German shepherd - Tail Chasing - No doc could help

lazers

Hi All, I have a German shepherd (male) about 11 months old. The problem with it is that it chases its tails and goes in circles. When i take him for a walk i usually have him on a leash and it walks straight the whole time.
As soon as i come back and unleash him or if he is not chained during the day, its favorite thing is to try to get the end of his tail in his mouth.

Its like this for the past many months now, i have taken it to a vet, there are no worms as its been given anti-worm medicine multiple times, also the tail and back area seem fine, no injuries or anything else visible there.

Please can anyone help, any idea what could be the issue here.

Regards.

Brittany

My first thought would be that he is bored. How much exercise is he getting? Do you do any training with him?

I would make sure he is getting atleast an hour of good exercise a day, more if you can and that might help. Also, does he have any toys or bones to play with?

Is he an outside dog?

BoxLove

I agree with him being bored - he is making his own fun.

If you are with him all day the easiest thing to do would be re-direct him when he does this. If you are not with him you can't stop it I'm afraid.

lazers

I though so that he was bored which is atleast true for now as he is alone during the day and tied up, till i get back from office. But previously i had another dog and they used to play together a lot, but he still showed the same behavior whenever he had a little time to himself.
Will spending more time with him do the job, i am the one that usually spends time with him but that too late in the evening.

Brittany

Is there anyway you could bring him inside? If he gets a nice long run in the morning and comfy doggie bed to sleep in the warm house I bet he would feel much better .

How much exercise is he getting now?

lazers

Well inside is not possible . He stays in the lawn. Now a days, generally i take him for a walk for half an hour, other than that not much. Got quite busy in office, was thinking of taking for a walk without leash late at night (so that he does not disturb others by barking on) for longer times.

Brittany

I know how it is when you get so busy, but our dogs still need exercise and attention. Would it be possible to hire a dog walking service? If someone came once or twice a day to take him for a walk that would probably help some, but being tied out all day alone is definately going to cause problems.

Corinthian

Consider looking into a Vet who is also a behaviourist. They have they can suggest a course of action to modify this behavior and even prescribe meds while you are working on solving this problem.

Stereotypic repetitive behaviour is difficult to address and requires long term commitment to changing the behaviour.

alfi

I agree he is bored! IMO bored dogs can easily get anxious and frustrated causing more trouble. Playing with other dogs I don't thing will solve the problem. I think you'll have to find time to work and do things with him!
Do you think that's possible?

I don't want to sound harsh but do you think you can explain why is not possible to get him inside? People here can help you a lot with this if you want.
I agree with Brittany and BoxLover...re-direct him is a good advice!

Criosphynx

hes gone "cage crazy". He bored out of his mind


this^^