puppy chasing shadows

[jilody]

Hello my 9 month old jack russell/poodle/chihauhau mix is a handful but my main concern is his chasing shadows! How can I stop him from doing this? I don't have the funds to take him to classes! It is getting to fustrating trying to get him to stop. He bangs into the walls, he hit it so hard the other night I thaught he was having a seizure it was very scary. Please somebody anybody help me.
Thank you in advance!!!
Jilody

[fredpuli47]

What toys has he got ? And what's the real problem: is it that you fear he'll hurt himself, or does he do damage to the furniture, or knock things over or is it that the incessant activity is driving you crazy?

By the way, that's quite a mix you've got there ! He seems to have got the Jack's hunting instincts coupled with the poodle's bounce.Not sure what the chihuahua bit does!

[lankeela]

Sounds like obsessive compulsive disorder, which needs treatment just like any other illness. I cannot believe you can't afford training classes, they only cost a couple of quid a time and you will get good advice and help from experienced trainers, much cheaper than a behaviourist.

What would you do if he had an accident and you were landed with a big vets bill?

[jwl1291]

I think you'll find that this problem is due to the Jack Russell in him. Because they were originally bred as most terrier dogs are, hunting dogs, they used to tunnel underground to track foxes,etc. This was when they had to use any spec of light to help them as well as their other senses which is why most Jack's like to chase lights.

Just try to have plenty of toys to hand to keep it amused , exercise plenty and try to keep it's attention elsewhere, and during the summer, my friends Mum keeps her curtains practically drawn too to avoid the shadows in the house. Whatever you do, don't encourage it to chase them cos then it becomes OCD! Good Luck!