I thought this problem went away. Luna started chasing her tail
during her last heat cycle, I added more exercise and no more
tail chasing until that is she was spayed. Exercise was limited
(no running, jumping etc for 10 days) and she started chasing
her tail again. I am hoping this is just boredom so I upped the
exercise and ball playing now that it is okay to do so. Her
tail chasing has decreased but not stopped. Any suggestions?
I really do not want to go the drug route if I can help it.
One again thats for the advise.
Betty Reavis
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
I would redirect instantly with any kind of upbeat reward-training (preferably marker training). As you know, this has to be stopped before it becomes ingrained at all.
Connie: I have been doing that ( marker training ) and as long
as I redirect she stops but when we stop, she starts chasing
tail again. Its driving me nuts!!! Yesterday, however we played
alot and walked alot and she only chased her tail for maybe
10 seconds all day. As soon as I catch her I redirect and it
works for the moment. I'm really trying to get a grasp on this.
She seems worse on the two days a week that I work. When I'm
home with her her tail chasing is minimal and I can stop it
but on work days it gets very frustrating.
Any other idea's. I know I have to stop this behavior.
Thanks
Betty Reavis
Niomi Smith Webboard User Reg: 04-20-2009
Posts: 786
Loc: Whitehorse, Yukon
Offline
The tail chasing really seems to be related to her getting bored and her tail chasing whether compulsion or entertainment is not healthy for a dog to do all the time.
Do you maybe have a neighbor, family member, trainer(who is well versed in dog training/behavior) that could work her a little or walk her on your work days?
Hi Niomi: No I do not have someone I trust to work her the
2 days that I work. I really think this is a boredome issue to.
I am trying to stay positive about this issue and work through
it but its frustrating.
Thanks for your help.
Betty
1. why is she intact?
2. what did you do last time that seemed most effective?
3. breed?
4. age?
5. previous training?
6. you work only 2 days/wk and you notice a significant difference in her behavior on those days?
7. is she crated or confined when you are at work?
Reg: 08-24-2005
Posts: 361
Loc: Northern California
Offline
There was an interesting article published recently on this topic.
It was in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (March, 2009). It was a small study (15 tail chasers and 15 normal dogs) done at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag.
The tail chasers had significantly higher levels of cholesterol (both HDL and LDL). The study builds on evidence in humans that with high cholesterol levels have a higher incidence of panic disorders and some phobias. The hypothesis being that high cholesterol affects the flow of serotonin at the level of cellular membranes.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Mary K.Pope
There was an interesting article published recently on this topic.
It was in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (March, 2009). It was a small study (15 tail chasers and 15 normal dogs) done at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag.
The tail chasers had significantly higher levels of cholesterol (both HDL and LDL). The study builds on evidence in humans that with high cholesterol levels have a higher incidence of panic disorders and some phobias. The hypothesis being that high cholesterol affects the flow of serotonin at the level of cellular membranes.
I saw that. Interesting.
Still another possible use for the very useful and safe (IMO) supplement Sam-e (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine).
Connie and Mary: Thanks for the information regarding cholesterol
levels something I will have checked out. No tail chasing this
weekend kept her busy and tired out, as a matter of fact I'm tired out.
Connie: Can you give me more info. on Sam-e supplement.
Thanks
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