Tail Chaser

Posted July 22nd, 2007 by Annette

My Border Collie X Lab is approaching 5 months old and I have noticed lately that he regularily chases his tail and even attacks his hind legs and chomps on them. I have read that tail chasing is not good and if it continues I should consult my vet. However, it has not stated what causes this problem and how to fix it. Is my dog going insane?
Annette

Comments

not insane

On July 23rd, 2007 Aidan says:

Hi Annette, no, your dog is not going insane. If it becomes obsessive or compulsive, then you must seek out a competent vet or preferably, a veterinary behaviorist. It could be boredom, it could be a skin allergy, it could be pain relief so it's worth seeing a vet.

At this stage you can interrupt (hand clap, or something else not threatening that gets attention) and re-direct (ask for another behavior, sit, drop, roll-over that is rewarded).

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

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