My new rescue springer is a shadow chaser. He gets so wound up, whining and barking even if you switch the light off, he seems both excited and terrified. I have done a search on here, and it seems as if distraction is the only way to stop it. I'm interested though as nearly all the posts were young dogs. Mine is 9 months. Do they grow out of it if not encouraged to do it?

Hi there :)

The fact that he's a rescue he may well have been doing this constantly since a very young age so it will take more patience on your part to break the habit - that's all any compulsive behaviour is after all whether in dogs or people *habit* so don't be disheartened if the info you've found so far on how to prevent it seemed to apply to much younger pups ;)  It will work with him too.

Regards, Teri

Hi Lucy,
I have a springer who chases shadows, he has done since he was about 6 months and he is now nearly 3. Although he has not stopped he is easier to distract so its not so bad.
I have seen a behaviourist about him and the advice is distraction which does usually work.
The thing with my springer is he actually makes the shadows by pushing the doors so the shadow goes across the wall, he then chases it and goes back to the door and does it again.
Just keep working with him and he will eventually calm down,let us know how you get on.
Sandie.

Our dog does the same from time to time, he gets so wound up and excited sometimes i have to take him for time out.