I am a new owner of a female west highland terrier/shitzu puppy. She does not play with her toys on her own. I supervise her with her toys. Take them away when we are done. She really likes to play tug. I don't let her win. She is getting bored. She is now chasing her tail and mouthing/chewing on her legs. Today is the fourth day I've had her. What do I need to do for her? Oh, she prefers soft toys.

Thank you.
LaNea Jorgensen

How old?

Why can't she win the tug? PLay with her!

You need to address the tail-chasing NOW. First, are you positive she has no fleas? Double-check (chewing on legs).




eta

Tail-chasing out of boredom turns into OCD very fast and that's a real problem. While you are checking for fleas, keep her well-diverted and don't let the tail-chasing continue. Don't correct -- you'll end up with a private tail-chaser.


PS
Welcome to the board!





Edited by Connie Sutherland (12/01/2009 11:17 AM)
Edit reason: ps

Hi LaNea!

Why not play tug with her then? Get lots of fun, soft toys and throw them around and let her tug with you to her hearts content!

The GOOD puppies tend to prefer to play WITH their owner, and not alone, so count your blessings and become the most fun thing in the world for her! Don't just toss toys out and expect her to entertain herself... If she is having the time of her life playing with you, she won't need to chase her tail or chew on her legs.

Oh, and while you are at it, teach her to give you the toy by playing the trade game. While she is playing with a cool toy, "trade" her for a better toy or a treat. If you want more on the hows, let us know!

Another great way to keep her entertained is marker training. She can learn just about anything an adult dog can, right now. Marker training will get her brain working and will tire her out just as much as physical play, and keep her from getting bored. There is a ton of free info here on marker training and it is so much fun to see the light bulb go off in their little eyes. A great site with fun pet training ideas and goals is Dragon Fly Llama

Thank you for the advice!

Maggie is nine weeks. I checked for fleas and couldn't find any.

Please take the tail-chasing as a serious warning that the dog needs a lot more interaction with you.

I know I sound like the voice of doom, but if you had read the messages from folks whose dogs started with just this and quickly escalated to obsessive tail-chasing (to the point of bleeding and even exhaustion), you'd understand.

You'll want to redirect immediately, or even better, not let the dog have the time or the frustrated energy to resort to tail-chasing. Please don't make the mistake of laughing at it or perceiving it as funny or cute.

 Quote: jessicakromer

Oh, and while you are at it, teach her to give you the toy by playing the trade game. While she is playing with a cool toy, "trade" her for a better toy or a treat. If you want more on the hows, let us know!

Another great way to keep her entertained is marker training. She can learn just about anything an adult dog can, right now. Marker training will get her brain working and will tire her out just as much as physical play, and keep her from getting bored. There is a ton of free info here on marker training and it is so much fun to see the light bulb go off in their little eyes. A great site with fun pet training ideas and goals is Dragon Fly Llama

As Jessica says, "If you want more on the hows, let us know!"