Tail Chaser! - Page 2

major hereditary problem. if caught young enough 10 weeks or so it can be controled, puppy requires a distraction and lots of supervion. always in high drive dogs , both sexes.

Most times tail chasing in dogs can be attributed to an obsessive-compulsive disorder. You can read all about it in the "Merck Veterinary Manual" which is available on-line. Do a google and then search for behavioral problems in dogs. These disorders are treatable with drugs and behavior modifications, but dogs with these conditions are probably not good candidates for breeding; as Peter Cadman said, these disorders do run in certain families. Tail chasing is just one of the manifestations seen in dogs with OCD - excesssive licking, fear, general anxiety, abnormal ingestive behavior, attention seeking behavior, hyperactivity, inappropriate play behavior are some of the others. Personally I think GSD breeders need to be careful and not dismiss hyperactive dogs as drivey. Like begets like; be very careful what you wish for. It is also known that dogs suffer from neuropathies which can cause self-mutilation. These dogs will usually bite at and mutilate their tails, feet, flanks, and hind legs. Since neuropathies are caused by diseases that destroy the myelin covering of the nerves and we are talking GSD's here, we should also be aware that DM could be in the future of some dogs that obsessively chew their own body parts.

Unfortunately, years ago I had the same experience as Echo with a border collie. I went through the same series of trials to cure him. I went to many vets, had many tests, went to several trainers. There was no help for this dog. He was on epilepsy meds for months as well, but it did not cure it. The vet kept increasing the dose to see if it would help but did not. Eventually, when the dog was 1 1/2 years old, and the dog's tail was quite mangled, the vet said, "you have to think about where this is going and what you and the dog can live with." He would not increase the dose again. The problem sickened me as he was otherwise a very sweet dog. It was diagnosed as OCD. This was a time before Prozac was known to be used for dogs with OCD. I had him put down. It was very sad and I have always felt guilt about this dog and the things I did to try to stop the problem and then at last killing him.

Hi Folks, I have a female that has this issue on occasion. She is a high drive female not hyperactive. We do schutzhund and K9 tactical training to add variety to training. My female would chase her tail when kenneled. We determined it was a displacement disorder that corrected itself with added physical activity. When she was worked or exercised more often she would stop the tail chasing. We did have to remove a few tail vertabrae before the situation was understood. She is now also our house dog and doing well. If your dog is chasing its tail out of a nerve issues try giving them a beef soup bone to chew on when that situation presents itself. You would be amazed at how long a 4 inch beef soup bone could occupy your dog. Kyle

To all of you out there. It's amazing how widspread this problem seems to be!!! And strangely enough, no one that I directly asked had ever had this problem. I've had my pup checked up, taken blood, and averything is ok. He's a quiet dog with good play drives. He's neither hyperactiv, nor is he a bundle of nerves. Thank god, I asked for your help before he got worse. I keep my pup around me alot, when I've got no time for him I give him a bone to chew on. His wounded tail (about 2 x 1 cm) has healed nicely now. When ever he even looks at his tail, I throw a dog chain or whatever I've got at hand, at him, without any emotions or comments, and things are looking good at the moment. Once again I want to thank you all for your time, even if it didn't work out positive for all of you, I wish you all the best and good luck with your dogs. Isabelle

Isabelle, I hope everything works out for you and your dog. You'll be surprised to find out how many problems don't exsist with alot of breeders/owners... We've ALL had our share! I will continue to watch for your posts and please let us all know how the "puppy" does. Robin

Isabelle I think your dog may need a pupose and alot of exercise. Echo said something interesting that the dog rarely went for the tail while under supervision. I believe the dog had a purpose while with Echo and the dog by himself he did not. Your dog may not find a purpose with all those bitches even if we do not understand why not. Even though the dog is young I would try all phases of schutzhund especially obedience to give the dog more purpose. Of course you need to be careful with any biting during protection with new teeth and young joints need to be considered while exercising. I am amazed at how many people tell me they exercise their dogs every day and then I find out that consists of about a 20 minute walk with an owner that is himself/herself 70 pound over weight. Best of luck Kevin

Hi Robin. Well I must say, I didnt think we'd get through this without more of a fight!!!! My "little" boys' tail has healed up fine. If he didn't have a little bald patch at the tip of his tail you'd never notice a thing. As he's got hardly any teeth at the moment he's mostly gota bone to chew on, and he won't let any of his ladies even look at him while doing so!! I take him almost everywhere with me, and he loves it, having a fit if I have to go to the ladies room without him. He has also started to be very protective towards me because of the fact that we're together alot. I hope he will forget his tail altogether, although he only looks at it now. Once again thanx for the good tips and words of courage and I'll be letting you know if we're cured!! Over and out Isabelle

Hhi, I also have a tail chaser My 5 year old SCHIII female. She seems to do it when she is extremmly boored and when she is glad to see me( I do not let her Jump up so she goees for the tail instead) or when she is LAUGHT at (I mean it you start laughing at her and she goes for her tail.)I think the problem could be she is fustrated she doesn't get to do what she wants and she takes it out on her tail. I recently bred her with a very high energy male that produced a wonderful livey VERY LIVELY litter( they sit and bark at each other for fun) I hace noticed that two of the females seem to be picking up the habbit from their mother! they do it when they have nothing to do OR when they get attention from it. They don't try to kill the tail but they do like chaising it. I found that if I say NO then give them a toy that helps. Do not be afraid to be harsh with your dog! Please try playing games with him and NEVER let people laugh of admire him for his behavior that might make it worse. Let Me know what happens. Jess

Hello Isabelle, I am so happy to hear your puppy is doing so well!! Keep up the great work with him! Maybe we can all learn from your triumph. Keep us posted,...I check this post every couple of days..for up to date news on him. Take care, Robin