Re: JR chasing tail when eating

In Reply to: JR chasing tail when eating
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Dave
Posted on:  March 28, 2002 at 19:18:44

: I have a 3 year old female Russel.
: Only when she is eating, or when there is an aroma of food in the air. She will aggressively chase her tail. Any ideas on this ? Suggestions?

Response:

Dear Dave,

I have a terrier who will twirl around in circles whenever I go out to get the mail. A friend's terrier will twirl/bite at her tail when she has to poop and when the noise level rises in the household (TV/stereo/voices.)

As to why YOUR terrier is chasing her tail...anxiety, excitement or over-stimulation...take your pick. In my opinion, if she is otherwise "normal" mentally and physically then I wouldn't worry about this particular quirk (!) too much. :-)

Leslie