chasing tail

Hi all,
I am asking about my sisters GSD, just looking after him at present! he is 9 months old and constantly chases his tail, he would rather chase his tail than play with his toys and does it whilst out walking! My GSD has never done this so I am abit confused!
Any advise would be gratefully received
Thank you

Hi and welcome

Some info here
Tail Chasing in Dogs

[Caryll]

The odd bit of tail chasing is a normal puppy (and sometimes adult) thing, but continual chasing is cause for concern.

As well as the possibility of an underlying medical condition (neurological) it leads to OCD, which in it's extreme can ruin a dog's life.

I would be looking to stop the behaviour asap, to be honest.

[wildmoor]

is there a possibility your sister thought it was funny when he was small and they laughed?
whilst in the house if he des it ignore him and get up walk out of room
outsde you will have to distract him if he wont play with toys use food or whistle

Heard of this but no experience of it hope you get it sorted! xx

[Mazz]

Could it be his anal gland?
Mazz

[benson mum]

Benson does this when his anal glands need emptying

[Stuart]

Chasing tail is a very bad habit that needs to be stopped as soon as you can, as Pam [ Wildmoor ] said it often comes about because people see it as `cute`, but can turn into a serious mental problem,...follow her advice, dont try and stop the physicly, just leave when it starts,,.if he was once doing it for attention, he will hopefully stop without the attention

[LOVEGSD]

I would stop this as well, I would ask him to leave and then offer a toy to chew or play with to re-direct the behaviour.

[Su-C]

Hi & welcome to the forum.

As the others have said, you really need to stop this, it is a habit that does more harm than good. If the dog continues when you leave the room, then you need to try distraction. Have a favourite toy or a squeaky to hand and get in there quick!

Good luck

Sue
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