Why does my German Shepherd puppy keep chasing his tail? Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 14 days old | 61 lbs
Hi, my 10 month old German Shepherd Dog keeps chasing his tail. Normally, he does it when I'm about to go near him to give him water or fix his leash/collar. When he's lying down and I pet him or give him a rub, he doesnt normally chase his tail. I'm not sure if this is normal behavior or if I need to do something about it.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 6th, 2019
This is sterotypic behavior (like obsessive compulsive disorder in people) and is common in GSDs. I don't think you need to do anything about it unless he is injuring himself. This article may answer more of your questions. ( https://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/files/dog_behavior_repetitive-behavior.pdf )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 13th, 2019
Most likely this is a stereotypic (repetitive) behavior especially with this breed. It is an obsessive compulsive disorder. I suggest you work with a professional dog trainer to try to help re-direct this behavior. ( https://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/files/dog_behavior_repetitive-behavior.pdf )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Why does my dog Sadie chase her tail?
Why is my puppy often biting its own tail.
I have an 11 month old English Cream Golden Retriever. He chases his tail until he can barely stand up due to dizziness. Then he reverses his circle, chasing it the other direction. Is this a sign of anything wrong, other than him being an energet
My boyfriend and I have a german shepherd. He is a sweet, loving dog, but we cannot figure out why he licks his tail nonstop! He licks it to the point the hair is gone on the end of the tail and it bleeds. We have been told to try Benadryl and it
My 7 month old German Shepherd uses his mouth too much. He always comes for my arm and starts soft and then adds more force eventually. He thinks it is a game since his tail is always waging. He doesn’t get as much exercise as he would like to but he
My dog jack chihuahua is going in circle and catching his tail before he eats he was angry too why does he do this?
We notice that our rescue dog of 2-1/2 years, a lab/basenji mix will frequently grab at his curled up tail. Also in the backyard he'll run around in a wide circle for several minutes. We play with him and give him lots of our time, so we can't fi
Chewing at the fur around her tail. When she was a puppy her vet told us it is common for G. Shepards, especially if they are stressing about something & to watch her. My boyfriend her main owner is currently in bootcamp for the military so Im assumi
He has a very very long tail that when he starts posing and playing the last part touches the floor! Long and fat tail !
Recently my dog has started to chase her tail but she pulls on it and won't let got so she rips out clumps of hair. What causes this??
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
