Pacing behavior

[PaddyD]

Over the last coupe of months, Abby has become more of a pacer. It can occur any time during the day but usually when we are in the process of settling down (e.g. watching TV or on the computer or reading). She paces slowly for 5 - 10 minutes then settles down. She prefers to pace around or behind or under something.
Her health and appetite are good and she gets a lot of exercise (up to 6 miles most days) of walking and running.
Just wondering if this is normal behavior. Thank you.

[GatorDog]

My dog Aiden used to pace, chase his tail, and chase shadows regardless of the amount of physical exercise he got that day. Try some more mentally stimulating exercises. Once I started Schutzhund, all the behaviors stopped. Any sort of sport or hobby that involves mentally stimulating /obedience exercises should do the trick

[baldemar]

I agree with Gator Dog totally. I had my sons Czech GSD for a while and at my sons home he ran circles and spun behind something like a couch or the bar down in the basement. Found a "cove" so to speak. When at my home I have a great room so nothing was available but I trained him to platz, sitz, fus, bring - you know the living room training things.. Took him to Schutzhund Training with me and he worked T=O=P It seemed he would invite me to "train" instead of running circles somewhere. Very smart dog - really was a jewel during the time I had him.

Divert your dogs attention into something that is satisfying yet active. It will all work out for you guys... called learning to live with each other... lol GOOD LUCK

[PaddyD]

Thanks guys. This is slow pacing, more like moping, not burning off energy. She gets Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. She paces (slowly) then lies down. She's not looking for something to do.

[Stosh]

Our last gsd Omy was what the vet described as a 'throw back'. She operated completely on instinct and was a totally natural dog if that makes sense. She would do the same thing in the evening, walk the perimeter making sure everything was in it's place and everyone was accounted for. Then she would circle and pat down her imaginary mat and settle down but always with one ear tuned. Sounds like Abby is doing her job.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by Stosh

Our last gsd Omy was what the vet described as a 'throw back'. She operated completely on instinct and was a totally natural dog if that makes sense. She would do the same thing in the evening, walk the perimeter making sure everything was in it's place and everyone was accounted for. Then she would circle and pat down her imaginary mat and settle down but always with one ear tuned. Sounds like Abby is doing her job.

Wish that were true. This pacing seems without purpose. It's too slow and goes on for too long. When she lays down, she zonks out. I hope you are right and I am wrong.
Thanks

[Stosh]

She's not very old is she? I have heard of senior dogs pacing in the way you describe especially at night.