Just about every dog owner has observed the family pet engage in the activity of tail chasing. Dogs chasing their tails is certainly not an unusual phenomenon, but the behavior often baffles the owners and in some cases seems to be so common that the activity borders on being an obsession. Various experts on dogs suggest a number of reasons why dogs chase their tails. Here are a few examples.

There are a number of dog lovers and experts who believe that dogs chase their tails for one reason. The dogs are bored. Essentially, there is nothing going on that captures the dog’s attention. When the animal catches sight of the tail on the edges of the line of vision, the movement captures the attention of the dog. The idea that the tail is attached is not really a consideration, but the movement and the chance for some physical and mental activity is attractive. If your dogs chase their tails frequently, it may be time to provide some other amusements that will occupy the pet’s attention.

A basic in the behavior pattern of many household dogs is a desire to receive attention and affection from their owners. There is a possibility that the dog has learned that when dogs chase their tails, owners pay attention and often respond by laughter. Since the behavior produces an effect that the animal finds highly desirable, the tail chasing may be repeated when the pet wants to be petted or hear a kind tone from the owner.

Dogs may also choose to chase their tails because there is physical discomfort of some type. Fleas may be present on the tip or the base of the tail. It is also possible that some sort of irritation in the area of the anus is causing itching or some other form of discomfort. Dog behavior demands that the animal attempt to address the origin of the discomfort, so the chase is on. If a physical complaint is suspected of being the origin of why your dogs chase their tails, a trip to the vet will help alleviate both the activity and the suffering that causes the behavior.