Pet parents often tell stories about their dog circling wildly, trying to grab its tail as it whizzes past. But while a dog biting its tail is entertaining to humans, in many contexts it can be misunderstood.
Why does a dog chase its tail?
There are some situations where tail chasing doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. For example, a puppy may become aware of its tail and begin to look at it with its mouth. The spin on him is a short-lived effort to learn more about his tail. A dog may also chase his tail when he is feeling excited or playful.
But there are other times when tail chasing could indicate a problem.
1. You have reinforced the behavior
The human response to tail chasing is usually attention, which can be reinforcing. Some people encourage the behavior by laughing, giving the dog a treat, or even showing the dog its tail to elicit the behavior.
This teaches the dog that tail chasing will result in something he likes or desires, so he will do it more. If the attention stops, the dog may become frustrated and behave even more, trying to get attention or treats from the pet owner.
2. Your dog is bored
All dogs need adequate amounts of activity to meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs. If these needs are not met, dogs can become bored and behave in ways that try to help them deal with boredom. Tail chasing is an example of this.
To combat boredom, try activities like:
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Walking your dog every day in a relaxing environment.
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Organize play dates with other dogs (if they are sociable)
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Provide access to dog activities such as sniffing new areas, digging, chewing, running, and swimming
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Play brain games and perform problem-solving activities, such as food puzzles and positive reinforcement training.
Chronic boredom can also lead to anxiety, another factor attributed to tail chasing.
3. Your dog is stressed or anxious
Chronic stress and anxiety are other underlying causes of tail biting, especially if tail chasing helps the dog avoid frightening situations or provides a sense of relief.
Repetitive behaviors, such as tail chasing, that are triggered by environmental conditions are known as stereotypical behavior. They happen in predictable patterns or rhythms. For example, a dog held in a kennel without sufficient enrichment may begin to turn in tight circles, grab its tail, and continue to turn.
This can happen in homes where dogs are separated from their family, tethered outside continuously, or kept in a dog pen without the ability to get out. Providing adequate enrichment can help many dogs.
4. Your dog has a medical problem
If your dog suddenly chases its tail for the first time or the behavior increases in frequency, there could be a medical condition or physical problem such as:
5. Your dog has canine compulsive disorder
Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) looks a lot like stereotypical behavior, but it occurs without a connection to environmental factors. Dogs with this problem can be difficult to interrupt when they are biting their tails, and they are likely to immediately revert even after being given something else to do.
In the most severe form of CCD, the dog cannot be redirected and the behavior (in this case, tail chasing) will interfere with vital activities such as eating and drinking. Additionally, some dogs will bite, bite, and chew on their tail until injury occurs, creating the risk of infection. Tail docking (removing part or all of the tail) is not a cure for these compulsive behaviors.
Compulsive disorders in dogs are being studied and there is evidence of a genetic component. It occurs in greater numbers in certain breeds, such as:
For dogs with canine compulsive disorder, medication that helps regulate brain chemistry is often necessary for any behavior modification or environmental changes to be effective.
When should you see a vet about your dog’s tail chasing?
Tail chasing that is difficult to break off, accompanied by other symptoms such as intense tail staring, panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, or resulting in self-harm, should be addressed immediately. If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s behavior (tail chasing is just one example), contact your vet. They can evaluate your pet to identify and/or treat any medical causes.
How to prevent a dog from biting its tail
Be careful with reinforcement
Reinforcing tail chasing can make your dog dependent on it for fun, use it for attention, or (most problematic) trigger gene expression. If you are training “spin” as a trick, it is important to complete the training by setting a signal to start and stop. When your dog chases his tail, always assess why he is doing it before assuming it’s funny.
override behavior
If your dog is chasing its tail because it wants attention or is bored, train a replacement behavior. For example, he trains the dog to pick up a toy and sit or to sit and raise a paw when he wants attention. Once these new behaviors are in place and consistently reinforced, tail chasing should reduce.
Make sure they have plenty of enrichment
For the bored canine, enrichment is the best place to start. Make sure your dog gets lots of meaningful attention. Make sure your dog is well exercised, has a chance to socialize if he likes to, has access to interactive toys and puzzles, and gets plenty of opportunities to play training games.
talk to a professional
If the turn continues, consider hiring a professional, such as a certified behavior consultant, applied animal behavior specialist, veterinarian, or veterinary behavior specialist.
Featured Image: iStock/Zuberka
