Why it happens
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Puppy play
A puppy is only just discovering that its tail belongs to it. Something moving behind it begs to be caught, and catching it is fun and a little surprising.
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Boredom and pent-up energy
A dog that gets little exercise and little to do finds its own entertainment. Spinning becomes a way to burn off energy, especially in a flat or after long hours alone.
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Attention
If the owners laugh, clap or egg it on, the dog quickly learns that chasing its tail gets attention, and starts doing it again.
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Itching or discomfort
Fleas, blocked anal glands, irritated skin or an injured tail make a dog turn towards its tail, lick it or chew it. Then it is no longer a game.
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A compulsive habit
Some dogs, bull terriers and German shepherds in particular, start spinning for long spells, every day, and are hard to distract. Repetitive behaviour like this is linked to stress, boredom and sometimes health causes, so a vet needs to assess it.
What helps
- Playful spinning is not a problem A short, cheerful spin that the dog stops by itself or when called is normal. With puppies especially, there is no need to stop it.
- Do not reward it with laughter Do not laugh, clap or egg it on. Calmly call the dog over and offer something else to do, such as a toy or a cue it gets praised for.
- More exercise and sniffing Longer walks, free sniffing, fetch and search games help burn off energy. A tired dog that has had a good sniff chases its tail less.
- Toys and puzzles Tug toys, balls, chews and puzzle feeders give the dog an allowed outlet when it is bored or left alone.
- Note when it happens Write down when the dog spins, whether excited, left alone or after a meal, and for how long. A short video and notes like these are a great help to the vet and the trainer.
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When to see a trainer or behaviourist
If the spinning happens every day, lasts longer and longer or the dog is hard to distract, see a vet first to rule out health causes, then a qualified trainer or behaviourist who uses reward-based methods only. Do not scold the dog or hold it back by force: that raises stress and only strengthens the habit.
When it is a question for a vet
See a vet if the dog chews or licks its tail, the tail is bald, sore or bleeding, if it scoots its bottom along the floor, if it spins and cannot stop, stares at the wall, snaps at invisible flies or seems confused, or if an adult dog has suddenly started chasing its tail.