Relentlessly chasing his tail

[SamTheDog]

A few weeks ago my pup, 10 months old, started chasing his tail. Now he is absolutely relentlessly chasing his tail. If he is awake and not eating, he is chasing his tail. I've tried exercise, distracting him, etc. I could be petting him and hes trying to get to his tail, not concerned with me at all. I've even held him down and he fights me to get to his tail. It doesn't seem to be medical because he has been to the vet very recently, but I planned on taking him anyway. Any thoughts?

[BR870]

IMO you need to get a behaviorist involved ASAP. Sounds like classic neurotic behavior.

[shaner]

Originally Posted by BR870

IMO you need to get a behaviorist involved ASAP. Sounds like classic neurotic behavior.

I happen to disagree. I've had two huskies and now my current GSD, all of them chased their tails as puppies and all grew out of it. I think sometimes we read too much into these things. Unless there's some other signs of a problem, I wouldn't worry about it. That's just my opinion though.

[onyx'girl]

I would give the dog more exercise, have him carry a lightweight backpack when out for walks and work his mind as well. Have him "hunt" for his kibble in your yard, or lay it in a track for him to search, do obedience with it...
I think tail chasing is serious and if not stopped the dog may start chewing it. I would keep the dog as busy as possible. If you can take him swimming, that would be a nice outlet too.
Get some antler chews or a nice raw meaty bone for him to work on.

[Whiteshepherds]

Puppies can do some goofy things but OCD is hard to stop once it starts, so I don't think I'd wait to see if he's going to grow out of it.

I agree with everything Onyx said, and I'd also try to distract the pup when he starts chasing his tail. (puppy push-ups, throw a toy, run away and call him etc.)

[Stosh]

There have been several studies regarding gsds and compulsive tail chasing recently, one asked for volunteers on this forum to participate. It's something gsds are prone to so I also suggest that you distract your pup and get him interested in another activity as soon as he starts. If it were my dog I would contact a behaviorist.

[msvette2u]

Originally Posted by shaner

I happen to disagree. I've had two huskies and now my current GSD, all of them chased their tails as puppies and all grew out of it. I think sometimes we read too much into these things. Unless there's some other signs of a problem, I wouldn't worry about it. That's just my opinion though.

This is more than an occasional tail chase.
There's dogs who are so bad that is all they do all day - literally.
Get a behaviorist on board now.
You may even need meds to break this habit.

BTW, Shepherds are notorious for this, I remember visiting the shelter and there was one just spinning and spinning in it's kennel. Would not even look up as we passed. So very sad.

Dog Compulsive Behavior ? Spinning, Tail Chasing, Pacing more Types, Symptoms and Treatments

[robinhuerta]

Tail chasing can be an extreme problem if not stopped immediately.
It is a neurological disorder...and the dog can literally *consume* every waking moment "in chase" of it's tail.

[Castlemaid]

As others have said, this is more than silly puppy behaviour, but a behavioural disorder. I've never dealt with this, sounds like a challenge to deal with.

Here are some previous threads for some more info.

Apollo is "Special." I really need advice

Tail chasing

Chasing tail & stops with Time-Out. Why?

Help.. anxiety and tail chasing..

he just spins and spins....

Unfortunately, there are a lot more threads like these if you do a search. This last link has some good examples on the level of exercise and training a young dog needs to stay stimulated mentally and physically.

[BowWowMeow]

Originally Posted by robinhuerta

Tail chasing can be an extreme problem if not stopped immediately.
It is a neurological disorder...and the dog can literally *consume* every waking moment "in chase" of it's tail.

This^ It's an OCD condition and very serious.