Crazy Canines: Five Reasons Dogs Chase Their Tails
Why do dogs run in circles and chase their own tails? This dizzying behavior makes dog lovers curious. What could possibly cause a canine to twirl around this way, nipping at part of his own anatomy?
Tail chasing is a common habit for dogs, according to veterinary experts, even if it confounds humans. At least five causes may lead canines to trail their own tails.
1. Boredom
Natural predators, dogs often seem to operate on two speeds: asleep and alert. A canine may catch sight of his own wagging tail and suddenly jump up to give chase. This game also offers relief from boredom, particularly for a non-working or off-duty dog or a canine confined for too long.
This sort of tail chasing may signal the dog's owner to the pet's need for increased exercise.
2. Desire for attention
Along with the need for activity, dogs require affection and attention from their humans. Without this, a canine may resort to tail chasing, especially if this behavior has drawn petting or treats in the past.
3. Anxiety
Some dogs begin chasing their tails as a nervous habit. Stressful situations, sudden noises or constant surprises may even lead to obsessive compulsive tail chasing, as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) points out. Other compulsive behaviors among canines may include excessive self-grooming, imaginary prey hunting, overeating, and pacing.
4. Itching or irritation
Occasionally, a physical problem may cause a dog to chase his tail. Parasite infestations, such as fleas or ticks, can cause itching around the base of the canine's tail. Worms, rashes or dry skin may produce similar symptoms. A professional dog grooming or veterinary visit may be necessary.
5. Medical issues
Certain dog diseases and neurological disorders like epilepsy may encourage tail chasing. In such cases, the underlying veterinary medical concerns must be addressed before a dog may be trained to stop chasing his tail.
If you are bothered by your dog's taking off to run rings after his own tail, you can try to distract or occupy him by playing with him, taking him for a peppy walk, or offering him a favorite toy or treat. Under no circumstances should you pull the dog's tail to encourage chasing.
Of course, a dog that suddenly becomes obsessed with his tail may need veterinary attention.
Most often, however, tail chasing is normal doggy demeanor and not a genuine concern. Frequently, dogs naturally outgrow the whirling weirdness of chasing their own tails in time.
More from this contributor:
Published by Linda Ann Nickerson - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports
Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor. View profile
- Positive Dog Training: How Clicker Training WorksClicker training is an increasingly popular and effective approach to dog training and can remedy a variety of problem behaviors. In order to use clicker training, you need to understand how it works. Here are the bas...
Common Dog Behavior ProblemsMy business is solving common dog behavior problems. But I am also a dog owner and deal with the same common dog behavior problems as other dog owners. Listed are the 3 most com...- Dog Training Classes in Shreveport Bossier AreaComparing 5 dog training facilities in Shreveport/Bossier. Making it easier for you to choose the best one that suits you and your puppy.
- Is Dominance Dog Training Ever Appropriate: A Dog Owner's DilemmaThose of us who aren't professional dog trainers get caught in the middle of which dog training method works and is best for the dog. Should you use positive reinforcement or dominance dog training?
10 Dog Training TipsNo matter what method of dog training you employ, these tips will help you train your dog better, faster and easier. They will also reduce the stress associated with dog trainin...
- Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?
- Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?
- Understanding Dog Language and Communication: What Your Dog's Tail Wagging Means
- Holistic Dog Training
- Can Dog Training Cause Dog Aggression?
- Top 10 Things to Look for in a Dog Training Program
- Dog Training for Beginners
2 Comments
Post a CommentRemoval of a cyst on her tail stopped my dog from chasing it.
Some on my Fedex route run in circles wanting to chase my van if they are fenced into their yard.