JRT constantly chasing tail

Question
I have a 6 month old Jack Russell Terrier named Pontiac who has literally been chasing his tail for the past 2-3 weeks straight. It is nearly impossible to distract him while he is doing this, even with a toy. I often can't even get him to stop spinning so I can put his leash on him so we can go outside. He barks when he can't catch his tail, and when he does catch it he wines. I've looked into this and found some info on the issue, but the other thing is that sometimes instead of his tail he'll stop and bite his leg- not like he's trying to get an itch, he puts his whole leg in his mouth. He ends up soaking wet from this! Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks
Malissa & Pontiac

Answer
Hi Malissa

This is a complex issue and needs diagnosing correctly to be treated.  It can be a compulsive behaviour, a stereotypy or attention seeking, or it could be medical.  Firstly get him checked by a vet, particularly as it started so suddenly.  

You will then need to get a qualified,professional behaviourist out to observe the behaviour and take into account the whole life style and general mood state of Pontiac before giving you a behaviour programme to work from.  These problems have no quick fixes and anyone who tries to offer you one is doing you both a real disservice.

good luck and sorry this is not really the right format to deal with such an issue

Lucy