Dog Community

Happy Tail

Posted : 12/10/2012 11:30:17 AM

We have a new dog at the shelter who gets so excited when people stop by his kennel that his tail whips side to side so hard that he bloodies his hind area. Even after a long walk his enthusiasm doesn't dim. One thing I thought of is teaching him sit and only rewarding him with a walk when he does it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

JackieG

Posted : 12/10/2012 4:21:35 PM

Teaching him to sit, before he gets any sort of attention, including a walk, is a good idea. Unfortunately, unless everyone who comes near his kennel is doing the same thing and requiring him to sit before he gets any sort of attention, it probably won't solve the problem of him damaging his tail.

I guess that's what you mean when you say he's bloody in his hind area. Usually it's the tip or near the tip of the tail and once it's injured, it's slow to heal, as it's constantly reinjured unless well wrapped. Good luck and thanks for making the effort to find a solution for this happy guy. Hopefully, he'll find a home soon.

dogjunkie

Posted : 12/10/2012 4:49:43 PM

Yes Jackie,it's the end of his tail that bleeds onto his sides when he whips it.

kpwlee

Posted : 12/10/2012 7:17:31 PM

gosh no advice but it is super hard to get that to heal - get it wrapped and pray that it can heal up in that environment. Agree that trying to teach something that will help avert some additional damage would be awesome

gmcbogger38

Posted : 12/10/2012 10:56:20 PM

We had a dog board at the kennel I work at and she always got a happy tail when boarding. The owners actually got her tail wrapped (by their veterinarian) once before boarding her. It stayed on for a couple days, but eventually the wrapping fell off. Not an easy problem to fix. Good luck!