Let’s face it, our dogs can do things that simply perplex their owners. How many times have you just had to shake your head at your dog’s seemingly strange behavior? Or been revolted by something that just seems disgusting to you?
Amazingly, there are people, canine behaviorists, who have studied this to try to help us understand our canine companions. Their observations can enhance the human/canine connection we share with our pets. Many of their findings explain our pet’s behaviors through survival pack instincts that enabled dogs to communicate and flourish before they became domesticated.
4Tail Chasing
There are many reasons, not the least of which is that we reinforce this behavior with our delight in it. It is humorous, particularly when your little puppy proceeds to catch his tail and continue to wrestle with it. The puppy doesn’t recognize that it’s twitching tail, appearing almost from nowhere into its sight, is a part of his own body. Puppies love to chase, and having something that moves away when the puppy moves clearly incites the chasing instinct.
For other dogs, it may be due to itching or discomfort of the tail or tail area. Fleas, other bugs, or even worms have give them a reason to want to itch that spot. They may be trying to clean dirt or dry skin from the tail. Some dogs worry at their tail because of stressors and this behavior can become persistent.
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