Compulsive disorders in dogs involve repetitive, stereotyped behaviours that interfere with normal functioning. They reflect significant welfare problems and require professional management.
Compulsive disorders represent significant welfare impairment: dogs with CCD are frequently unable to engage in normal social interaction, play, or rest because the compulsive behaviour intrudes. The disorder is associated with a negative emotional state — often anxiety or frustration — and the behaviours themselves, while providing temporary relief, ultimately reinforce the cycle. Management is most effective when initiated early and combines environmental enrichment to address the underlying stress state, structured behaviour modification, and veterinary assessment for pharmacological support when needed. Breeding selection in predisposed breeds, and public education about the role of stress and under-stimulation in CCD development, are important prevention strategies.