Tail Wagging Toys Exploring Unique Dog Toys
Dog Tail Signs: What That Wagging Means
You can understand a lot about your canine companion from his dog tail signs. That wagging or thumping on the carpet? You know your pup is feeling great. That feeling of dread when you walk through the front door and that same tail is tucked low? That tail tells you something has been destroyed by a bored pup while you were away. Whether you consider yourself fluent in wag or you're still learning how to decode dog tail language, read on to learn more about how your pet communicates.
Spotting the Signs: A Guide to Dog Tail Language
A dog's tail originally evolved to help him stay balanced, like a tightrope walker's pole. It serves as a counterweight to the front part of his body when he's making a high-speed turn while hunting and helps keep him from falling off narrow walkways.
Now that a dog hunt generally involves finding the last piece of kibble that fell behind the bowl, that wagging tail is largely thought of as a communication device. Here are five key things the placement of a dog's tail can tell you, according to the Center for Shelter Dogs at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
- Circular swish: A dog whose tail is swishing back and forth or in a circular motion is one happy and relaxed pup.
- Lowered or tucked tail: A dog who is frightened or feeling submissive will often lower or tuck his tail between his hind legs.
- Tail wagging stiffly: A dog who is excited may wag his tail stiffly while jumping, spinning or sticking his rump in the air. His excitement may be from a positive source like an upcoming walk or a negative source like an intimidating stranger.
- Tail held horizontally: A tail held straight out indicates a dog who is attentive and alert or perhaps curious about something nearby. Traditional hunting dog breeds like pointers or setters also hold their tails out straight when they point at an animal or object.
- Sudden tail raise: When a dog moves his tail from a down position to a vertical or raised position, it could indicate he is feeling aggressive.
Reading Wag Speed
The speed of a dog's wagging tail might also give you an indication of his mood, Psychology Today reports.
- Quick wag: A short wag usually happens during greetings when a dog is feeling tentative.
- Big, broad wag: This indicates a friendly dog who is not threatening anyone.
- Slow, reluctant wag: This might indicate a dog who is feeling anxious. Other signs of anxiety include avoiding eye contact, refusing food or ignoring what's happening around him.
- Tiny, high-speed wag: A tail that moves in short, vibrating bursts can be a sign a dog is about to run or fight. Be careful!
Dog Tail Language Barriers
Some dogs wag with long, expressive tails, but what about dogs with small, stumpy tails or no tails at all? A truncated tail may make it more difficult for dogs to communicate with their pet parents and with other dogs, writes Psychology Today. An observational study of more than 400 dogs greeting each other off-leash in a dog park showed a higher number of aggressive incidents involving dogs with short tails. This doesn't mean that your corgi will inherently pick more fights than your shepherd mix, but it could be something to watch out for. Overall, the study found that only 12 percent of dog park incidents resulted in any kind of aggression. That's a sign that dog communication has a pretty high success rate.
The tale of the tail? Dog tail signs help pups communicate not only with us, but also with other dogs. Knowing the meaning of how a dog is using his tail can go a long way to showing you how your pet is feeling.
Contributor Bio
Kara Murphy
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
Unique Dog Toys
Tails in the City offers the finest selection of fun and unique designer dog toys. Shop our selection of soft plush squeaker toys for dogs, tough and durable dog chew toys, interactive dog toys, even organic dog toys! Find all of your favorite dog toy brands including Haute Diggity Dog, Dog Diggin Designs, Simply Fido, Kong, and many more!
Snuggly Cup Toy Blush
$21.95
Snuggly Cup Toy Blush Quench your pup's playtime thirst with our Snuggly Cup, the iconic tumbler! The back proudly reads "Paws and Refresh," offering a delightful twist to the classic...
View full product details
Snuggly Cup Toy Teal
$21.95
Snuggly Cup Toy Teal Quench your pup's playtime thirst with our Snuggly Cup, the iconic tumbler! The back proudly reads "Paws and Refresh," offering a delightful twist to the classic...
View full product details
Olipup Pawberry Vanilla Toy
$16.95
Olipup - Pawberry Vanilla Elevate your pup's playtime with the Olipup Pawberry Vanilla! This plush, squeaky dog toy isn't just fun; it's infused with "Prebarkiotics + Pawtanicals" for a touch...
View full product details
Olipup Grrrape Toy
$16.95
Olipup - Grrrape Toast to your pup's well-being with Olipup Grrrape! This plush, squeaky toy is more than just a playful grape-inspired accessory; it's enriched with "Prebarkiotics + Pawtanicals" for...
View full product details
Pink Checker Pickleball Paddle Toy
$16.95
Pink Checker Pickleball Paddle Now your dog can join the pickleball craze as well! Pooch playtime gets a pink makeover with our Pink Checker Pickleball Paddle! Squeaky and stylish, this...
View full product details
Starbarks Iced Matcha
$16.95
Starbarks Iced Matcha Give your pup a taste of canine coolness with the Starbarks Iced Matcha! This plush, squeaky toy is the epitome of refreshing play. Watch your dog...
