I have a 2yr old staff she gets walked twice a day, has many toys and my 5yr old to terrerise and she still wants to chase her tail. (and no she hasn't got fleas) When i have guests round she's worse and i have to keep on shouting for her to stop. Any ideas on how to get her to seat on it!
2006-12-02 03:45:31 · 13 answers · asked by fay 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi there!
I have a 5yr old staffy and he is exactly the same. In fact we now say to him "Unwind yourself!" and he goes in the opposite direction!
He does it when he is excited. But when we are at his grandparents they dont like him scratching their floors so we stop him by giving him a cuddle and he forgets about it.
Or sometimes he gets caught against the wall and catches his tail, gives it a little nibble, and then stops.
If you really want her to stop, try giving her a chew or something- you will know by now that staffies love their food!
Good luck
2006-12-04 13:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by poochieanna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obsessive (or excessive) tail-chasing is a sign of stress. It seems to be a common stress behaviour in Staffies and English Bull Terriers.
The stress could be caused by over-excitement or over-stimulation. When you have guests the tail-chasing might be caused by the excitement or the anxiety of having people in your house.
I think that shouting at her will probably make her worse. Distracting her will more than likely work better.
Over-stimulation is usually caused by over-boisterous play or loud noises or something like that which stresses the dog out.
Some dogs have injured their tail by snapping and biting at it when they chase it.
If it is as bad as you say you should think about consulting a dog behaviourist who will be able to tell you what is causing the tail-chasing and how to control it.
Make sure that you get a properly qualified behaviourist - try the web site for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).
You will probably get a lot of answers guessing at what might be the cause but the only way to be sure is for someone to see what triggers your dog's tail-chasing.
2006-12-02 16:59:44 · answer #2 · answered by DogDoc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a dog thing! but if the problem is worse when you have guests, the dog is also competing for your attention. So you either have to ignore the tail chasing, (cos when she gets tired she will stop!) Unless she is injuring herself or breaking your home up, what is the problem?
Otherwise try aversion change, like make a loud unpleasant noise when she starts to chase, ( this will distract the dog) and if it is unpleasant then the dog will be discouraged from repeating the tail chasing, but you will have to prepare your family and neighbours for the shock in advance.
2006-12-02 11:55:35 · answer #3 · answered by kenjinuk 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Possible reason is mites or ticks, either that or she just wants to get your attention we used to have a dog that did the same after a consultation with the vet we were told basically all the dog wanted to do was play speak to your vet if you are really concerned and see what they can suggest.
2006-12-03 07:04:09 · answer #4 · answered by dracula1974@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a staffie about 10 years ago and she did exactly the same, I just think they do it for something to do. If she is 2 years old she might always do it.
2006-12-02 11:57:44 · answer #5 · answered by Goofy Goofer Goof Goof Goof ! 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well your dog has something wrong with her tail. It might have new hatched ticks. The best idea is to see a vetranarian.
2006-12-02 11:51:21 · answer #6 · answered by dawn h 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
send a video tape to Americas funniest.
2006-12-02 11:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by Hannah's Grandpa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This book is highly recommended for your problem....http://www.dogtrainingdiscovery.com/cbae/?a=S2NQm7SGGb
2006-12-02 18:53:32 · answer #8 · answered by James 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is just being playful. Dont worry about it.
2006-12-02 11:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by breedgemh_101 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
dogs are stupid,so it's most probly is just doing what it likes,or it's got worms.
2006-12-02 11:53:24 · answer #10 · answered by mrgee32uk 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