hi my 3 yr old border collie keeps chasing her tail we have tried using different sprays and have had medication from vet but nothing seems to help any advice would be gratefully received thanku

Spray some anti chew on her tail or get her docked as its due to a medical reason.

Hi

Hi I'm not sure I can add any useful advice but it may help to get a bit more info so that others more familiar with your breed can comment.  I understand it's not completely unusual for this breed to develop compulsive behaviours - I remember a programme featuring a dog that chased lights - have you looked online for specific advice?  Have a read of this article by BC rescue.

What makes you say this is separation anxiety - does it only happen when you leave her?  How long have you had her and when did the behaviour start?  Can you identify the triggers and is there anything that makes her halt, even temporarily?  The article suggests a process of redirection which is very helpful with a demanding breed like this.   What physical and mental stimulation do you currently give her?

Perhaps someone else will be along soon with some helpful constructive advice for you. 

My friend has a breed with similar traits to a border collie, her dog grabs the end of his tail when he gets stressed. They have taught him instead to hold a ball in his mouth instead so when he gets stressed he looks for his ball instead of grabbing his tail.

or get her docked as its due to a medical reason.

Hm, so if the dog ran away when off lead the legs should be amputated? This sounds like a mental problem, not a medical one. In the US in the military it's quite common to see docked malinois because they get so frustrated when not given enough to do they chew their own tails. Chop them off and the visible problem is gone but the mental one is still there. One happy owner, one unhappy dog. :(

Our golden retriever sometimes chases his tail when he gets over excited, but we stop this by diverting his attention onto something else.

Spray some anti chew on her tail or get her docked as its due to a medical reason.

:-o That's a very dramatic suggestioin to give with what is basically no details on the problem.  Tail chasing is very rarely a medical problem but a sign of anxiety, stress, boredom, fear. etc etc.

To the op, really a lot more deatilsis needed before people can give you sesible advice.  The title says seperation anxiety but you don't really mention anything about that in your post.  Is the tail chasing only happening when you are out and the dog is left alone?  Does this happen everytiem the dog is left alone?  Does the dog cause damage to the tail?  How long does it go on for at a time, are there other triggers that cqause the behaviour?

How long is the dog left alone for?  What is the dogs daily routine like interms of exercise, training, play etc.  Does the dog have any fears or phobias such as noise sensitivity?  Does the dog have any health problems, allergies, dietary intolerances.  Is the coat healthy and shiny, id the dog itchy at all, or in any discomfort with joints?

Have there been any changes recently, has this behaviour always been there or did it start all of a sudden?