Chasing his tail!

Hiya

How do I discourage Leo (3 months) from chasing his tail, he's catching it too? He has lots of toys and even more attention

Oh blimey... I'm not sure Claire.

I'm sure others will have ideas

Thanx Ian, will keep checking

Crikey, that's very young to be starting that behaviour! Any of this in mum/dad/siblings? Would be interrupting and distracting really, then putting him onto a toy to redirect. How much is he walking? Is he stressed? Any excess noise/children/other animals at the house?

My boy is 15mths and chases his tail all the time, he's bitten the end of it but thankfully just the fur, I just interupt him when I catch him to ensure there's no damage. I didn't think it was a problem tho ?

He has lots of toys, no small children live with us but we do have regular visits from family but Leo doesn't do it then? He is walked/ run three times a day and played with constantly. Not sure if any siblings have this behaviour- will contact and find out. I interrupt and give him a toy to fetch or chew. My first staff started it aged around 3 and eventually the vet amputated his tail because Taz kept catching it and chewing it. Constantly infected and very sore! Still tried chasing his little stump tho! Taz was mad as a box of frogs - my furry baby! Lol

Bug has never chased her tail but I saw it a lot in kennels - one of my old fosters had OCD with tail chasing, also did a lot of damage to himself bless him.

It's more common in bull terriers than other breeds - it's only a problem if it's excessive (a daily ritual, and often throughout the day) or doing any damage. It's something I would never encourage though. General causes are; attention, excessive energy, stress, injury to the tail, or a medical/psychological reason such as canine OCD, or even epilepsy. Might be an idea to mention to your vet.

I think it's normal puppy behaviour, but should be discouraged. Does he drop onto his shoulder with his backside in the air trying to grab his tail? If it's excessive to the point where it's all he does, then yes, it's something to worry about.
Find something better for him to do as soon as he starts.
Pete.

Thanx all, we're back to the vets next week so will mention it.

Hes self exercising, if I havent took my dogs out for a day (very rare but) say because of very bad weather they do it, knacker him out with a big dog walk and he should stop doing it,

Tail chasing is something that should be discouraged as it can lead to severe behavioural problems. try distracting with a toy as soon as you see him start to do it.

Did you get him from a breeder or rescue centre, if a rescue centre maybe try dropping them an email to explain the issue you are having. If from a breeder have you contacted them to ask if this is a recurring problem from the parents ?

Hope you get some answers and a solution.

Ohh this isn't good! Fab advice from everyone above.

Every time you catch your pup chasing his tail, be sure to distract with something enjoyable and exciting. Be sure to keep us updated with the vets advice.

As said distract and redirect pups had done it few times around this age but it never became exessive but we always stopped her maybe its just normal puppy behaviour hell grow out of but watch it.

Did a little research apparently if he does ot through the day hes bored, if hedoes it when your getting ready to take him for a walk he does it out of exexcitement, always thought it was a seld exercising thing whoops! Hope hes better soon

Can only echo what Kathy and Rachel have said tbh, best advice