measured.

Signs associated with hyperkinesis in beagles are usually displayed when the dog is stressed by close confinement and/or social isolation. Signs include rapid heart rate and respiration, excessive salivation, a high metabolic rate and reduced urine output.12 The major difficulty in identifying the syndrome, however, is that there is no apparent cause. Clinical signs may be evident in dogs that are normal in other circumstances. Moreover, dogs identified as hyperkinetic do not always exhibit the same behavior patterns or physical symptoms.

The Diagnosis: Despite variations, clinical signs can give the veterinarian diagnostic clues in distinguishing the hyper-reactive from the hyperkinetic pet. Initial clues may come from the pet owner. Complaints fall into the following categories:

1. The dog cannot sit still, even for aminute.

2. The dog never becomes accustomed to everyday situations.

3. He cannot be taught anything (often an obedience school failure).

4. The dog salivates constantly and always seems excited or nervous.

Many beagles living in stressful environments may be stimulated toward hyper-reactivity. An amphetamine response test can differentiate hyper-reactivity from hyperkinesis. The seemingly paradoxical calming effect of amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin) on hyperkinetic and even violent children and adults has been put to use for many years. In veterinary cases, amphetamines have resulted in about 75% positive results.

Four young pups are all in need of loving homes

Blue Springs Examiner - We could not rescue animals and place them in loving forever homes without your support. Thank you so very much! The following 1426448 male beagle mix, white, 2 months. - 1424436 male Australian cattle dog mix, tri-color, 7 months. - 1433697 female hound

Troubled animals find way to her home
Myrtle Beach Online - Her desire to adopt and rescue animals was first roused when she was a fifth-grader at Royal Oaks Elementary School in He had Beagle puppies and gave me one.” She experienced a wonderful reality then - some people had pets to spare, and the

Waldo Nilo
North County Times - owners, a few uniformed pet lovers, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Canine Unit, pitched in to support the dog park. Leading five members of her group along the course, unit leader Pam Medhurst, who walked 2-year-old beagle

Motorcyclists show their support for United Way
Salisbury Post - The Rowan County Rescue Squad took over escort duties at the dam and led the motorcycles along Bringle Ferry to Beagle Club Road. They crossed to Stokes Ferry Road and then rode west into Salisbury, where Salisbury Police picked up the escort. At

West Layfatte residents send pets across the country for adoption
Coshocton Tribune - The breed selection at the All Breed Rescue is extensive - corgi, dalmatian, beagle, poodle, fox terrier, pug and more. “They all have stories,” Glen said. Millcreek All Breed Rescue does take owner-surrendered animals for a $20 fee, and reserves the

Hot on the rabbit trail

Columbia Missourian - Rabbit season opened on Oct. 1 and so did David Urich s dog kennels. Urich has 11 dogs: eight beagles, one basset hound When a beagle finds a rabbit or a rabbit trail, it makes a chilling, distinctive howling noise called a bay. When one of
Source: www.digmo.org

Animal lovers make new friends at humane society event
Portage Daily Register - Jackpot, a beagle, had been up for adoption for months before finding a family Saturday. She was dressed up in a witch costume We just lost a dog. My parents are retired, so I think this helps to have someone at the house for them,” Jones said. Mary
Source: www.wiscnews.com

Natural beauty
Home News Tribune - dog park are the main attractions on this particular morning when the great outdoors beckon. Lisa Bell is one of first to arrive. She pulls into the lot with her 6-year-old son, Brian, 4-year-old daughter, Alyssa, and Zoe, a bouncy 6-month-old beagle
Source: www.thnt.com

Gas prices dropping just in time
North County Times - This is the first time I’ve ever seen them working a dog, sniffing the cars just like at the border. I thought they were LEGAL BEAGLE to Sarah wrote on October 17, 2006 10:10 PM : “Poor thing you are so mislead. Why don’t you tell us exactly what you
Source: www.nctimes.com

Weekend Guide
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - It’s a Dog’s Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Collection” features 28 photographs of his celebrated Tues.: Ad Astra Per Aspera w/Endless Mike & the Beagle Club 9:30 p.m. HARD ROCK CAFE Station Square, 412-481-7625. Fri.: Alice
Source: www.post-gazette.com

Quizzes help us fill in the blanks
Asbury Park Press - If I’m headed into the office, though, I need to find a phone booth along the way so I can transform into a beagle, because that’s my dog personality type at work. Why am I compelled to find out these things about myself? I mean, really, is answering
Source: www.app.com

Beagle Hyperkinesis: A Case Study Of Drug Treatment

The first controlled studies of hyperkinesis in dogs were an outgrowth of a long-term attempt to develop animal models of psychopathology. Dogs were chosen for these studies for several reasons, primarily because there were many carefully bred animals available. This allowed an evaluation of genetic strains in certain breeds. Also, dogs are the only domestic animal with a variety of emotional responses comparable to those seen in people: they worry about things not essential to their survival.

