Would appreciate input esp from the Shepherd people. I know this has been discussed before but I had more detailed questions. I am a veterinarian and recently acquired a working bred shepherd(1/2 west and 1/2 east lines) for obed and schutzhund. I think her energy level is manageable but recently she began tail chasing. My primary breed is rotties so not sure what to do. Behavior people tell me this is a form of OCD behavior in the breed. I have increased her exercise and it helps but only to a point. I am home a lot, she is well exercised most days, in obed, tracking 3xweek, plays fetch/tug w kids. We are rotating family memmbers in order to tire her out but not sure this will eliminate the behavior. Is this inherited? The problem is not severe at this point since its mostly when she is not entertained. So do they outgrow it? Does it tend to get worse? Run in certain lines? I had considered her a breeding prospect if she titled/health clearances etc but now may spay her if problem is not outgrown. Is this just breed typical behavior when bored? We love the dog but I never encountered this issue in the rottie.

Barking at/ chasing tail
This was a recent thread about it.

 Quote: Julie Norton

Is this just breed typical behavior when bored?

I do think this OCD tail chasing is more common in GSDs than a lot of other breeds, and it's likely to be an inherited trait or tendency, but it's definitely not just breed typical behavior. My GSD, now 10, has never chased her tail. I know lots of GSDs that have never chased their tails.

I hope you hear from more experienced folks, and good luck with it<s>.

leih