Can Dogs Be Neurodivergent? Odie Says Yes.

Odie

The idea that dogs can be neurodivergent might sound unusual at first, but for those of us who live and work alongside dogs with unique behavioural profiles, it feels like common sense. My own dog, Odie, lives with HSHA (Hyper-sensitivity, Hyper-activity), and he’s taught me more about compassion, creativity, and tuning-in than any textbook ever could.

What Do We Mean by “Neurodivergent” in Dogs?

In humans, neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain function and behaviour, such as ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences. While dogs aren’t formally diagnosed with these conditions in the same way, emerging research suggests that they, too, can experience the world through a neurodivergent lens.

• A 2023 study published in Translational Psychiatry found that dogs can exhibit ADHD-like traits, including impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.

• Finnish researchers have explored how genetics, early life experiences, and environment contribute to these traits in dogs, drawing parallels with human neurodevelopmental conditions.

• Behaviourists and trainers are increasingly recognising that some dogs process information, stimuli, and stress in ways that fall outside the “norm”, and that this isn’t a flaw, but a difference.

Odie with toys

Odie: My Neurodivergent Dog, My Greatest Teacher

Odie isn’t just my dog... he’s my co-regulator, and my daily reminder that progress isn’t linear. Living with HSHA means Odie’s world is fast, loud, and often overwhelming. He struggles to settle, startles easily, and finds it hard to filter out distractions. But he also brings unmatched joy, spontaneity, and heart.

Supporting Odie means meeting him where he is, not where I wish he’d be. That looks like:

• Predictable routines that help him feel safe.

• Choice-based training that respects his agency.

• Sensory accommodations, like quiet spaces and soft textures.

• Celebrating the small wins, because every moment of regulation is a triumph.

  
  

Odie has taught me that “difficult” behaviour is often a dog’s way of coping with a world that doesn’t quite fit. When we shift from control to curiosity, we open the door to deeper connection.

Rethinking “Normal” in Dog Behaviour

Recognising neurodivergence in dogs invites us to reframe our expectations. Instead of asking, “How do I fix this?” we can ask, “What does this dog need to feel safe, seen, and supported?”

• Ditch the deficit model: Behaviour isn’t good or bad... it’s information.

• Adapt our approach: One-size-fits-all training doesn’t work for any dog, let alone neurodivergent dogs.

• Celebrate diversity: Just like people, dogs come with a wide range of needs, sensitivities, and strengths.

  
  

Odie’s neurodivergence isn’t something to be “managed”, it’s something to recognise and work with. And in doing so, he’s helped me become a more compassionate, flexible, and emotionally attuned educator, not just for dogs, but for their humans too.