Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) is characterized by behaviors such as licking, flank-sucking, tail-chasing, and light-chasing that occur repetitively and without clear purpose. Environmental factors may play a role. For example, owners may unintentionally reinforce tail-chasing by laughing at or scolding the dog. Compulsive licking or circling might be brought on by boredom or confinement. An understanding of these contributing and exacerbating environmental factors may assist in the development of improved therapies.