I have a 6 month springer that spends all his time chasing his ears, only thing is he hasnt worked out they are fixed to his head. He see's them on the floor in the sun light and also when the lights are on.
Anyone know how I can stop him short of having his ears removed, he also chases shadows and now the sun is out alot its getting to be a nightmare. Does anyone know how I can stop him.

We've got the same problem, our Springer is now 9 months old, we've tried distracting her, but to no avail. we just ignore her now, and eventually she gets fed up. Some people have actually said they wished thier dog would entertain them selves like ours.

Robert

Our little fella can keep himself entertained for ages and when he is not chasing his ears he is running up and down the garden so he gets plenty of exercise. Another thing he does is shut the door with his leg so he can chase the shadow the door makes on the wall when it is closing but he then runs to the door just before it closes and pushes it back so he can start all over again, he must be an intelligent dog to know he must stop the door before it closes in order to keep his game going, this keeps him amused for ages but its not doing our door much good.He does like yours get bored but should we be worried it might develop into a compulsive behaviour or do you think he will grow out of it.

Most people I speak to down here say there Springers grew out of it, but I wonder if thats because they were trained as gundogs so there attention was diverted away from shadow chasing. It used to bother me quite a lot, but I'm used to it now, and I think she could have much worse behaviour problems. WhenHeidi and I are doing things together like training she doesn't seem to bother about shadows.

Robert

Hi Sandie, If you let your dog contiune doing this it is a compulsive disorder. In english it is bored and he is intelligent so he is trying to ammuse itself. Play Station 2 or scrabble may help or how about a Kong with some tasty treat inside that he must have to get out and keep him happy for hours and he gets a reward. Just find your dog a happy and rewarding alternitive.

Have you had his ears checked by the vet? He may have ear mites in them or something that is itching. Our cat had ear mites that I hadn't noticed until the vet pointed them out at an appointment for something else. May be worth checking!

If your dog is form working stock then I would guess that he is bored out of his tiny mind. Time to start working him.