Does anyone have a dog catching flies that are not there? I'm studying the issue of fly catching. I am wanting to know breed, age, sex, diet, coat colour/condition, health issues and any other behaviour that is of concern, especially trembling, shaking or fear being displayed. I am very interested in this subject as I am aware that some dogs are put down due to this and that it is a very distressing issue. Hope this is ok to ask, I'm completely new to forums and the like. I live out in the bush (Australia) and finding enough case studies is very difficult.

I have a blue merle Border Collie bitch who is 16 years old and has always been healthy.  For as long as I can remember and from a very early age she would do this.  No trembling or fear to my knowledge just an obsessive snapping at the air.  She doesn't do it now and I cannot recall at what age she stopped but it went on for many years. 

Thanks Sally for your reply. I have heard of a few dogs stopping fly catching which is why I'm studying the issue. A few questions. Has she ever licked water from the bottom of the shower or bath? Do you feed any dairy products? Has she always been feed the same diet? Has her coat ever faded or changed in colour? Can you remember anything changing in her life in the year leading up to her stopping (I know you can't remember when it stopped but I was hoping you might remember some event or change).

She doesn't have access to the shower or bath.  She was never fed dairy products but she does now have a small drink of milk am just for a treat.  Diet has gone from tripe and biscuits - Eukanuba - Naturediet during her life.  Don't think coat has changed at all and although I don't recall when she stopped it could have coincided with her retirement from agility or it could have been when she just got too old and creaky to bother anymore.  Not much help - sorry
Sally

Thank you Sally, every bit helps. I'm glad you don't have this problem anymore. Thanks again for you info.

Hi
Monty is 10 months old and has been imgagining flies for about 6 months now.
As for your other questions, yes he does try and lick the water from showers, never feed him dairy products, he has been fed a varied diet since we got him including Beta, Bakers complete, supermarket dried, and is currently on pedigree pouches. His coat has gone lighter but it is part of beardies growing up. And no, nothing has changed in his life since we got him really
hth
Sam x