border collie problem - chasing his tail non stop?

Question

Hi, my friend has a border collied (now 7 months old) for as long as they've had him he chases his tail non stop, he goes to two places in the house and just continuously spins, this can also be set off by excitement or even simple sounds such as sniffing or the clasp on a bracelet. Does anyone else have a problem similar to this with this breed of dog. He seems to ignore everyone and everything around him just to do this and no amount of shouting stops him. I know this breed generally are difficult pets because of their energy and need for stimulation, but he is walked regularly and never seems to tire. It makes us all dizzy. HELP!!

Answer 1

Buy him toys, he's either DUMB or BORED...

Answer 2

it's really not a problem. Border collies are really interesting dogs, I thought my dog was a border mix for a while and learned a lot about the breed. They are a hearding dog, so they have a TON of energy and if you don't help them expell it, they'll do it themselves! Borders are also famous for being obsessive, and with usually only 2 to 3 things. One is usally instinctive and that is nipping at heals because that is their purpose for herding the livestock. Some dogs follow a flashlight spot on the floor then obsess whenever the sun shines through the window. This particular dog chases it's tail. It is either an obsession or just getting rid of excess energy. I highly recomend reading up on this dog, they turely are a very interestin breed.

Answer 3

This is called 'stereotypical behaviour' and its very difficult to tackle. Its also unusual in such a young dog. You usually see it in older dogs that have been bored out of their wits for too long.
In a young dog, its something that the dog does because he geats a kick out of it, its addictive. Your friends must try to put a stop to it now, before he gets any older.
This kind of theing is usually triggered by excitement such as the doorbell ringing or an argument; so shouting is the wrong thing to do.
Instead I'd suggest getting a plastic drinks bottle, put a few stones in that and rattle it when he starts - then IMMEDIATELY call him away from his preferred spot and give him something rewarding to do. Your friends need to learn about clicker training, and training discs.
They should also get him to obediance and agility classes as soon as possible. This dog is slowly going insane and urgently needs help. Why he started in the first place is a matter for a vet. I'd suggest a check up, and ask the vet if there is a behavioural trainer attatched to the practice.

Answer 4

He definitely sounds as if he is not getting enough exercise and he is bored. These dogs require so much activity and stimulation that they sometimes don't make particularly great house pets unless they have a large outside area for exercise and running. However, some type of medical problem could also be causing the behavior.

Do you have dog obedience classes in your area? If so, your friend could ask them for an opinion. Also, check on line and at a good bookstore for a book specifically about training border collies.

Best of luck. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Many dogs do this - its quite good fun - you spin and spin and get to chase something that looks like its going faster than you! In other words he's playing and has loads of energy! The odd chasing is OK but if he's doing it all the time it does mean that he needs more stimulation. He obviously loves chasing so get out in the open and throw objects for him to retrieve. I have a "lobber" - a stick with a cup for the ball to be gripped - when thrown the ball is released and goes much further than a normal throw - my dogs love it including my dad's border collie. Border collies are hard work as they love to work and will need constant stimlation - dog classes will help to focus his attention and train him to do tricks/ obedience and be alot of fun for the owners.

Answer 6

Regular walking is NOT enough for a Border Collie, you are right that they have a lot of energy but they need more exercise than most people are willing to give them. They need big yards and things to do! Consider finding a doggy daycare to take him to once a week, and go to obedience classes, Border Collies LOVE to work and spend time with their owners.
Try chatting at a border collie forum http://www.bordercollie.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi where the people really know and love the breed and are willing to give you help, not like some of the answers you'll get here on Yahoo.
Good luck to your friend and her puppy :-)

Answer 7

Border Collies need a lot of exercisers cause they have so much energy probably the reason he is chasing his tail is he is bored. Tell your friend to play with him for at least 1 hour a day. Also Border Collies like to have jobs to do, try getting him on a fly ball team or teaching him to play Frisbee.

Answer 8

See the vet and get a medical opinion, but the dog may need more than walking. They often need mental and physical stimulation...like herding. This is why they do not make good pets. You really need professional help with the dog. See a vet first and then maybe a professional trainer.

Answer 9

Stop him from going to those two areas in the house seeing that those are the places that he likes to spin. Don't just shout at him. Physically stop him from doing it. Shouting will do nothing...it'll just make him more excited.

Grab him by the collar with one hand and put the other hand on his back. Border collies aren't big dogs so it wouldn't be hard to do.

Answer 10

Border Collies need a lot of exercise. They are champion frisbee players because of their energy. They can't be cooped up and a walk is not near enough for them. Maybe this is not the right pet for you friend.

Answer 11

Tail chasing starts out of boredom, it can become a compulsion that can cause physical and emotional damage. Stop the boredom as soon as possible. Collies are herding dogs who should be kept busy.Keep the dog occupied it's that easy!