View full product details
Green Stripe Pickleball Paddle Toy
$16.95
Green Stripe Pickleball PaddleNow your dog can join the pickleball craze as well! Fetch a new level of fun with our Green Striped Pickleball Paddle! This squeaky plush toy...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Purse Pink Checker
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Purse Pink Checker Chewy Vuiton Purse Toy from our collection of designer dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog has been updated with a brand new pink checker design....
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Pink Checker Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Pink Checker Bone Toy Treat your pup to a luxurious play session with our Pink Checker Chewy Vuiton Bones! These plush, squeaky toys come in three sizes that...
View full product details
Golden Pooch Pink Tennis Shoe Toy
$16.95
Golden Pooch Pink Tennis Shoe Toy Get the distressed sneaker toy with soul! Our parody take on the iconic tennis shoe is not only jaw-dropping, its also drool-inducing! Just like...
View full product details
Dogior High-top Tennis Shoe Toy
$16.95
Dogior High-top Tennis Shoe Toy Dogior high-top tennis shoe Introducing the dogior high-top tennis shoe plush dog toy, a luxurious and trendy accessory for your stylish canine companion! This playful...
View full product details
Pawloma
$16.95
Pawloma Introducing the Pawloma plush dog toy - a peachy-colored, fruity delight with a cute garnish! This playful toy is the perfect gift for your furry friend, complete with a...
View full product details
Starbarks Ruffresher
$16.95
StarbarksRuffresher Calling all dog owners who love Starbarks! Meet the Starbarks Ruffresher - a fun, berry-colored plush dog toy that's a playful parody of the popular drive-thru drink. Your...
View full product details
Black Checker Chewy Vuiton Loafer Toy
$16.95
Black Checker Chewy Vuiton Loafer ToyBlack Checker Chewy Vuiton Loafer, the epitome of luxury and style for dogs. This designer plush dog toy comes in one size and features a...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Black Checker Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy VuitonBlack CheckerBone Toy For the lavish dog who wants to fetch with flash, look no further than our Black Checker Chewy Vuiton bone! With its timeless black color, its...
View full product details
Pawda Bone
$16.95
Pawda Bone Attention Fashion-Forward Dog Owners! Introducing the Pawda Bone, the latest must-have plush dog toy for stylish pups. With its trendy design and built-in squeaker, this toy will keep...
View full product details
Golden Pooch Tennis Shoe Toy
$16.95
Golden Pooch Tennis Shoe Toy Get the distressed sneaker toy with soul! Our parody take on the iconic tennis shoe is not only jaw-dropping, its also drool-inducing! Just like the...
View full product details
Fursace Handbag
$16.95
Fursace Handbag For pooches who embrace the finest in lapdog luxury! Our Fursace Handbag toy has everything your doggie diva dreams of. Whether its the divine, timeless styling, the plush...
View full product details
Fursace Bone
$16.95
Fursace Bone Make your dolce-vita doggie drool when you throw them this fabulous Fursace Bone toy! No manicured mutt can resist the luxurious plush exterior that provides the perfect chewing...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Purse Black Monogram
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Purse Black Monogram Chewy Vuiton HandbagBring home the handbag toy that has all the Parisian pooches barking Chew l l! Our black monogram Chewy Vuiton plush toy features...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Black Monogram Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Black Monogram Bone Toy For the lavish lapdog who wants to fetch with flash, look no further than our black Monogrammed Chewy Vuiton bone! With its timeless black...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Black Monogram Interactive Trunk
$26.95
Chewy Vuiton Black Monogram Interactive Trunk Indulge your furry friend's love for luxury with the Black Monogram Chewy Vuiton Interactive Trunk - a playful parody. This interactive burrow dog toy...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Purse Pink Ombre
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Pink Ombre We present to you this seasons mutt-have accessory for your doggie darlings: the Chewy Vuiton Bag toy! Its Pink handles and Ombre exterior barks to the...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Pink Ombre Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Pink Ombre Bone Toy For the lavish lapdog who wants to fetch with flash, look no further than our black Monogrammed Chewy Vuiton bone! With its timeless black...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Pink Ombre' Interactive Trunk
$26.95
Chewy Vuiton Pink Ombre' Interactive Trunk Treat your furry friend to the ultimate luxury with the Pink Ombre' Chewy Vuiton Interactive Trunk - a playful and stylish parody. This interactive...
View full product details
Tory Bark Handbag Toy
$16.95
Tory Bark Handbag Toy The Tory Bark Handbag in this new bright color will keep your dog happy for hours. Now with rope handle for endless chews.Tory Bark Handbag combined...
View full product details
Woof Clicquot Pawty Set
$26.95
Woof Clicquot - Pawty Set Featuring our most popular and classiest pup-friendly champagne, our Woof Clicquot Pawty Set is sure to keep your pup entertained for hours! This burrow toy...
