Just got free adult lhasa. of course he has issues...

verbal · 03-08-2008, 09:02 PM

I guess you could say he's a spinner (to the left). i think it's a comfort thing from previously sleeping in a crate/cage? can it hurt him to just let him go on spinning? he stops if you pet him. but as soon as i stop petting him... round and round he goes?

Durbkat · 03-08-2008, 09:25 PM

We are not vets, please take your dog to a vet. This is not normal.

briteday · 03-08-2008, 09:28 PM

Really not normal. See a vet. And in the meanwhile I would get him a crate if that is what is going to make the dog feel safe.

verbal · 03-08-2008, 09:51 PM

ah, it's just an anxiety coping mechanism. he's found his bed and is calming down. when anything new or startling happens, he spins, but i think it's just a result of being kept in a crate too much. I think i'm just a little sensitive being a new parent if you will...
cheers

Curbside Prophet · 03-09-2008, 12:41 AM

Regardless of whether he needs to see a vet or not (he should), you need to interrupt the behavior. By either taking up obedience control, playing ball with him, using a squeaker or a food lure, perhaps a clicker and a treat.

You'll also have to maximize rewards for incompatible behavior. Like, for laying down in his bed.

Annamarie · 03-09-2008, 01:08 AM

i once knew a lady with a sheltie that would circle always in the same direction when it was excited. it could be the same type of thing, or like tail chasing in a bored dog. i would ask the vet just to be sure, but i agree with curbside that you should interrupt the behavior when it happens, and try to figure out what triggers it.

my dog will chase his tail for attention or out of boredom or if he hasn't had a walk. i don't allow it because it can be a destructive behavior to himself.

verbal · 03-09-2008, 01:38 AM

TADA!!! We figured it out!!! He's blind in his right eye! So rather than ramming into stuff and misjudging things, he only turns left! two wrongs dont make a right, but three lefts do!

Patches' Pet · 03-09-2008, 11:16 PM

Poor thing! How did you figure it out? It makes sense, though.

verbal · 03-10-2008, 12:38 AM

we noticed that not only did he spin left, but he never even turned right, spinning or not, then the depth perception needed to negotiate stairs just wasn't there, and lastly, he'd startle if you came from his blind side to pet him. And that was that.