Why Dogs Like to Chase
As you marvel at your dog’s seemingly insatiable urge to chase after everything from dogs to squirrels to their own tail, you may wonder what drives this need to chase and why they keep doing it. While we can’t get inside your dog’s head, we do have some pretty good guesses at why they chase after some things and not others. Read on to learn more about your dog’s chasing tendencies!
Tails
Maybe the weirdest things that dogs chase are…themselves. Well, not exactly themselves, but their tails! You may get a kick out of your dog chasing their tail the first couple of times, but what if they keep doing it? This is probably a sign of either boredom or anxiety. In the case of boredom, your dog likely just needs some mental stimulation, so they end up entertaining themselves. Try giving your pup some mentally-stimulating games or tasks to complete. If your dog seems anxious, talk to your vet about options for easing their nerves.
People
If you find your dog frequently chases people that you bring around them, it can be extremely anxiety-inducing for both the people being chased and you as the pet parent. However, your dog probably only wants to protect you and their territory. If someone unfamiliar comes to your home, they may chase the intruder to make sure they mean no harm. Dogs also instinctively chase each other for play, so running after someone and trying to catch them is often a sign of friendliness. If your dog seems aggressive or malicious when chasing people, talk to your vet about it.
Small Animals
Many dog breeds were created to get rid of small animals like gophers and rabbits. While most dogs are no longer trained for that purpose, this could explain why your dog feels the need to chase after every squirrel or rabbit that they encounter. Sometimes your pooch will be willing to let the smaller animal go once they catch it, and other times they want to finish the hunt through. Either way, hunting is part of your doggo’s DNA, so don’t worry too much if they enjoy chasing down small animals.
Automobiles and Bikes
Although slightly rarer than the other chasing tendencies listed above, the thrill of chasing cars, motorcycles, and bikes can probably be attributed to your dog’s desire to chase after prey. Dogs generally stop chasing automobiles when the engines turn off, but they may continue chasing bicyclists even after they stop. This behavior is extremely dangerous for all parties involved and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Contact a professional trainer to train your dog out of this behavior.
Chasing may seem like a mindless activity that your dog indulges in, but it actually has roots in your pup’s natural instincts. The next time you see them chasing down a squirrel, remind yourself that it’s in their blood!