Dog Tail Chasing

By Craig McPherson

Dogs chase their tails for a few reasons, one is boredom, learned aggression or a neurotic condition usually caused by Epilepsy.

Learned Aggression

Learned aggression in this case is the dog chasing its tail caused by people putting a peg on the dogs tail. The dog chases the peg on the tail and this cruel behaviour is stimulated by the owner encouraging the dog for this action. The praise and encouragement can lead to the dog chasing its tail out of habit. Simple solution DO NOT DO THIS!

Remember, dogs will do anything for your attention and if trained correctly the dog will go through some real painful experiences to please the master. Dogs are loyal and will respond to a pat so always praise good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.

Boredom

If the problem is boredom then every time you catch your dog doing the problem, do not yell at the animal just take the dog for a walk or play with the dog. Throw the ball to distract the dog from what it is doing, make the dog take its mind off the tail. Be careful not to relate a walk or fun to the dog every time the animal chases its tail because the dog will then chase its tail for attention. You need to judge this by using your own discretion.

Sometimes you may be able to hold the dog still, speak to the dog in a quiet voice and then stimulate its interest with a distraction.

In extreme cases the vet may amputate the dogs tail, but that is extreme, your local dog obedience classes will help a great deal.

Dog obedience training will also help calm the nervous dog. If the problem is the case of the neurotic dog I advise you to seek veterinary advice. It is always a good idea to have your dog checked by a vet to make sure there is no irritation causing the dog to chase its tail.

Find out why your dog does what it does and read simple dog training methods to correct this by going to http://here-is-your.info/dog-training/