Like fast dogs use their tails for stability on land, water dogs use it as a rudder when they are swimming. Your dog is also telling other dogs that he meets if he is a dominant force to be reconnected with, or just a meek and mild happy, sociable chap. Do dogs feel pain in their tail? If you feel like this might be the reason behind your dog’s sudden interest in his tail, make sure he’s getting all the activity and attention he needs. Your vet can also ascertain if your pet is stressed or anxious and can offer help with those issues as well. Young puppies do it to help them learn balance and get a feel for all their body parts, and for older dogs, it can simply be a convenient, fun thing to chase. Watch your dog along a narrow surface you will see the tail will be hard. The Best Friends Animal Society notes that a tail tucked below may mean that a dog is worried about something. Dogs get stressed in different situations, but a typical sign of stress is hiding the tail. Obviously, they aren’t human and can’t verbally ask for affection, so this is their way of requesting it. Dogs keep their tails between their legs for a good reason: to make themselves look as small as possible. “There appears to be a genetic cause in certain breeds of dogs, like the Bull Terrier.”. 8 – All right, let’s talk about a few more examples of how a dog carries its tail. Since dogs are domesticated, they also use their tails to communicate with humans. According to Canine Journal, dogs also use their tails to spread their scent, which is a way to communicate. They direct their tail to help steer . According to the ASPCA, a tail that is tucked under may also point to feelings of submission and vulnerability in canines. Make a regular habit out of taking him outside with his favorite dog toys a couple times a day, and take him on an extra-long walk a few times a week. Dogs are social animals and need displays of love from their owners. Perhaps you just threw a big weekend shindig and dozens of people he doesn't know are taking up space in his usually comfortable and private home -- a scary thought for any dog, indeed. Teller County Regional Animal Shelter: Dog Body Language. Is it a normal dog behavior or the result of anxiety or something else? Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Dogs do have bones in their tails. Tail Variety in Dogs. Perhaps you just brought his carrier from the closet and he's afraid that means it's time to go to the dreaded groomer. Scent marking through the air as well as on trees and bushes sends out different important messages. When dogs are younger, the behavior may just be a fun game as they learn what their tail is. This is because the tail helps dogs to balance herself by putting its weight in the opposite direction. Or, your dog may chase his tail when he feels overcome with anxiety when a stranger approaches the house or during a loud thunderstorm. Rather, it's a sign that your dogs are getting along well in the multi-dog household according to All Boxer Info. Learning this language isn't difficult. I don’t know why cats overall sit on their tails, because I am merely one cat amongst many, but I will definitely let you know why I like to place my left paw on my tail. If a dog's fear escalates into defense, he may suddenly expose his teeth to bite the other party. On the other hand, submissive dogs will keep their seats down to go unnoticed. If you notice your dog's tail tucked below his hind legs, then the poor thing is likely very frightened about something. Dogs use their tails to communicate their mood and to spread their scent via their anal glands. As your dog’s primary caretaker, carefully observe your dog’s behaviors and try to pinpoint the root cause or trigger of your dog’s tail-chasing. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and other Arctic dogs curl their furry tails all the way to the front of their noses to keep their nostrils from drying up and to protect their faces from the bitter cold. Puppies tend to partake in this behavior more than adult dogs, as they are still learning about their bodies. I have also consulted with some of my cat furriends (read: Instagram friends) to let you know why some others sit on theirs. They may appear pushed back slightly -- a surefire sign that something just isn't right. In general, puppies are also more prone to playing and can turn practically anything into a dog chew toy, which sometimes includes their tail. If you notice bristling hair down its back or down the dog’s tail this often suggests a sign of aggression. If your dog gets anxious when someone walks by the house or an animal comes into the backyard, Hartstein recommends diverting his attention with a rousing game of fetch with his favorite toy. When a dog keeps his tail down and concealed between his back legs, it often is a sign that something is amiss. In other words, when you just can’t get him to stop. Interesti… So Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? Tail-chasing can be caused by medical issues, such as allergies, fleas, and trauma to or diseases of the tail or spine. Why do dogs put their tails between their legs? Lastly, Nordic dogs use their tails as insulation. Tapeworms may cause anal itching that makes your dog bite the base of his tail to get relief. Tail-chasing might just be a reflection of your dog’s fun and spunky personality. A dog uses her tail for balance: when walking on narrow pathways, steering while swimming, making turns when running, and … They also are learning about their bodies, and it is natural for a dog to explore their body,” says Russell Hartstein, animal behaviorist and founder of Fun Paw Care. Just like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest in humans as obsessive cleaning or counting, CCD in dogs can lead to compulsive tail-chasing, fur-licking, or fabric-sucking. Why do dogs chase their tail? Her areas of writing expertise include arts and crafts, literature, linguistics, traveling, fashion and European and East Asian cultures. Always exercise the utmost caution when you are in the presence of a scared dog. Is It Just Normal Dog Behavior? Even though we sometimes wish that our dogs could speak to us, dogs are great communicators and their tails play a … Tails do serve to help maintain dogs’ balance, but communication is their primary purpose. Dogs like greyhounds and whippets have long, strong tails that taper and curl under their bodies when they’re relaxed. Dogs may also keep their tails between their legs due to natural tail carriage which may vary from one breed and another. If your dog’s anxiety or compulsive behavior can’t be managed through puzzle toys or calming aids alone, Hartstein says your veterinarian might recommend a dog anxiety medication. Sometimes, a dog chasing their tail can just be a normal behavioral act. About the Author Naomi Millburn has been a freelance writer since 2011. According to the ASPCA, a tail that is tucked under may also