Why do dogs like to chase their tails?

Question

And my dog used to only chase her tail in only one direction to boot.

Answer 1

Most animals do not have the sort of body awareness that humans do - in other words, dogs aren't really aware that their tail is part of them unless it hurts in some way. Most of the time, it's just some hairy thing following them around and if they notice it, they will naturally chase it. Rather than a sign that your dog is dumb in some way, tail chasing usually means that the dog is a bit smarter than normal, in that they are more aware of their surroundings. However, try not encourage tail chasing, because for some dogs it can become compulsive behavior.

Peace,

Radical Geezer

Answer 2

The true reason why do dog chase their tails is that Dogs that are not properly stimulated and that do not have anything to chase after in their habitual environment can sometimes turn to chasing at their own tails. This type of behavior can actually turn into an obsession to the point where they forget about everything and everyone else while going around in circles like crazy maniacs. Sometimes they manage to catch their tails and bite themselves so hard that they actually bleed; the important thing to look into though is the chasing of the tail. Some dog owner's cut their dogs tail in hopes of ending with this problem, but the dog still continues to chase at it. If your dog has this problem, he is probably not getting sufficiently stimulated and needs to be provided with more toys so he can play with and be allowed to run about etc.

Answer 3

My dog doesn't have a tail so I can't say. However, she does love to chase other things. Today she chased down the radio controlled car and grabbed it and threw it up in the air and broke it.

Answer 4

some dogs chase their tales because they are bored or they want attention from their owner.
also some dogs do it because it is a habitat if it is you should train it to stop it

Answer 5

They probably feel their chasing another dog,it's kind of funny seeing them do that.

Answer 6

Ask them...think about it, if you had one would you?
They will grow out of it.
It can be funny, when they finally catch it they don't want to let go because they worked so hard to get it...shortly after that they usually give it up

Answer 7

It sure is fun to watch. Maybe they are just playing. Did you ever seen A.F.V. where the dog growls at his tale whenever he sees it.?

Answer 8

To try and get attention from the owner is one reason.

Answer 9

My dog does it when she gets excited.

Answer 10

usually only puppies do that and they grow out of it just something they do you know like babies put everything in their mouth thy just do