Tail chasing

[leejaysmum]

Is it ok to let a dog chase its tail? My 4 month border has started doing this and whilst its hilarious to watch, it got me thinking about the psychological issues - if there are any.
I'm not sure whether its just harmless puppy fun and i should just let her enjoy it - though she does show signs of annoyance by growling and squeeling whilst spinning, & what - if any - problems might arise from letting her carry on? Should i take measures to discourage it?
Thanks in advance.

[woofgang]

no its not okay and can lead to psychological problems and fixation. Please its NOT funny. When she starts, distract her, never laugh or encourage it and don't let others do that either

[Clanad]

In line with woofgang's excellent advice, please realize that at least one part of the problem is the physical exertion required for a healthy dog. You don't say what breed of dog you have, but, regardless, all dogs require a minimum of half an hour brisk walking each day. For any of the larger breeds, this becomes a minimum of 1 hour or more.

If you're not prepared to invest in this valuable activity, the chances of breaking the tail-chasing fixation are greatly decreased...

[kita1]

Clanad: you probably did not notice but the dog is only four months old (16 weeks) so could not stand up to a half hour brisk walk - especially in this hot weather. Maybe in a few months time!

I would try and distract her when you see her start doing it and give her something else to do (toys to engage her mind or simple obedience exercises). Try getting one of the cubes that you put food in, or you could try hiding her toys/treats round the house and getting her to find them.

Apart from the psychological issues she could end up damaging her tail - either by catching and chewing it or by banging it on furniture. All the twisting and sharp turning will not be doing her growing joints any good either.

[madmaggot]

When she starts this habit take her somewhere quiet and do 15 minutes of training. This will give her something to think about which is almost as tiring as physical exercise. When she is old enough for some good walks you will both enjoy them even more if she is well trained.

[leejaysmum]

Thanks for all your advice. Clanad, Its a Border terrier btw.
She has 2 x 15 minutes walk per day, less in this hot weather if she flags, and we take penty of water that she has @ 5 minute intervals. Inbetween walks, she has house exercise, and lots of play. She has only just started the tail chasing and of course i only want whats best for her, which is why i asked advice. Im an experienced dog owner, (sadly i recently had to put our 15 year old Westie to sleep) but tail chasing is not something ive personally experienced with any of my previous dogs, so i just wanted to be clear on the psycholocical issues, and nip it in the bud if it was advised to be a negative behaviour.

[woofgang]

just to point out that clanad is in the US so wouldn't know about the horrible hot humid weather we have in the UK atm

[carmalee]

just a thought -if she's showing annoyance etc perhaps a problem with the rear end? anal glands.

[lankeela]

This is a form of OCD and should be stopped by distraction if possible. More exercise as the pup gets older should help, and plenty of things to chew/play with.

Some dogs chase shadows, or a torchlight if you flash it round the room. Same sort of thing.