Perhaps only second to the famous question of why the chicken crossed the road, is the query of why dogs pursue their own tails. Most of us have witnessed a canine companion circling around and around in a typically futile attempt to catch its tail. Why do those foolish dogs engage in such behavior?
Chasing one’s tail, also known as whirling, is a natural behavior often observed among various predator species. Some experts believe that tail chasing is simply a form of play that young predators indulge in when they have free time. Unlike prey animals, predators do not constantly worry about being consumed by other creatures, therefore they have the luxury of engaging in play.
Anyone who has ever played with a puppy knows that they often chase their tails. This is completely normal when they are young and playful. Some puppies act as if they are unaware that their tails are attached to their bodies! When they become bored, which happens frequently with young puppies, chasing that wagging end behind them can appear to be a great cure for boredom!
We often wonder what puppies would do if they actually caught their tails. One snap of the teeth is probably sufficient to teach most puppies that their tails are indeed connected to their bodies.
Observing a puppy chasing its tail can be quite amusing. If you laugh and give your puppy attention when it chases its tail, your puppy may chase its tail more frequently as a means to seek attention from you.
As they grow older, dogs tend not to chase their tails as much as puppies do. Whether they learn that their tails will always be following them or they simply do not play as much anymore, older dogs are less inclined to chase their tails. However, if older dogs do chase their tails, it may indicate the need for a visit to the veterinarian. For instance, older dogs may chase their tails if they have fleas or worms.
Tail chasing in older dogs can also be a sign of a behavioral problem. Similar to humans, dogs can develop compulsive disorders. These disorders can sometimes cause dogs to chew or lick themselves, while in other cases, they may lead them to chase their tails for no apparent reason.
Occasionally, older dogs may chase their tails for no specific reason other than being confined indoors for too long. Certain breeds, such as terriers and German shepherds, also have a tendency to chase their tails more than other breeds.
If you notice an older dog frequently chasing its tail, it is advisable to take it to a veterinarian for a check-up. The veterinarian may be able to diagnose a problem that can be treated with medication. They may also provide you with some suggestions on how to address tail chasing if it becomes problematic.
Try It Out
Are you ready to chase your tail? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following activities:
- Invite an adult friend or family member to accompany you to a local dog park or animal shelter. Spend some time with new canine companions and observe their playful behavior. Can you spot any dogs chasing their own tails? How else do they demonstrate their playful nature?
- Are you a creative individual? Put on your thinking cap and let your imagination run wild. We challenge you to write a story titled “Now What Do I Do with It?” Throughout history, dogs have been known to chase cars in addition to their own tails. There’s an age-old joke that wonders what a dog would do if it actually caught a car. Well, guess what? It’s up to you to answer that question! Your story should feature a hero – a dog – that sets off in pursuit of a vehicle. It could be a car, an ambulance, or even a monster truck. The choice is yours! After an exhilarating chase, what does your hero do with the vehicle? Your story can be as thrilling, mysterious, outrageous, or funny as you desire. Once you’re done, make sure to share your story with your friends.
- Do you own a dog? Dogs are popular pets, so many of our Wonder Friends probably have canine companions at home. Have you ever thought about how exciting your dog’s life is? How often do you think your dog gets bored? Put yourself in your dog’s shoes and ponder what a typical day in the life of a dog is like. Would you find it boring? What would you do to alleviate your boredom? Do you think you would chase your tail? Why or why not?
Wonder Sources
- http://www.sarahsdogs.com/qa/why_do_dogs_chase_their_tails.html
- http://www.petplace.com/dogs/tail-chasing-in-dogs/page1.aspx
- https://www.seeker.com/wag-the-dog-tail-monitor-tracks-canine-emotion-1770332011.html
- http://www.ehow.com/about_4598038_do-dogs-chase-their-tails.html
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