Desperate for advice with working GSD pup - Page 3

Twinmacs Kennels  if the problem is neurological then the e collar would make it worse.   

If your desperate and nothing works it seems like the best idea is have your vet shorten the tail whereby not being able to reach it and chew on it to make it bleed

So many times the "tail" isn't the problem and cutting the tail...even off...Doesn't correct the problem...I've even seen where a dog's tail has been amputated off...but the dog still has the same problem...

So you need to be sure what's going on before trying cutting...
 

Docking the tail will not stop the dog from trying to chase it or from establishing a new OCD behavior. It's a behavioral problem and needs to be dealt with first by a vet then a behaviorist. The GSD breed is prone to OCD as are some other working breeds. For example -  Dobes are prone to flank sucking while GSD's chase their tales.

I read in a recent issue of  the monthly GSDCA publication, The Review, that there is a new study on this very issue. I will try to get the information if the OP is interested.

I could contact the breeder and ask if this is something that they have encountered before in their lines/sire/ dam/siblings and if so how did they deal with it? Often times it is genetic, whether it is from prey, OCD or neurological, and a good breeder may be able to help you out. 

Good luck,

theresa

If it just started out of the blue 8 days ago.. that would lead me to believe is probably physical over mental..

Does the dog have Fleas???  I know you said you use Frontline, but in some areas it just is not as effective as it used to be.

We recently saw a dog that had been dealing with a similar problem for years.  Literally biting his tail to the point they had to amputate it.  

Turned out he dog had a herniated rectum.. only it wasnt really visible... 

He could also be suffering from full anal glands or an anal fistula.  I hope you are able to find the solution.

How is your dog doing. Did you find the reason for the tail chasing or get him to stop. 

It would be nice if you would post your results they may help someone else with the problem

Tail chasing is based in GENETICS.  It is an OCD behavior but its basis is in the dog's genes. The age is about right for this to show up.  It is no different than a dog that spins in the bark and hold.  You can mask it but you cannot change the genes.. and if you add enough stress the behavior returns. 

Redirecting with a flirt pole may help.  Cutting the tail off and the rest will not.  Dog may need medication. 

I have heard of dogs becoming so obsessed with tail chasing they had to be PTS.  I am sorry your dog has inherited this trait. 

Sorry some time have to be sharp , no training going to help or stupid muzzle will fix it and it's not high drive and getting the energy  out , will help for one hour , and then he will be back same thing , any way I think it's genetic problem in the breeding pair , I had a customer  who had the same problem he had to put his dog down 

if someone had to put a dog down based on tail chasing, that person has no business owning another dog, ever....

if you are talking about other problems and tail chasing was a side effect of those problems, than your advice is not valid at this point, more info would be needed for comparison to even put 2 dogs on the same page....