View full product details
Woof Clicquot Rose' Champagne
$13.95
Woof Clicquot Rose' Champagne Toy Woof Clicquot Rose' Champagne Toy - Introducing the latest designer parody plush dog toy from Haute Diggity Dog! It's "Rose' All Day" for your pup...
View full product details
Woof Clicquot Classic
$16.95
Woof Clicquot Classic New to our bubbly collection, we introduce our Woof Clicquot Classic! Perfect for any pawty or celebration, Woof Clicquot Classic is made with soft plush with a...
View full product details
Dog Perignonn Champagne
$13.95
Dog Perignonn Champagne Toy Dog Perignonn Champagne Toy - This best selling designer dog toy is back in stock at Tails in the City! Dog Perignonn Champagne Toy Bottle plush...
View full product details
White Chewy Vuiton Ball
$16.95
Chewy Vuiton Ball Chewy Vuiton Ball Plush Toy from our collection of designer parody dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog. The most fashionable and stylish dogs all love their Chewy...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Purse (White)
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Purse One of our most fetch-ing designs, our Chewy Vuiton Purse Toy isthee must-have accessory for your furry fashionista!Your pup will enjoy the elegant feel of this plush...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Interactive Trunk
$26.95
Chewy Vuiton Interactive Trunk Chewy Vuiton Interactive Trunk - brand new from our collection of designer dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog. Our Chewy Vuiton Trunk includes three plush balls...
View full product details
White Chewy Vuiton Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton White Bone Toy Chewy Vuiton White Bone Toy - brand new from our collection of designer dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog. Our Chewy Vuiton Purse toy is...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Purse (Checker)
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Purse Chewy Vuiton Purse Toy from our collection of designer dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog has been updated with a brand new checker design. The Chewy Vuiton...
View full product details
Checker Chewy Vuiton Ball
$13.95
Checker Chewy Vuiton Ball Chewy Vuiton Ball Plush Toy from our collection of designer parody dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog. The most fashionable and stylish dogs all love their...
View full product details
Chewy Vuiton Checker Bone Toy
$13.95
Chewy Vuiton Checker Bone Toy Chewy Vuiton Checker Bone Toy - brand new from our collection of designer dog toys by Haute Diggity Dog. Our Checker Chewy Vuiton Purse toy...
View full product details
Wagentino Bag Toy
$16.95
Wagentino Bag Toy The Wagentino Hangbag in the Yellow that was awarded color of the year is now available for your pup! The stylish & classy nature of Wagentino combined...
View full product details
Wagentino Sandal Toy
$16.95
Wagentino Sandal ToyWagentino Sandal Toy from our collection of designer dog toys. This best selling designer dog toy is back in stock with a fresh new look! Treat your shoe-fiend...
View full product details
Barkin Bag Toy Pink
$13.95
Barkin Bag Toy Barkin Bag - from the fashion hound collection of fun and unique designer parody dog toys. The handbag every woman wants is now the toy every dog...
View full product details
Barkin Bag Toy Orange
$16.95
Barkin Bag Toy Barkin Bag - from the fashion hound collection of fun and unique designer parody dog toys. The handbag every woman wants is now the toy every dog...
View full product details
Dogior Bag Toy
$16.95
Dogior Bag Toy Dogior Bag - from the fashion hound collection of fun and unique designer parody dog toys. The handbag every woman wants is now the toy every dog...
View full product details
Miss Dogior Perfume Bottle
$16.95
Miss Dogior Perfume Bottle ToyMiss Dogior Perfume Bottle - brand new from our collection of designer dog toys. Your dog will love our Miss Dogior Barking Bouquet Perfume Bottle toy....
View full product details
Grrrona Beer Dog Toy
$13.95
Grrrona Beer Dog Toy Grrrona Beer Toy - This best selling designer dog toy is back in stock at Tails in the City! The Grrrona Beer Dog Toy is from...
View full product details
Grrrona Beer Can
$16.95
Barkweiser Beer Can The Genuine Plush Beer Toy for the Genuine Pup! New to our Muttini Bar comes one of our classics in a can! Sit back and let your...
View full product details
Grrrona Seltzer
$16.95
Grrona Seltzer Nothing makes playtime more ruffreshing than the Pawshionfruit-flavored Grrrona Seltzer Barkling Water Toy! Your canine will jump for joy when you throw this plush can their way. The...
View full product details
Grrrona Cooler Activity House
$26.95
Grrrona Cooler Activity House Grrrona Cooler Activity House - from the Haute Diggity Dog collection of fun and unique designer parody dog toys. Our Grrrona Cooler Activity House is brand...
View full product details
White Paw Activity House
$26.95
White Paw Grrriety Pack - Activity HouseWhite Paw is our best selling product hands down, so of course we had to create an activity house for all of our Muttlenial...
View full product details
{"themeColor":"#574CD5","iconColor":"#574CD5","showLogo":true,"topBottomPosition":10,"rightLeftPosition":10,"iconSize":"small","iconCustomSize":64,"position":"middle-right"}
