Dogs Can Be Introverts!

Have you ever met a person who identifies as an introvert? If you have, you know that they tend to prefer to stay home (rather than go out), spend time alone or with a limited number of people they really like (rather than hang out in large crowds), and when they do participate in an activity where they’re around a lot of people, they need to recharge their social batteries in order to function normally. Otherwise, they’re likely to be tired and cranky.

There are different levels of introversion from mild to highly sensitive. Highly Sensitive People can be easily overwhelmed by bright/blinking lights, noise, harsh colors, and/or rapid fire conversation. It’s a genetic trait called Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS): a genetically based trait associated with greater sensitivity and responsivity to environmental and social stimuli. ~Bianca Acevedo

Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

What does this have to do with dogs? Well, it made scientists wonder if dogs could have a similar gene. Researchers in Finland studied the DNA from blood samples of 330 Finnish owned German Shepherd Dogs and mapped noise sensitivity to Canine Chromosome 20. From there they mapped fear reactions from different stimuli to other chromosomes. The conclusion of the study supports the theory that dogs CAN have Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

If your dog is easily overwhelmed or overstimulated by things that other dogs are not bothered by, he or she may be suffering from sensory overload. Negative behaviors triggered by sensory overload cannot be trained away, but you can learn how to help your dog cope with guidance from a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant or a Veterinary Behaviorist.

You can find more guidance on where to find a behavior professional on our website or email solutions@vindicatedrescue.org