Sometimes, the best way of dealing with a boxer on a rampage is to just sit in a puddle until she wears herself out.

Of course, baths are a group activity…

I bet you never thought you’d see an emu play with a ball.

But the emus always let Daisy know when they’ve had enough fun for the day.

The post Having Emus for Best Friends Isn’t Weird at All! appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

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The post Dog and owner playfully chase each other appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Does your dog chase their tail?  Do they tire themselves out spinning in place, or end up spinning in one direction too fast for too lang?  Well, your dog is not alone.  A study taking place at Bristol University in the UK, and after viewing dogs that DO chase their own tails, researchers are looking for dogs that seem to barely notice they have one at all.

The Bristol Spinning Dog Project, as the study is titled, are now in the process of taking data from non-spinners.  There are 50 in total, and they will be taking various measurements and collecting various samples for study.  The dogs will also undergo some light training to assess the animals ability to learn.

Of course, all dogs that will be taking part in the study have been promised to be covered in treats for helping advance the causes of science.  The human family members won’t be receiving a big check at the end of the study.  They will however know what it’s like to have helped man answer an age old question.

So no matter what the reasons are for your dog when it comes to why chase one’s own tail, we will finally know what’s in it for the dogs.  Is it really down to simple self-entertainment?  Or do they realize that it makes their humans laugh, which in turn gets both attention from their human and the occasional snack doesn’t hurt things either?  No matter why, it’s still a darn funny thing to see.

Included below is a compilation of some of the best tail chasers captured on video.  Do any of these dogs remind you of any dogs you know?  Do you have funny pictures of videos of your dog chasing their tail?  Share it with us, and your dog could be a featured video!  Remember to check out www.lifewithdogs.tv, and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lifewithdogs for more on our furry best buds!

http://youtu.be/RWu9jneWaI0

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Smaller Animals

This can be attributed to a high prey drive. There are many, many breeds that were specifically designed to flush out small animals such as rabbits, gophers, otters, etc. DNA runs deep in these breeds and most of them can’t help but chasing that squirrel, frog, chicken or even the family cat. Sometimes it’s the thrill of the chase, once the dog has captured its prey, they can let it go. More often though, a dog is so in tuned with the hunt that they need to finish what they start, to the very end.

Cars/Bicycles/Motorcycles

The thrill of the chase and the speed of the prey; two probable reasons some car chasers lie in wait for the roar of an engine. This incredibly dangerous past time has resulted in injuries of both driver and dog. Usually a dog who chases cars will give up the chase as soon as the car stops. In the case of motorcycle or human power-driven transport (bicycle, skateboard, in-line skating etc.) it is more likely the dog will continue the chase with biting and nipping once the vehicle has stopped. This behavior needs to be dealt with as soon as possible before any injury takes place. Contact a professional trainer for advice on how to curb the behavior.

Tails

Owners who watch dogs chase their tails, giggle and laugh at the silliness of the act. While the act does seem rather silly, the reason behind it is anything but. Dogs often chase their tails out of boredom or anxiety. In the case of boredom, the incredibly intelligent dog needs constant mental stimulation. Give the dog a job, teach him to fetch the morning paper or herd the cat. Get him involved in competitive sports, something to keep him active and alert. The tail won’t be so appealing if there is something else occupying his thoughts. If it is an anxious dog, talk to the vet about available options to ease the dog’s nerves.

People

There are several reasons a dog will chase someone. A territorial chase may happen when someone unfamiliar comes to the door, or walks past the dog’s territory. The dog may give chase, nipping at the heels of the intruder. There is also the play chase. Dogs take turns chasing each other in a pack. It is primal good fun. Running after someone and catching them, is self-rewarding. A stranger walking past your house, however, may not find being the target of a running, snarling dog so amusing.

Laser Beams

Some dogs could care less about obtaining that little bouncing beam of light. Others become obsessed with it. The laser dot that zips and zooms around the floor and up walls stimulates a dog’s prey drive and they will follow after the elusive orb. There is no fulfillment at the end of the chase, however. Most objects that are chased are eventually caught. Studies have shown that some animals that pursue laser specks may become obsessed, to the point of anxiety.

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