| Lots of dogs chase their tails when they've got energy | | | | catch the pesky things. They rarely succeed, of |
| and excitement that they don't know how to handle. | | | | course. So they keep trying. |
| For some dogs, the big event is going outside after | | | | We don't have any reason to believe that dogs really |
| being cooped up all day. | | | | think their tails are prey to be captured. But that basic |
| Getting out of the tub is always exciting as well. And | | | | instinct may be what gets them started. |
| the sight of a leash is a sure-fire call to action. | | | | Dogs That Chase Their Tails Just To Show Off |
| For some dogs, chasing their tails is something to do | | | | Even if dogs initially see their tails as bushy little |
| when they really don't know what to do. It's like people | | | | squirrels, it shouldn't take them long to realize their |
| who bite their nails, tap on a desk, or do some other | | | | mistake. |
| physical action subconsciously. | | | | Yet some dogs keep chasing - not just once or twice, |
| Dogs roll over and over on their backs. They jump up | | | | but all the time. They may simply think it's fun, especially |
| on their hind legs. They run around in circles and bark. | | | | when the people they live with think it's fun too. |
| These are all normal outlets for energy and | | | | Tail chasing is pretty cute when dogs first do it, and a |
| excitement, and dogs do them all of the time. | | | | lot of people make a big fuss over it. And dogs |
| Tail chasing is less common. Researchers are not sure | | | | happen to enjoy an appreciative audience. When they |
| why dogs do it, but they suspect it may have | | | | discover that something gets them a lot of attention, |
| something to do with their hunting pasts. | | | | they'll keep doing it. |
| Dogs originally got their meals by hunting, usually small | | | | But this has a downside. Like actors who are always |
| prey such as rabbits. Their brains and eyes are wired | | | | "on," some dogs get such a thrill from performing that |
| in such a way that they're intensely aware of quick | | | | they keep doing it even when the curtain is down. Tail |
| movements. | | | | chasing is hard work,and they run themselves ragged |
| It's possible that some dogs catch a glimpse of their | | | | until they collapse in a panting heap on the floor. |
| tails, get excited, and, without thinking about it, try to | | | | Then they get up and do it again. |