Canine Compulsive Disorders!

[Snadger]

Or more accurately tail chasing and biting!

My six month old German Shepherd pup is forever chasing her tail and has recently taken to grabbing it and hanging on whilst she spins around.

Anyone had any dealings with CCD? as if that's what it is I was wondering what I can do about it?
I've got a week off work now so intend taking her on some long walks to bond a bit with her and hopefully tire her out!

[jackie j]

Dont know anything about ccd in dogs, but we had a dog that used to do that and she ended up burning her tail in the parrafin heater shows how long ago that was.

[Cloud]

Sorry mate don't do dogs.

[Alice]

Hard one Snadger. There could be many reasons. Is the dog bored, under exercised or anxious about something. Or did it do it as a pup and get the behaviour rewarded by attention and laughter. Sorry, my psychology degree didn't cover German Shepheards, but these things can be general. Or maybe a trait bred into the breed.
One way or another, I don't think it's about the dog saying how happy I am.
Hopefully your week together will help. Have you spoken to your local vet. They can be good.

[Claire72]

At 6 months old, your dog is still a pup, it is just playing, it will probably do this for another 6 months yet. It is only a problem if it damages its tail, then you will need to look at ways to stop it.
He/She would probably benefit from another dog to chase/play with, do you know anyone with a sprightly dog for yours to spend an hour a day with?
Mind you, I am no expert

[Cloud]

Sorry but I am a great believer in the fact that dogs should be licenced at a ridicoulous amount maybe £1000 a year.

[terrier]

I agree, Claire, It's a puppy thing. If there's no better stimulation then they create their own. All the WT pups do it at first, although now docking is outlawed, they can catch their tail, which they couldn't very easily before.
Snadger, make sure your dog has toys to play with to stop it getting bored. Long walks are great but it's company they need at that age. Imagine a human child by itself with no other children to play with. Socialisation with other dogs is very important, have you considered puppy socialisation classes, it would only take a couple of hours a week.

[Claire72]

Sorry but I am a great believer in the fact that dogs should be licenced at a ridicoulous amount maybe £1000 a year.

why?

[terrier]

Sorry but I am a great believer in the fact that dogs should be licenced at a ridicoulous amount maybe £1000 a year.

I could see that £1000 license fee would cut down the number of owned dogs but how would responsible owners benefit? Or maybe you are saying that no dog owners are responsible citizens?

[squashysu]

snadger

i have owned GSD's for 17 years - in my opinion the best breed in the world - anyhow your thread has made me sad as we lost Rosey in October 2007 and i havent got over her yet, but her roses are growing well and about to bloom, so i know she is still with me!! anyway, GSD's do have some strange habits, does she play with toys?

We were shown at ring class club to get our GSD interested in toys rather than their body lol!! but, unfortunately Rosey never played with toys and loved to chew her feet!! Have you ever thought about getting her a friend, two GSD's together are lovely, we have had 4 in total and in pairs as they can get quite bored and keep each company, my other 3 loved chasing a ball rather than their tail, but also dont forget she wont "grow up" until she is at least 2, so perhaps this is her way of having fun.

Give her a lovely belly rub from me!

SS

[lynda66]

my dog still chases her tail, she's 11 this year and jack russell cross brillo pad, the cat whos now 18 monts old and my new kitten both chase their tails, and the cats chase each others , and the dogs tail ...... they have loads of toys, and the dog spends most of her time in the garden, and has plenty of walks ......... but tails appear to be fun

[Cloud]

I could see that £1000 license fee would cut down the number of owned dogs but how would responsible owners benefit? Or maybe you are saying that no dog owners are responsible citizens?

No i'm not saying that.
Round here our local council employ dog wardens and men on little machines to clear up dog mess,and I just think that the money could go towards the cost.
Mind you maybe cats should be licenced then people might think twice about owning one and/or having them neutered!

[Snadger]

Thanks for the replies! Unfortunately I can't get another GS however much I'd like to because of my tenancy agreement only allowing one!

I've always had GS(probably about six over the years) but this is the first one to show these syptoms. I hope it is only a puppy 'thing' but if it isn't I'd like to nip it in the bud.

She is indoors with my OH all day so isn't short of human company and gets long walks with me twice a day!

I've googled it and it mentions seretonin levels and medication. I would rather not go down this road.

Maybe I should rename her Monk, after the fictional cop with compulsive disorder probs!

[squashysu]

How about a lovely pic of her Snadger, i would go weak at the knees ha ha ! (the dog not you ha ha )

i do know lots of dogs that chase their tales, if she is chewing her bottom after she has the tale then this could be a vitamin deficiency, so perhaps get her some vit drops.

If she is itching the end of her tail, on her back, take a good look at her skin, apparently GSD's can suffer from Ezcema (doggy form), unfortunately, Rosey did and we only found out when she was 8!!! (darn vets).

Apart from that I bet she is gorgeous and you are making me want another!

SS

[terrier]

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against vets, they do a good job, but if you have a problem with your pet that isn't life threatening, first stop should be you breed club/association for first hand advice. Lots of people with years of experience in that breed.