OUR RIDGEBACK MIX IS CRAZY

Question
Our Dog Dirk is a very sweet dog but he has a huge and annoying problem he is obsessed with chasing,playing and pouncing SHADOWS!! And he is also addicted to playing fetch and will not stop!! and we mean will not stop he goes 24/7 and starts at 4 in the morning all the way throughout the night... Its the shadows that gets us why?? WHY is he chasing shadows??? Can you help us or give us any advice THANKYOU ALWAYS DAWN

Answer
Hi Dawn,

You didn't say how old Dirk is, I will assume that he's young. You also didn't say how many hours of exercise you give Dirk each day.

It sounds as though Dirk needs more exercise than you're currently providing. Although he's a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix (and you didn't say what he's mixed with) the Ridgeback breed that needs plenty of exercise. If you have a fenced yard, and just let Dirk out in that yard, that isn't counting as exercise. Dirk needs to be taken for either long leashed walks, or a good run in a park. If your schedule allows, a walk or run more than once a day would be even better.

Dirk is chasing shadows as a way of entertaining himself, and to use up some of his boundless energy. If you provide him with more exercise, you might see less shadow chasing.

You didn't say if Dirk is left alone for long periods of time or not. Compulsive behaviors such as shadow chasing, frequently appears to be triggered by anxiety or stress. Conditions known to cause anxiety in susceptible dogs include a change in the social or physical environment or long periods of solitary confinement.

Providing appropriate aerobic exercise, regular daily obedience training and stimulating toys can help reduce a dog's inclination to perform a compulsive behavior.

Best of luck,

Patti