Psychiatrists and psychologists are accepted in the area of human mental health care. Presently this is not the case in the dog world. Although there is an increased awareness of a "need" in this area there are still very few trained people to help the" emotionally disturbed dog.

The study of doggy emotions is not new. Just as other animals, such as mice and rats, have been used in the psychology lab so the dog has also been studied. (Remember Pavlov's dog?) It has been found that dogs are prone to many of the disturbances seen in humans, such as neurosis, psychosis, and hysteria. Emotional problems may be exhibited by:
(1) Severe nervousness—a dog that is tense, anxious, can't relax, barks excessively, is always watching or prowling, won't allow himself to be touched or to play and relax is definitely abnormal. A pet displaying such a mode of behavior is difficult to live with and gives his owners little enjoyment.
(2) The compulsive barker—this dog barks con tinuously or frequently for no obvious reason. This is most annoying and disturbing to all those around him.
(3) The fear-biter—a most dangerous dog to keep because of the distinct possibility that he will injure someone. Dogs that have suffered some traumatic experience may respond to any fearful situation by attacking and biting.
(4) Shyness and withdrawal—this problem can be readily identified, a dog that hangs back or hides when greeted, or approaches people with his tail tucked between his legs and his head down is definitely suffering from this disturbance.
(5) The sexual offender—a male dog who masturbates excessively and who disturbs children and visitors with his behavior presents a definite problem.
(6) The aggressive and hostile dog—this type of animal is usually impossible to maintain in a regular home setting unless helped. A dog that attacks others or severely frightens them is not only suffering from
a problem but is most certainly creating one for his owner.

These are a few examples of disturbed dogs that would need psychiatric help. Presently there are very few veterinarians available who can "treat" these problems. We know of a clinic in California that treats the disturbed dogs belonging to movie stars. However, there are more dogs with "problems" than there are professionals to treat them. The solution at the present time would seem to be to follow many of the suggestions for good mental health recommended for our own human population:
(1) Provide a happy, loving home.
(2) Keep stress and tension at a minimum.
(3) Prevent bad habits from forming—firmness
not permissiveness.
(4) Have clear, well defined rules and limits and
be consistent.
(5) Never allow cruelty to be inflicted.
(6) Don't breed a dog that shows personality deviations. (Unfortunately humans have not yet attained this level of wisdom).
(7) Seek professional help when necessary.