How to Break Tail Chasing

Dogs amuse us with their silly antics, but sometimes a canine's quirks are obsessive and harmful to them. Tail chasing is when a dog spins in a circle, trying to catch its own tail in its mouth. This never-ending game can become an obsession, because most dogs can't reach their tail to catch it. If your dog can catch it's tail, it risks causing injury by biting or pulling the tail. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes and training methods that can help put an end to tail chasing.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog leash
  • Puzzle dog toys
  • Remote-controlled citronella or static training collar
  • Bitter-tasting training spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out medical issues that may be causing this repetitive behavior. Neurological issues, brain disease or anxiety problems can result in tail chasing, and your dog might need medication or special treatment.

    • 2

      Exercise your dog every day. Many breeds of dog were bred to hunt, work or run, and without enough physical exercise, your dog will have pent-up energy. A tired dog is less likely to chase its tail.

    • 3

      Provide mental stimulation for your dog, since tail chasing is sometimes the result of boredom. Give your dog puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to entertain it, and practice obedience commands for several minutes each day to keep your dog focused.

    • 4

      Ignore your dog by immediately discontinuing affection or walking out of the room when tail chasing begins. Owners can unknowingly reinforce the behavior by laughing or over-reacting, and your dog may be chasing its tail as a way to seek attention. Taking away your reaction removes the fun part of this behavior for your dog.

    • 5

      Supervise and keep your dog leashed at all times. As soon as the behavior begins, distract your dog with a loud clap or a tug on the leash. Tail chasing is a repetitive behavior that can become a habit, and interrupting the behavior right when it begins can prevent your dog from perpetuating it.

    • 6

      Put a training collar on your dog when it is under direct supervision. Use the collar's remote control to dispense a static charge or citronella spray right as your dog begins to chase its tail. This provides a small negative stimulus that your dog will associate with the behavior. If you are consistent, your dog will learn that tail chasing creates an unpleasant smell or sensation, making it less likely to do so.

    • 7

      Apply bitter-tasting training liquid on your dog's tail so that if caught or bitten, the tail gives your dog a bad taste in its mouth. This will deter your dog from trying to catch its tail.