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Dog behavior: Try 9 strategies to stop obsessive tail biting

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Labrador puppy chews on tail. Tail biting is often found in dogs with a high prey drive.
Tail biting is most often found in dogs with a high prey drive, who don’t get enough exercise or spend too much time in their crates.

Most puppies or dogs chase or bite their tails at one time. It’s something to do, and it’s fun.

Many dog owners find their dog’s tail biting amusing.

But if tail biting is not corrected early enough, it can develop into canine obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or canine compulsive disorder.

Symptoms of OCD in dogs

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Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs focus on tail chasing, tail biting, or other obsessive behavior.

Dogs that exhibit obsessive behavior most often:

  • have a high chase or prey drive,
  • don’t get enough exercise,
  • lack of mental stimulation,
  • or experience overstimulation,
  • spend too much time being crated, kenneled, or tethered.

Symptoms usually surface when a dog is a puppy, and behavior problems are easier to correct when a dog is young.

Studies show several dog breeds are at a higher risk for exhibiting symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but no specific breed, gender, or age is more susceptible than others.

Breeds more prone to OCD include German Shepherds, Chinese Crested Dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Spitzes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Mixed Breeds, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and other terrier and shepherd breeds.

German Shepherds and Bull Terriers are prone to spinning and tail chasing.

Potential tail-biting causes

There are several common reasons for tail-biting behavior in dogs, ranging from behavioral triggers to underlying medical conditions.

The most common reasons include:

Boredom and lack of exercise

Dogs not receiving enough physical exercise or mental stimulation may resort to tail chasing or biting to alleviate boredom or excess energy.

Anxiety and stress

Dogs experiencing anxiety or stress may engage in repetitive behaviors like tail chasing or biting as a coping mechanism. Environmental changes, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar situations can contribute to these feelings.

Allergies and skin irritation

Your dog’s tail biting, itching, scratching, licking, and discomfort may be caused by skin allergies, food allergies, pollen, flea infestations, skin infections, or other skin irritations or hot spots that may prompt a dog to chew or bite at their tail to relieve itching or discomfort.

Parasites

Check to make sure your dog isn’t being bothered by ticks or flea bites.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Some dogs may develop OCD, exhibiting repetitive behaviors like tail chasing or biting due to genetic predisposition or environmental factors.

Medical issues

Underlying medical conditions such as neurological disorders, orthopedic problems, or anal gland issues may lead to tail-biting behavior in dogs. It’s important to rule out any potential medical causes with a thorough veterinary examination.

Don’t wait

Your dog can develop a severe behavior disorder if you ignore anxiety symptoms like tail-biting or tail-chasing,

Dogs with compulsive behaviors can chew their tails into a bloody mess, which causes infections. Some secondary infections have been so severe that the dog’s tail had to be amputated.

This doesn’t mean you have to freak out if your dog happens to spin around and nibble on its tail. It could mean the dog has an itch or feels something crawling.

But if you observe obsessive tail biting or obsessive tail chasing, you need to be concerned and begin preventing tail biting.

Wire Fox Terrier obsessively bites tail.
Use positive reinforcement to redirect your dog’s attention from obsessive tail biting and reward alternative behaviors.

Training techniques and behavior modification

When dealing with dogs’ obsessive tail-chasing and biting behavior, it’s essential to address the issue through appropriate training techniques and behavioral modification strategies.

Here are some approaches that can help in managing and reducing this behavior:

Mental and physical stimulation

Providing ample mental and physical exercise for your dog can help reduce boredom and excess energy that may lead to tail-chasing or biting.

Engage in regular playtime, interactive toys, and daily walks to stimulate your dog mentally and physically.

Positive reinforcement training

Use positive reinforcement techniques to redirect your dog’s attention away from tail-chasing or biting.

Reward your dog for engaging in alternative behaviors, such as playing with a toy or following a command.

This helps to shift their focus away from the obsessive behavior.

Environmental enrichment

Create a stimulating environment for your dog by introducing puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and engaging activities to keep them mentally occupied.

This can help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of obsessive behaviors.

Counter-conditioning and desensitization

Work with a professional dog trainer to implement counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques to change your dog’s response to triggers that lead to tail-chasing or biting.

This involves gradually exposing your dog to the trigger in a controlled way while providing positive experiences and rewards to create a new, positive association.

Address underlying anxiety or stress

If anxiety or stress is contributing to the behavior, consider working with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist to address these underlying emotions.

Techniques such as relaxation training, behavior modification, and, in some cases, medication may be recommended.

Consistent supervision and management

Supervise your dog to prevent the opportunity for obsessive tail-chasing or biting.

Using baby gates or crates when necessary can help manage the environment and limit access to areas where the behavior occurs.

When implementing these training techniques, remaining patient, consistent, and committed is essential.

Treat a dog with OCD

Seek professional help

For more severe cases of obsessive tail-chasing and biting behavior in dogs, it is crucial to seek professional help from a certified dog behaviorist or trainer.
These experts have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation and develop a customized behavior modification plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Here’s why seeking professional help is essential:

Specialized expertise

Certified dog behaviorists and trainers have specialized expertise in understanding canine behavior and psychology.
They can identify the root causes of obsessive behaviors and implement targeted strategies to address them effectively.

Customized behavior modification plans

Each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
Professional behaviorists and trainers can create personalized behavior modification plans that consider your dog’s temperament, history, and triggers for tail-chasing and biting.

Behavioral assessment and observation

These professionals can conduct a thorough behavioral assessment and observation to gain insights into your dog’s behavior patterns.
This helps identify specific triggers and develop interventions to modify the behavior.

Structured training programs

Certified behaviorists and trainers can implement structured training programs that focus on positive reinforcement, desensitization, counter-conditioning, and other evidence-based techniques to address obsessive behaviors in dogs.

Collaborative support

Working with a professional behaviorist or trainer provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the behavior modification process.
They can offer advice, adjust the training plan, and assist in managing setbacks or challenges.

Access to resources

Professional behaviorists and trainers have access to various resources, including behavior modification tools, training equipment, and educational materials that can support the training and rehabilitation process.
If your dog suffers from severe obsessive tail-chasing or biting, don’t hesitate to contact a certified dog behaviorist or trainer.
Their expertise and support can help your dog overcome these behaviors and lead a happier, more balanced life.

Prevent obsessive tail-biting

The importance of early intervention to prevent obsessive tail biting cannot be overstated.
Early intervention helps address the underlying causes of this behavior and prevents the habit from becoming ingrained, making it easier to modify and manage.
Identifying potential triggers and addressing them early on can significantly reduce the likelihood of obsessive tail biting.
Moreover, early intervention can help implement appropriate environmental enrichment, behavioral modification, and other strategies to redirect the animal’s focus and minimize stress, ultimately preventing the development of harmful behavioral patterns.
By prioritizing early intervention, dog parents can actively promote the well-being and mental health of the animals under their care, creating a more conducive and nurturing environment for them to thrive.
This proactive approach can improve outcomes and contribute to a more positive and harmonious coexistence between animals and humans.

The bottom line on tail-biting

Check with your vet if your dog doesn’t respond to training or other efforts to stop tail biting.

Dogs with higher cholesterol chase and bite their tails more often than dogs with average or lower cholesterol.

A change in diet or medication could solve the problem.

The sooner you address tail biting, the happier you and your dog will be!

Don’t put it off. Don’t wait until your puppy becomes OCD.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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