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Why Do Some Dogs Chase and Bite Their Tails?

Video Introduction to Blog- Why Do Some Dogs Chase and Bite Their Tails?

A Science-Based, Behavioral and Veterinary Explanation


Image of a puppy chasing his tail
Puppy chasing his tail

By Southernwind Kennels — Over 50 Years of Breeding, Development & Canine Education


Introduction: A Question We Hear Often


Over the years, we are frequently asked a question by clients, readers, and dog owners:

“Why do some dogs chases and bite their tails?”


This question almost always comes from people who have seen this behavior in other dogs — at parks, shelters, social media videos, or in previous pets.


At Southernwind Kennels, tail-chasing is not a behavior we observe in our dogs, but it is important to understand why it happens in some cases, what it means, and how it should be addressed from a scientific, veterinary, and behavioral standpoint.


This article is written to clarify misinformation, explain the real causes, and provide an evidence-based framework for understanding and correcting this behavior responsibly.


Is Tail Chasing Normal in Dogs?


Short, Occasional Tail Chasing in Puppies


In young puppies, brief tail chasing can occur as part of:


This behavior is:

  • Short in duration

  • Easily interrupted

  • Not associated with stress or injury


In these cases, it is considered developmentally normal and usually disappears on its own.


image of a Dog chasing his tail
Dogs often fixate on their tail because of localized discomfort or pain.


When Tail Chasing Is NOT Normal


Tail chasing becomes a concern when it is:

  • Repetitive or prolonged

  • Difficult to interrupt

  • Escalating into tail biting or self-injury

  • Accompanied by agitation, anxiety, or fixation


At this point, veterinary science no longer categorizes it as play.


Primary Causes of Tail Chasing and Tail Biting


1. Medical and Physical Causes (Must Always Be Ruled Out First)


Dogs often fixate on their tail because of localized discomfort or pain.


Documented medical causes include:

  • Fleas, mites, or other parasites

  • Allergic dermatitis or skin inflammation

  • Anal gland impaction or irritation

  • Tail trauma, nerve pain, or spinal discomfort


From a clinical perspective, any repetitive tail biting must be medically evaluated before behavioral conclusions are drawn.


2. Lack of Mental Stimulation and Environmental Enrichment


Dogs are cognitively complex animals that require:


When these needs are unmet, dogs may develop self-stimulating behaviors, including tail chasing.


This is particularly common in:

In these cases, the behavior is not entertainment — it is compensation.


Dog playing with a Puzzle game
Mental Stimulation and Environmental Enrichment


3. Stress, Anxiety, and Environmental Instability


Chronic stress in dogs can be subtle and cumulative.


Contributing factors include:


Tail chasing can function as a stress-relief outlet, creating a repetitive behavioral loop.


4. Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD)


Veterinary behavioral science recognizes Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD), a condition neurologically comparable to obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans.


Characteristics include:

  • Ritualized, repetitive behaviors

  • Difficulty disengaging

  • Escalation despite injury

  • Behavior occurring outside of normal context


Research has demonstrated neurochemical and genetic components in some dogs.

This is not disobedience, defiance, or poor training.


Image showing a Veterinarian checking on a Dog tail
Tail Chasing, Rule out dermatological, neurological, and orthopedic causes


5. Accidental Reinforcement by Humans


Tail chasing can become reinforced when humans:

  • Laugh

  • Film the behavior

  • React emotionally

  • Attempt repeated verbal interruption


From the dog’s perspective, attention — positive or negative — reinforces the behavior.

Over time, this creates a learned behavioral cycle.


Why Dogs Get “Stuck” in the Behavior


Repetitive tail chasing activates neurochemical feedback pathways associated with:

  • Dopamine release

  • Temporary stress reduction


This makes the behavior self-reinforcing, which explains why punishment or emotional reactions worsen the issue rather than resolve it.


Evidence-Based Approaches to Correction


Step 1: Veterinary Evaluation


Before any behavioral intervention:

  • Rule out dermatological, neurological, and orthopedic causes

  • Address pain or irritation first

Behavior cannot be corrected if physical discomfort persists.


Step 2: Restore Structure and Mental Balance


Effective intervention includes:

  • Predictable daily routines

  • Structured physical exercise


A mentally fulfilled dog is behaviorally stable.


Step 3: Remove Reinforcement Loops


  • Avoid reacting emotionally

  • Do not reward the behavior with attention

  • Redirect calmly into known behaviors


Reinforce calm, grounded states instead.


Dog showing calm attitude, bond and enjoying his walk with owner
Create a Calm environment, take your time to address Stressors


Step 4: Address Environmental Stressors

Assess:

  • Household energy

  • Overstimulation

  • Inconsistency

Dogs stabilize when their environment stabilizes.


Step 5: Professional Behavioral Support (When Necessary)

In severe cases:

  • Veterinary behaviorists

  • Structured behavior modification plans

  • Medication only when paired with behavioral therapy


Medication alone is never a solution.


Owner and dog taking time to walk and relax
Dogs stabilize when their environment stabilizes

Professional Perspective

Tail chasing is communication, not misbehavior.

Dogs do not invent behaviors without cause.

They respond to discomfort, stress, confusion, or unmet needs.

Understanding the why allows us to correct the how — responsibly and effectively.


Scientific & Veterinary References



Frequently Asked Questions About Tail Chasing in Dogs

Why do dogs chase their tails?

Dogs may chase their tails due to play, boredom, medical discomfort, anxiety, or compulsive behavioral disorders. Persistent tail chasing is not normal and should be evaluated.


Is tail chasing a sign of anxiety in dogs?

Yes. Chronic tail chasing is often linked to stress, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors, especially when the dog appears unable to stop.


Can tail chasing be a medical problem?

Absolutely. Fleas, allergies, anal gland issues, nerve pain, or injuries can cause a dog to fixate on their tail.


Is tail chasing the same as Canine Compulsive Disorder?

In some cases, yes. Veterinary research recognizes tail chasing as one manifestation of Canine Compulsive Disorder when it is repetitive, intense, and self-injurious.


How can tail chasing be corrected?

Correction requires ruling out medical causes, improving mental stimulation, reducing stress, removing reinforcement, and in severe cases, working with a veterinary behaviorist.

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