point to feelings of submission and vulnerability in canines. If you live with a puppy, you know how hilarious it is to watch them do zoomies around the house, spill their water bowls, step in food dishes, and chase their tails. You might just find that the tail-chasing goes away completely with a little extra playtime. Look at his ears for another clue that he's feeling this way. He may be feeling kind of uneasy and uncertain about things, and doesn't like it one bit. Whether the source of your dogs allergy is mites, mold or contact with other animals, the reactions are most severe in a dogs early years, between 3 months and 6 years old. If you're an enthusiastic dog lover and your knowledge of canine body language stops at the wagging tail, then it's probably high time you sharpened up your facts. Dogs use their tails as a tool for social communication. “It’s fun! Your dog never fails to make you smile with his silly antics. This usually indicates he or she is feeling excited and particularly social. This goes back to more primal days, when dogs had to rely on the leader – that’s, again, you – to keep them safe from predators. Featured Image: iStock.com/Alona Rjabceva, dog becomes extremely anxious during thunderstorms or fireworks, Thundershirt anxiety and calming aid for dogs, HomeoPet anxiety relief animal supplement, VetriScience Composure behavioral health dog chews. Even while running, walking and sitting. Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?. Forget the myth that any kind of tail wagging from a canine is a sign of happiness, as your dog may be using their tail to send a warning message. This is especially true for puppies, who may not even realize that their tail is actually a part of their body, but see it as a toy. Your dog will come sit on you, perhaps bringing a toy or showing his belly, when he wants some playtime and attention. A humans first instinct to a skin allergy is to scratch at it, and its the same for a dog. This may help you and your veterinarian come up with some management techniques. “It’s fun! In some cases, tail-chasing may also be a form of idiopathic epilepsy, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, Colorado. When a dog is swimming, you’ll notice their tail straight out below the surface, but then as soon as you encourage them … Lap dog breeds include the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise and the Pug, but there are many. “Typically, dogs with compulsive disorders have [other] signs [too], such as high anxiety and hypervigilance,” says Dr. Liff. For example, if your pooch gets anxious when you leave him alone, try to distract him by offering a dog interactive toy. Discover what it means when your dog has a wagging tail. This example of body language usually denotes a canine who is feeling unsure of himself, and rather anxious, vulnerable, weak and submissive, and defensive. They also thought that removing the tail would strengthen the dog’s back and increase … Dogs chase their tail to burn off energy. If your dog is a puppy sitting on an adult dog, this feeling of warmth and security is … Don't assume for even one second, however, that a frightened dog won't turn aggressive. Find out what your dog is trying to communicate with this common dog behavior. He has to know that his tail is a part of his body, so what’s so interesting about it? Those dogs, whose activities include, climbing the various surfaces by using their tails, to balance uneven paths. But as adults, tail chasing could be a sign of boredom or a sign of an underlying physical condition that needs to be addressed (Burn, 2011). Animal Planet says that alpha dogs who hold their tails high can release more scent from the anal glands. Dogs require a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep themselves in peak physical and mental condition. Your veterinarian can help determine if behavior modification techniques will help treat your pet’s compulsion, says Hartstein, but sometimes a prescription pet medication may be required. Inflammation of the skin, or dermatitis, caused by fleas and ticks is not the only allergy that can lead a dog to chew at her tail. If you're packing your overnight bag and she associates that with being boarded at a kennel, she might tuck her tail and move away from you as you pack. Your doggie is feeling like a nervous wreck about his present situation, and literally isn't sure of what to do with his body. Tail serves as a counterbalance on a regular basis. Since the dogs were bred to encourage companionship, many dogs are more likely to sit on their guardian's lap thanks to genetics. However, if he’s doing this frequently or whining, it may mean you need to spend more time with your pooch, giving him … A happy dog will wag their tail and an angry dog will have an erect or fluffed up tail. The different movements and positions of a dog’s tail can tell you a lot about how the animal is feeling or what they are trying to communicate. This meaning may also change in intensity if the dog modifies its tail position. An obsessive dog suffering from separation anxiety may chase his tail to help calm himself while his owner is gone. As long as your pup isn’t being too aggressive (like snapping at you or barking loudly), this is perfectly normal. Most of the time, dogs chase their tails as a form of play. “It is something to mention to your vet, just to run through potential medical causes and make sure your pet is not afflicted by those issues,” Dr. Liff says. A broad, smooth, sweeping tail (not tucked or high) means the dog is currently relaxed and comfortable Helicopter tail (the type that moves in circular motions) is normally reserved for people your dog knows and for their close doggy friends. When a dog puts its tail between its lets it is a sign of submission. If your dog's tail is tucked under and he also slowly steps away from someone or something, this may indicate severe stress. He also loves to chase his tail, an action that sends him spinning in dizzying circles. You may notice your pet's tail tucked in this fashion when he's in the middle of unfamiliar and new situations. Sometimes, a dog chasing their tail can just be a normal behavioral act. Oftentimes, dogs will chase their tails because they are a bit bored; it’s a way for them to have fun and expend some energy. Wagging tails, however, do not always mean friendly dogs. If your dog is feeling a little bored, he might just come up with a fun tail-chasing game to keep himself occupied. You can also ask your veterinarian about herbal dog supplements, such as HomeoPet anxiety relief animal supplement or VetriScience Composure behavioral health dog chews, which can be purchased over the counter. Stress. When the tail points forward between the legs it prevents the dog from releasing its scent. It's somewhat similar to when us humans curl up into the fetal position when feeling sad or sick. 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