Why does my 1 year old golden retriever chase his tail and then pull out the fur and eat it? He has also started pulling the long hair off his front legs and eating it. He does not have an allergy he eats everything he can? How can I get him to stop?
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I have worked in vet hospitals and to me it sounds like it might be from boredom, anxiety, issues. (if no medical issues) being a 1 yr. old, he probably has alot of energy. daily walks and off-leash runs might help. Give him a "job" to do. his mind needs to stay busy. also another possibility - separation anxiety? There are toys that can help relieve bordom while your away- the Kong is great, you can stuff treats inside and keeps them busy trying to get at it. I also know about these issues first-hand as I have a 2 yr. old Golden myself. Good Luck!!
Only have off leash runs if it's in a dog park or other fenced in/restricted area. Even the best trained dogs can take off if provoked by something. My boss' dog went to very expensive schools to get him trained to the max. He took off at work one day after a squirrel. They got him back safely but it just proves what I always say, & noone believes me.
I totally agree with Ann from MA. Your dog needs at least 45 minutes of exercise every day. I have a Weimaraner who get very naughty if she misses her exercise routine. Check out The Dog Whisperer's blog (Google it). He advocates exercise daily to get the dog in a calm, submissive state. Your dog's anxieties will subside if you walk him daily.
Hi, Michelle,
I also have a golden who is 4 months old. She does
chase her tail alot, but does not eat the hair. It does
sound alot like boredom, as we had a border collie who used
See www.primalpetfoods.com
I have read about dogs and cats eating foods as close as possible to their original diets in the wild will improve the pets overall health and happiness. Doing a search on primal vet diet will give you many informative websites. It will also help any skin rashes and itches from allergies.
The purebred Golden Retriever we had used to do the same thing. When the vet gave him cortisone shots it would get better. Best of luck
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