In studies designed to evaluate responses to stress, some dogs did not respond to Pavlovian conditioning. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and tranquilizers were all tried, but nothing worked. Typically such dogs would be eliminated from the study, but because the researchers were interested in the interaction of genetics and psychological environment, they were curious about dogs that appeared unwilling to be studied. Eventually the researcher decided they were dealing with the equivalent of a hyperkinetic children. On that basis, amphetamines were given, and the tentative diagnosis proved correct.

The first model of hyperkinesis in a dog was Jackson, a Cocker-Beagle mix whose usual response to any approach was to snap, snarl, growl or, if possible, bite. Many experienced, gentle dog handlers were bitten, until eventually laboratory personnel refused to approach the dog. Jackson responded the same to other dogs. He viciously attacked any dog without hesitation, even friendly and docile animals. He refused to submit to Pavlovian conditioning, and destroyed laboratory equipment in his rages.

Because depressants were not effective against Jackson’s abnormally hyperactive and vicious behavior, it was suspected that hyperkinesis may have been involved. On this assumption, the dog was given amphetamine orally. Within 2 hours, Jackson’s personality changed to complete docility. He whimpered as if he wanted to be petted. When petting was stopped, he begged for more. He became nonviolent, even submissive, toward the same dog he had attacked earlier. Jackson appeared to be perplexed and unsure of what to do.

When placed in the Pavlovian experimental stand after medication, Jackson responded normally and learned rapidly, indicating that his previous failure was not a result of mental retardation, but rather a secondary effect of his behavior problem. After 6 weeks of drug-facilitated psychosocial therapy, medication could be withdrawn without reappearance of aggression, but hyperkinesis reappeared in low-threat situations. Aggression was apparently trained out by the drug-facilitated social interaction and conditioning experiments, indicating that what is learned under the influence of amphetamines is retained later.

After 2 more months of psycho-social therapy using amphetamines, Jackson’s non-medicated hyperkinesis was also reduced. Because he was between 1 1/2 and 2 years old at the time of the experiments, maturation could have been associated with the cure; however, 6 older hyperkinetic dogs did not outgrow their abnormal behavior patterns.

Low Country Animal Shelter Takes Action Against Abandoning Pets

WTOC TV - The ones we’re tying to make space for that really need our help get pushed back even further because we don’t have the space for them,” said shelter employee Clare Senior. Gerthoffer says a beagle mix, now named Video, is one of the recently contunues

Comfortable Bedding For Your Precious Beagle Puppy

A Beagle puppy or dog will take great comfort in discovering there is a warm, soft sleeping space all ready for her in her new home. Once you choose the type of bed she will be sleeping in, be sure to place the bed in a place free of loud noise and distraction - a new dog needs to sleep in relative calm.

The most popular commercially made beds are made of wicker. One of the advantages of a wicker bed is that movement causes it to creak, a sound that seems to calm dogs. However, dirt and crumbs get easily lodged in wicker. Wicker also is an easy target for teething and destructive puppies. Not only is it prone to damage, it can break off and wind up inside your puppy’s body. Therefore, avoid wicker beds for young beagle dogs.

Another type of bed available in pet stores is constructed of hard plastic. This will both indulge and survive dogs that relieve their anxiety by chewing on their beds. Beanbag chairs can also
work as long as the cover is very sturdy and can be easily removed and washed.

Of all beds, the one that makes the most sense is a collapsible crate or cage-like enclosure. A cage can be used for housebreaking purposes and often gives a new dog a sense of security. In essence, the new dog will “own” this structure, and consider it to be her very own space in the house. Standard crates suitable for dogs that never exceed thirty pounds are about two by four feet and stand three feet high. Larger enclosures are available to fit bigger breeds.

When She First Comes Home

When the Beagle puppy first enters your home, place her in her cage and leave her alone there. After ten or fifteen minutes, return and release her. While the puppy is in the cage, do your best
to resist her mournful howls, which should subside after a few minutes. Try to ease her fear by placing a light blanket over the cage to transform it into a cozy enclosure. Of course, the puppy’s world should in no way be confined to the cage. Supervised ventures throughout the house are crucial to her becoming fully acclimated to her new environment. A puppy probably longs for the snug camaraderie of sleeping with her litter-mates. To reproduce the warmth a mother and litter provides, wrap a lukewarm hot water bottle in a towel and place it in the bed.

puppies need gentle discipline to give them a sense of order. When it comes to bedtime, they need to learn early that sleep usually means temporarily leaving the fun and attention people provide. A puppy should be confined to her “room” when her natural sleeping time occurs. Stick to this schedule so that it becomes routine. A good way to ease the trauma of these nightly separations is to place a piece of your clothing in the Beagle puppy’s bed. The scent that emanates from the garment will be calming.