Dog obssesed with chasing and biting tail.

K1_ · #1 25-07-11, 10:28 PM

Hey,

This is a habit I have tried everything to stop, from my shepherd was a pup till now he is over 2 he has always chased his tail biting it and tearing off his hair.

I have tried everything to stop it, but nothing works. He is exercised daily for hours. I have seen other german shepherds do this, and everyone I spoke to has been unable to find a way to stop it.

He chases his tail daily, and knows he is not allowed to do it. He tries to find somewhere to hide so he can chase it. Some believe its some sort of nervious condition, but at the same time he is not a nervous dog and will chase his tail no matter were he is. So im not sure what the cause of it is.

Thought I would post on here to see if anyone else has this problem, or if anyone has advice on ways to stop it.

The only thing I can do is muzzle him, but dont like to. And even with the muzzle on he will still go round in circles.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

Mazz · #2 26-07-11, 07:40 AM

Hello and welcome.
Have you had his anal gland checked?
Sorry I have no answers.

I wouldn'muzzle him, jmo.
Mazz

zetstaff · #3 26-07-11, 08:01 AM

Yes Mazz I'm thinking anal glands, that's the first thing I'd get checked xxx

emmaj · #4 26-07-11, 08:34 AM

I'm no expert but it sounds as if it is just behavioural issue (once anything medical is ruled out).

My Jerry spins in circles all the time and it is somthing she just "likes" doing. Again people say it is "unbalanced" dog behaviour but she does it when she is excited or happy. I suppose it is just like human traits like biting nails etc but we do it even though its not good for us.

I think its a case of diverting their attention with somthing better to do until they realise there are better things than biting/tail chasing/biting. I do remember seeing on a Jan Fennel dvd a tail chasing case that she sorted, might be worth having a look?. Sorry that is not much help but I have a rubbish memory....

Good luck

Caryll · #5 26-07-11, 09:49 AM

I would say it's behavioural. OCD.

Have you tried distraction? Every time he does it, distract with a toy or a treat? Have you tried teaching the 'leave' command?

If you have, and they don't work, I'd approach the vet & ask what to do about OCD. In extreme circumstances they can give medication, but it will also have to be combined with constant training.

A word of warning, if it is OCD, then you may have to face the fact that it could be a lifelong thing.

K1_ · #6 26-07-11, 11:32 AM

Thanks for the replies,

Yeah, been to the vet. Its not a medical condition. I have tried distracting him, and giving him other things to keep him busy. But any time I am not around he just goes after his tail again.

His tail has gotten quite skinny now, as he keeps taking bits of fur off. The most I ever got him to stop it was a few weeks. I thought he had finally lost the habit, but now its back to daily.

Im at the point were I dont think he will ever stop it, and will just have to deal with it. It may be OCD.

EMMAJ - I will check out that dvd thanks. I also seen an episode of the dog whisperer, were a german sherpherd was doing the same thing. Ceasar said it was because that particlular dog wasnt exercised enough, but mine gets tons of exercise. At the end of the show he was unable to prevent it either.

Caryll · #7 26-07-11, 11:53 AM

The only thing I can sugest is one of those lampshade collars to break the habit. Not ideal, but short of medication I'm at a loss.

Did your vet not offer any advice for OCD?

K1_ · #8 26-07-11, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caryll

The only thing I can sugest is one of those lampshade collars to break the habit. Not ideal, but short of medication I'm at a loss.

Did your vet not offer any advice for OCD?

Yeah, lampshade wouldnt be ideal. Talked to the vet. She said medication wouldnt help (I honestly dont think it would either). I also asked about any powders or sprays that could be used to give a bad tatse from biting his tail. But was also told there isnt anything that would help.

zetstaff · #9 26-07-11, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1_

Yeah, lampshade wouldnt be ideal. Talked to the vet. She said medication wouldnt help (I honestly dont think it would either). I also asked about any powders or sprays that could be used to give a bad tatse from biting his tail. But was also told there isnt anything that would help.

I bought bitter apple spray to try to stop Tilly licking her feet but she loves it

Stuart · #10 26-07-11, 06:14 PM

I have never experienced a dog that does this,.. but there is a lot of information on-line,..... i.e...>> Tail Chasing