My Dog Won't stop chasing his tail, and this isn't just cute, it's really annoying, and it's hurting him!

Question

First of all, i've had a look at the answers of some of the other similar questions about dogs chasing their tails, but none of them helped, people just said, "Aww, it's cute, just leave it!" But seriously, my 9 month old Staffordshire cross kelpie just will not stop chasing his tail. At first, we thought it was pretty cute, but after a while, he began to actually catch his tail, and wouldn't let go of it, causing himself much pain. He wails and wails until we get him to stop! We figured out he does it when he gets excited, and we've tried to distract him with toys and such when he does it, but nothing seems to work. We've tried everything to get him to stop, from Spraying water on his tail, to putting terrible tasting things like Antiseptic lotion or Lemon Juice on his tail, but he just won't cease to chase and catch it! Please help, What can I do to stop him from chasing his tail?

Answer 1

May be a type of OCD (Obessesive Compulsive Disorder). Similar to wheel chasers or dogs that are "motion crazy". As how to treat it.... I'm at a loss. Perhaps see if there are any Yahoo! email lists dealing with the problem (they can be VERY informative) or talk to a behaviorist that may have some ideas for you. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

Answer 2

I came across a dog like that once, I rescued it from someone and tried to rehome it.
In my opinion that dog was neurotic and it appears so is yours.
I am not saying you're doing anything wrong, but that the issue is most likesy psychological.
You say he is doing it when he gets excited, what does he get excited about?
I don't really have an answer for you, other than finding out what triggers the behaviour and try to avoid it. And give him lots and lots of exercise, make him chase a Kong or a frisbie, ...
I wrapped this particular dogs tail with vet-wrap, to minimize him hurting himself.
After several months I was able to find the dog a home in the country with lots of room to roam and exercise, and the new owner told me that the exercise and going on trailrides with their family really minimized him doing that.


Good luck to you

Answer 3

Dogs have personalities and quirks, just like people, this quirk belongs to your dog alone.

Try an elizebethan collar while you treat his wounded tail.

This is something else my groomer told me when my dog chewed all the hair off his tail, but you might want to talk to your vet about it...

Try giving your dog some children's benadryl, the cough syrup, at lower dosages (weightwise) than for children.

I gave my dog benadryl, put on the collar, and put ointment on his poor naked little tail. It resolved in less than a week and he doesn't think about it anymore. Cross your fingers.

Answer 4

He needs more exercise take him for longer walks .They have an abundance of energy.This is stressful if they cannot exercise freely.Hence the tail chasing this is a natural form of exercise but watch that he does'nt get dizzy.Walking will balance this out and lessen this doggy activity.

Answer 5

Might be a long shot but take him to your Veterinarian and have them express his anal glands. If full they can cause a dog discomfort, some dog's chew and bit at this region to try to relieve this pressure.

Answer 6

you could always have the vet dock some of it off. that way he can chase it all he wants, but not be able to catch it.
other than that, i'm at a lose

good luck to you

Answer 7

I have been told it is a nervous habit. When he is doing it you need to correct him and try taking him for a walk or something. You may want to talk to a pet trainer about it.

Answer 8

You might take him to an Obedience class.

Answer 9

You have tried anything that I would suggest except chew toys.

Answer 10

WRAP A TOWEL OR SOMETHING AROUND HIS TAIL