Tail chasing

[Preppy193]

My GSD chases his tail in and OCD type of manner. I discourage him, and he won't do it in front of me. He'll do it in front of my fiancé, and when he's been left outside for any amount of time more than it takes to do his "business". I have tried bitter apple, and that doesn't seem to help. Any constructive help I can get would be appreciated. This is my last effort to get help, if I wanted to be criticized for not knowing every facet of dog psychology, I would go hang out with the local schutzhund club and learn while they did it. Thanks to anyone that takes the time to try and help me.

[DiggityDogs]

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[Preppy193]

Yes, it's the same GSD with the aggression issues. He's doing better now that I have a trainer helping me. She pretty much told me that what I was thinking was right, but now she helps me and doesn't make anyone uncomfortable. Doesn't mix words, but isn't ignorant to uneducated people either. He's medically sound, but he chases his tail when he's left outside now. Is there anything else I can put on his tail that will help as far as him not chasing (and catching) it? Bitter apple doesn't seem to work. It only takes him a couple of minutes to do it, and he didn't used to do it. I have no problem staying outside with him if I have to, but I was looking for an easier way. Thanks for the reply.

[DiggityDogs]

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[Preppy193]

Well, I came home from the store with Bitter Yuk, opened the bottle, and he proceeded to lick the tube that had been sticking in the bottle. Then I hosed a washcloth with it and he started playing tug of war and fetch with it. Thanks for the suggestion though, any others? He hasn't been bad lately, but I'm still wililng to try in case he relapses. Thanks again.

[DiggityDogs]

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[Preppy193]

Off leash only, and almost (99.9%) never in front of me. He will start in front of my fiance (but quickly quits), but mainly does it when he's alone outside. Comes in with wet nasty tail, so you know he has been doing it. He used to do it in the kennel and everywhere, but he has stopped (shock collar and whatnot helped). He kinda does it in spurts, he'll go a few days with no problems, then it'll be everyday for a couple of days. That's everything I can think of for now. Thanks again.

[K9 Counselor]

Have you tried talking with your vet. or trainer regarding behavioral medication. I don't know your dog's history regarding the aggression, as I'm new to this forum, but I DO know how many aggression cases also experience anxiety and OCD-type disorders.

Often, treating the anxiety and/or OCD will help with the aggression as well. There are a lot of off-label (human) medications being used by behaviorists these days for dogs. They can have amazing results.

If your vet and/or trainer are unfamiliar with the appropriate medications, contact me and I can refer you to a behaviorist certified in these areas. I have taken classes for meds. and I occasionally recommend them to my clients, but I would need to see the animal to be comfortable with doing that.

[AbramsAM]

Hi there -
I am new to this board and am so glad I found it!

I have been reading up on some OCD type behavior in dogs which I seem to be reading everywhere as called self mutilation- here is my story -

Our dog, Kobie, a 5 1/2 year old lab has always had skin problems. He is allergic to so many things, is on a hypoallergenic diet and occasionally gets cortizone shots to ease itching. Lately he has been bitting the end of his tail - the very tip, and it has been bleeding. He seems to do it only when he is alone and I am not sure if he would benefit from a behavioral medication or what to do next. I thought about spraying his tail with the bitter apple stuff, but am afraid he will just find another spot to chew (but I can definately try it)

I do believe he has a lot of pent up energy because I haven't been able to take him outside for as long as I would in the summer and fall months. DH and I were home for two weeks during xmas time without having to work, and it seems like Kobie's behavior got worse after we had to go back to work again. He doesn't bite himself as much when we are at home with him.

Any ideas on where to go from here? He has been to the vet many times for his allergies and I am aware that part exists, but not sure where to go from here. I was going to take Kobie to the pet store after work and let him pick out some toys maybe to entertain himself (he has toys when we are gone, but maybe some different ones??) and might try the bitter apple stuff.

Your feedback is appreciated!!