Chasing that wonderful tail - Page 1

My puppy, is great. He seems to be a calm dog except when called to action. He does not hump strangers or me. He is very social. Well, from time-to-time, he suddenly amuses himself with chasing his tail. At first I thought it was kind of cute as I would watch him getting dizzy, then he changes in the other direction. He talks to his tail. Should this behavior be discouraged? It seems to give him alot of pleasure. Layla

"It's not a problem until it becomes a problem", she said cryptically. What I mean is there's nothing to worry about as long as it's just an occasional puppy-type burst of exuberance. For some dogs, however, it becomes a nervous habit, their primary outlet for stress, boredome and frustration, and it can develop into an obsessive-compulsive behavior and even escalate into actually *catching* the tail and mutilating it. I wouldn't necessarily try to *discourage* it, but I also wouldn't *encourage* him, either. When he does it, try to remain somewhat neutral, and when he pauses, see if you can't interest him in one of his toys, or go through a few training routines with him. Make sure he's getting enough physical AND mental exercise--if his little brain's not being stimulated, he'll self-stim in some fashion and the tail-chasing may end up being the selection. A physically and mentally tired puppy is a happy puppy. :^))

Depending on how old your dog is, I would not worry so much. Distract your dog. Maybe he feels by doing this behavior he attracts attention. If in a kennel. Watch out though. This could become compulsive behaviour. Sunny

You make first post question on Leisure training and now on dog chasing tail. Maybe you need to learn before you make any work to train! Is OK. All make start in same place some time. First dog? Enjoy dog. Play! Learn how relax. Sound like you very concern on how be right all time. Not know anyone what be right all time. Dog need learn listen for you, and you for dog. Most important for dog feel you have respect and care in heart for him. You still boss but good boss. Anything what is too much become problem. Sound like maybe dog bored, maybe not care about attention from you, or need more toy, or need more attention or activity, or maybe he real smart he find new way to make attention come to him right away, even if you busy? Many ways to make good training. What plan? Schutzhund, showline, trials, somekind competitions, home, pet, obedience, agility, companion, service, guard, protection, SAR, other, maybe not sure? Find trainer what you see you like result by see dogs they train. Study dogs in how they working is most important informations you need for pick trainer. Take time. We learn since kids, taught many years by family, breeders from many years. Dogs any age,we treat simple. We simple, expect good behaviours. First is we work build relationship for dog and people. Need dog interest so want to listen for voice Gentle steady type work to guide dog,if we make train small things make in same way, many short times, is fun, no feel like work, soon dogs learn. Pick reward so fit what dog like. That just our way. Many other good advices from people on this site. No matter how train, dog always have own choice, what to do? Need train for dog make choice in happy spirit and want look for more to doing for handler. Relax. Is no person or dog perfect. What you want? Maybe best Work is from heart for make good team with dog, in home for family, or in trial. Good luck.