hello i am new
Written by littlesquirl
Hi since I am new to this, I will try to comply.
I own 2 dogs and 2 cats, I have a golden/chow mix and a border collie. My border collie started a new behavior that I am curious about. She is absolutely infactuated with shadows, she does not stop watching her shadow and anybody elses. Is this a normal behavior. This just started and she is 18 mos. old.
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My cat is also obsessed with shadows and I am quite concerned...after reading your story I hope that things have gotten better for you. I would like to understand and stop this behavior, because it seems like my old cat is slipping away.
Welcome! Shadow chasing is not a normal behavior but it is a habit some dogs develop. Why they develop it is the mystery. Some believe it is a form of play, an attention getter or a form of a mild seizure type activity. You have a very intelligent breed of dog who is hard wired to work. If she does not have a job to do or enough activity to keep her busy, she will find something to do, like shadows.
You can try to curb the behavior by increasing exercise and playing games that involve her to think and use her nose, like hide the cookie or hide and seek. Longer walks and outings may help as well. Also rotating her toys to prevent boredom is a good idea. The balls you put treats in that require rolling to get the treat are great distractions and help keep separation anxiety from developing.
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