Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Dogs have tons of strange quirks, from spinning in circles before they poop to digging holes in the lawn and rolling around in the stinkiest stuff they can find. Perhaps the weirdest, though, is making themselves dizzy by chasing their own tails around and around. If you’ve ever scratched your head and wondered, “Why do dogs chase their tails?” we can tell you that it’s not because they’re “dumb” or because they think their tail is a foreign entity out to get them.

We’ve got the answers below, so keep reading to uncover the truth about this bizarre dog behavior. And if you’re curious about this, we’re sure you’ll also be eager to learn why your dog stares at you, why dogs get the zoomies, if dogs watch TV, and what gives dogs anxiety.

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The main reasons your dog is chasing its own tail

So, why do dogs chase their tails? There are all sorts of answers to this question, and some of them might surprise you. While tail chasing can be a harmless behavior with no major cause for concern, sometimes it can indicate an underlying issue that requires a vet visit. Below are some common meanings behind your dog chasing its tail.

1. Your dog is blowing off steam

It might look like a strange activity to humans, but tail-chasing is a simple way for dogs to let loose and have a little fun. If a dog doesn’t have anything or anyone to play with, he might need to entertain himself. And that’s where tail-chasing comes in, explains certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein, founder of Fun Paw Care. It’s basically a makeshift solo game. Just keep in mind that a constantly bored or stressed dog might be feeling neglected, so make sure his basic needs are being met, including when it comes to exercise and socialization. These puzzle toys can also provide some diversion when you’re not available to play.

2. Your dog is feeling stressed

On the other end of the spectrum, compulsive tail-chasing behavior could be a warning sign that your pooch is anxious or stressed. “We call these displacement behaviors, similar to a human twirling their hair or tapping their foot,” says Hartstein. “They seek to do self-soothing behaviors.” Find out what’s at the root of your dog’s anxiety and then address that problem. If your dog barks a lot as well, it could be related to this issue.

By the way, this fruitless and frustrating behavior is what led to the saying “like a dog chasing its tail.” If that phrase is used to describe you, it means that you’re working very hard at something…but not accomplishing your goal.

3. Your dog wants your attention

Tail-chasing is actually a go-to behavior for young dogs who are playing and learning about their bodies. And let’s be honest—it’s hard not to giggle when you see this happening, especially in puppies, because it’s funny and adorable. But this type of response can cause your pup to keep doing it. “If your dog begins chasing its tail out of a normal and healthy fascination, and their human reinforces the behavior by giving them attention or even encouraging the behavior, tail-chasing can turn into a regular pattern of seeking attention,” explains dog behaviorist Sasha Armstrong, founder of Canine State of Mind.

Try not to encourage this behavior. Instead, provide a distraction by giving your dog a new toy, going on a walk, or playing chase with another object.