Why do puppies chase their tails?

Answer 1

check your dog for fleas .

Answer 2

Tail-chasing is a very common behavior in an active puppy. Wolves and foxes do it, too, as do many members of the cat family.

Why do they do it?
Because the tail's always there. It wiggles & follows them everywhere. At an early age, they haven't yet got a clear idea of where their own bodies end & the rest of the world begins, so the tail seems like an independent entity to be pursued. And, of course, once they start to chase the tail, IT MOVES.

Most vets will tell you that tail-chasing is nothing to be alarmed about in a very young dog, It may seem bizarre to us, but from the puppy's standpoint, the tail is just another moving object to be investigated, hunted down, sometimes even bitten. But when older dogs chase their tails, this MAY be a sign of anxiety, boredom, frustration, canine compulsive disorder, or physical problems such as fleas & irritated anal glands.
The tendency toward tail-chasing behavior is sometimes genetic in certain breeds............
(including bull terriers, fox terriers, and Jack Russell terriers).

My Rottweiler has never done it, but my 4 month old kitten still doe's it quite a bit, once he catches it, he try's biting it.....very funny to watch......but as endearing or amusing as it may appear, tail chasing shouldn't be encouraged by praise or any form of attention.

In dogs, and rarely in cats, the behavior may persist into adulthood and can progress to self-mutilation........Young dogs should be firmly reprimanded with a firm 'no' and immediately distracted with an alternative acceptable activity, such as a chew toy or an obedience drill."

Answer 3

This is due to disconnect and happens with humans too.

One night I was studying for a test at the dinner table, my foot rested on the chair opposite. As I read my textbook, I noticed what seemed to be a large insect at the edge of the table right across me.

Carefully, I gathered my ammunition, the day's newspaper, which I fashioned into a weapon; a rolled-up nightstick that would take care of any large insect running around my dinner table.

Then I sat down again, weapon to hand... within seconds, the insect was back, moving rapidly back and forth.

With lightning speed I raised my paper weapon and *THWACK!* ....

...hit my own big toe, which I had been seeing moving as I moved the foot rested on the chair opposite.

Conclusion: Puppies chase their tails because I'm stoopid.

Answer 4

Puppies chasing their tail expressing emotions say "Hi"

Answer 5

Puppies may wonder what their tail is, and start to chase it.

Answer 6

My dog still chases her tail at 7.

Answer 7

Their tail is chasing them. Wouldn't you make a run for it?

Answer 8

they are curious and if they do it often they may be bored and need more exercise.
My dog has never chased his tail but it is as long as he is so that may make the difference

Answer 9

Hi,like a child plays.My dog when she was young she chased her tale.She is now 13 & does not chase it.

Answer 10

primitive behaviour, the tail was an object to focus on whilst moving in a continual circular motion, which dogs did to flatten grass/scrub land to ensure there were no insects/spiders/snakes in the vicinity, before laying down to rest.

Answer 11

I have heard that when a dog chases its tail it is a sign that it is agitated.