• Question: Do you know why dogs sometimes chase their tales? My dog always does it and I don't know why.

    Asked by amam22 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 13 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by lucyluvslemurs.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 13 Jun 2012:

      In a nutshell, a dog chases its tail because the tail is moving and the dogs hunting instinct has evolved to chase that which moves almost like a relfex, especially when they are bored or unstimulated. Puppies are more prone to this kind of behaviour.

      Some behaviourists have suggested that when incredibly stimulated, dogs aren’t aware that their tail is connected to them and thus they chase it.

    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 13 Jun 2012:

      Chasing their tail, in some cases could be a stereo typical behaviour, this is when a species repeats the same movement over and over again and may be a sign of stress or could just be habit in the case of a pet. See if your dog does it at certain times and can be distracted to stop the habit.

      Some humans display stereo typical behaviour, I twist my hair round my fingers when I am bored for example which I have been told is my version of chasing my tail!

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