I have a 17 mo old male GSD that chases his tail. He grabs it and turns in circles or just stands still and hold it. Has been going on since a young puppy and while it has gotten better as he's gotten older, it still happens more than I would like. Last weekend we were in an obedience trial and he started doing this and we had to be excused. Breeder has offered to replace him but I would have to return him as I have multiple dogs and would not be able to keep him but this is not an option for me so have to deal with this problem. Has anyone had experience with this or does anyone have suggestions on what we might try? I might add that at the trial he was totally out of control on the field but as soon as we left the field and walked through the gate he quit and heeled with focus all the way to the car.
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
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Loc: Richmond Va
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My first try would be to ratchet up the exercise, particularly mental games. For training I would try smaller venues. One or two other dogs, then more.
This was an SDA trial with 2 dogs on the field - one working and the other doing a long down. He was very wired when we got there and even though I tried to exercise him and warm him up before we started, it apparently wasn't enough. He's been on this field before and generally working while many more dogs are working at the same time. Will try more exercise, both physical and mental. - thanks
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
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GSDs are VERY prone to OCD. Since this has been going on since he was a puppy it will be very difficult if not almost impossible to stop. It can be exasperated in times of stress. For some dogs it becomes a default behavior.
OCD is often a sign of a dog that is underexercised & under stimulated mentally.
Knew a dog that did it as an owner attention getter,as the dog learned that the owner would pay attention to him, telling him to stop etc, when he did it. Another dog I know did it as an avoidance behavior, when he didn't want to do what the owner asked of him. May have been a stress release for the dog.
You might try redirecting him when he starts, which might work if it is not totally ingrained (which it sounds like it is since it has been going on so long). You will most likely have to resort to corrections to try to stop it.
I don't like to advocate e-collar use for someone that isn't adept at using one...but it is the one way of dealing with it that seems to work the best.
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Tail chasing GSD
#361056 - 05/14/2012 05:48 PM 
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