At what age should a dog stop chasing its tail?

Question

I have a two and a half year old labrador retriever, and that's all she does!

Answer 1

She may not stop. It is not hurting her to do that. maybe try buying her a rope toy.

Answer 2

George W, Bush is 62 and he still does it.

Answer 3

Your dog needs more exercise.  Constant tail chasing is not just a sign of boredom.  If it is truly constant, it can be a sign of insanity.  I heard about a dog once who was locked in a crate for too long and had to be put to sleep because it wouldn't do anything BUT chase its tail.  

More exercise is needed, and a trainer/training classes wouldn't hurt either.  You need to take care of this NOW!  There is no age that a dog stops doing it.  

Answer 4

worry if she stops.  Labs need stuff to do - play with her more.

Answer 5

If she does it constantly, you might want to talk to a behaviorist, and your vet.  It is often a sign of obsessive compulsive disorder in dogs.  Sometimes medication can help.

http://home.frognet.net/~footloos/khi.ht...

Answer 6

They never stop, pups, middle age and adult dogs all do this..

its natural.....they will never stop.

cute isn't it. get her a kong toy to take her mind off her rump

Answer 7

Never, she is probably bored.  Get her a kong or something and kong fillings to put into it.

Answer 8

If the tail chasing is constant, it is a source for concern.

Constant tail chasing can be one of two things... obsessive compulsive disorder as previously mentioned, or a neurological disorder called spinning.

Spinning (going around in circles, with or without trying to 'catch' the tail) is a form of seizure activity, and is seen in quite a few breeds, most commonly in Bull Terriers and Shelties.  It is also getting more prevalent in Italian Greyhounds as well.  A spinner will go into a spinning episode whenever it's emotions are high, either excited, scared, really hapy, etc.

I would not let this remain unchecked.

Answer 9

My dog attempted to chase his tail around spasticly for a few hours a day.. for about a week. Untill he realised it was way to small to catch. and he was 7months then. :]

Answer 10

There's no real age. Some dogs never chase their tails, some will do it all their life. It's just a boredom buster.  

Answer 11

Dogs are dumb, they do what amuses them.

If you condition her that chasing her tail is bad, then she won't do it.  

Answer 12

NWEVER

lol

Answer 13

Dogs of all ages do that. I had a dog that was 3 or 4 years old and would still chase her tail. Its not that there's anything wrong with them, but that they're bored. If you want your dog to stop doing so, give her toys and play with her to keep her active and entertained.  

Answer 14

Never, a dog that chases their tail is usually a sign of a happy healthy and well cared for dog. Don't worry just enjoy. :o)