Cutest German Shepard Tries To Stomp On His Shadow

According to the ASPCA, compulsive behaviors such as shadow chasing can be so damaging that they can even prevent dogs from going to sleep. Compulsion may lead to extreme fatigue in canines.

Causes

Compulsive behavior such as shadow chasing usually arises out of stress and anxiety issues in dogs. A dog who is cooped up in a small, cramped room all hours of the day may turn to shadow chasing.

A dog who suffered extreme abuse in the past may also become compulsive. Whether due to intense household conflict or stress and loneliness due to a new baby’s arrival, a dog may resort to shadow chasing as a means of coping with life feeling out of control and uncertain. (Source)