tail chasing - Page 1

pup seperated from litter mates (not mom) at 3 months old. and began chasing her tail. Help. what can be done and why is this happening. She has a lab partner now to play with and lots of toys plus puppy training to stimulate her. Never had this before. not my litter but involved with the pack.

Any and all suggestions appreciated. This is a well bred working line litter if anyone is interested

k9Sar- you need to deal with this before it becomes habitual. It will take some time and patience on your part.

When you observe the dog chasing his/her tail re-direct them with a toy or tug. The pup is bored and is looking for stimulation.

Meaning that you actively play with them - with the tug or toy

JMO, Others may have a better idea

Kim

  Agree with Kim.  My dog also used to to do it when excited not only bored.  Redirection was the way to go.  If she got excited and started I would simply give her something else to do i.e. sit. She still will do a few spins when she is happy but it is not  crazy like it was.  When she was a pup she would do it alot.  She is a very high drive dog and was very easily over stimulated.  Even petting would get her geared up and she wouldn't stay still for it.  I would do alot of touching and stroking of this dog to get the nervous system used to processing stimulation.  Cookies for calm and allowing strokes. And plenty of exercise for this pup.  I wouldn't do alot of drive building either until the dog can demonstrate calm behavior.  You want the dog to be able to think in high drive, my girl always had a hard time keeping it together when in drive. My girl is out of Czech border patrol lines and a GSD. Hope this helps.