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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.

1. Circular swish: A dog whose tail is swishing back and forth or in a circular motion is one happy and relaxed pup.
2. Lowered or tucked tail: A dog who is frightened or feeling submissive will often lower or tuck his tail between his hind legs.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

1. Quick wag: A short wag usually happens during greetings when a dog is feeling tentative.
2. Big, broad wag: This indicates a friendly dog who is not threatening anyone.
3. 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.
4. 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.

What Do Dogs Tail Positions Mean

[ad_1]Dogs are known for their expressive body language, and one key aspect of this is their tail positions. A dogs tail can tell you a lot about how they are feeling in a particular moment. From wagging to tucked, each position conveys a different message. Understanding what your dogs tail is telling you can help improve your communication with your furry friend and strengthen your bond. In this article, we will delve into the world of dog tail positions, exploring what different positions mean and how to interpret them.

1. The Happy Wag: One of the most common tail positions is the happy wag, where a dogs tail is held high and wagging energetically. This usually indicates that the dog is feeling happy and excited. According to a professional dog behaviorist, A high, wagging tail is a sure sign that your dog is in a good mood and is ready to play. Its important to pay attention to the speed and direction of the wag, as this can give you clues about your dogs level of excitement.

2. The Submissive Tuck: On the opposite end of the spectrum is the submissive tuck, where a dogs tail is tucked between their legs. This position typically signifies fear or submission. A veterinarian specializing in animal behavior explains, When a dog tucks their tail between their legs, it is a clear sign that they are feeling scared or anxious. Its important to approach a dog in this position with care and respect, as they may be feeling vulnerable.

3. The Alert Stiffness: Another common tail position is the alert stiffness, where a dogs tail is held high but stiff. This can indicate that the dog is feeling alert or cautious. A professional dog trainer notes, When a dog holds their tail stiffly in the air, it can mean that they are on high alert and may be assessing their surroundings. This is often seen in situations where a dog is unsure or wary of something.

4. The Playful Invite: A playful invite is when a dogs tail is wagging low and slightly to the side. This position is often seen during playtime and can signal an invitation to play. A certified dog behavior consultant states, A low, wagging tail to the side is a classic sign that a dog is in a playful mood and is looking to engage with you or other dogs. Its a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend through interactive play.

5. The Confident Swagger: A confident swagger is when a dogs tail is held high and moving in a wide arc. This position can indicate that the dog is feeling confident and assertive. An animal behavior specialist explains, A dog with a high, sweeping tail is likely feeling confident and in control of their environment. This can be seen in situations where a dog feels secure and self-assured.

6. The Nervous Flick: A nervous flick is when a dogs tail is moving rapidly from side to side. This position can indicate nervousness or uncertainty. A professional dog trainer advises, A dog with a flicking tail may be feeling nervous or uneasy. Its important to pay attention to other body language cues to determine the cause of their discomfort and provide reassurance if needed.

7. The Aggressive Stiffness: Lastly, the aggressive stiffness is when a dogs tail is held high and stiff, often accompanied by raised hackles. This position can signal aggression or a readiness to defend themselves. A certified animal behaviorist warns, A dog with a stiff, raised tail and hackles is displaying clear signs of aggression. Its crucial to give the dog space and avoid any confrontational behavior to prevent escalation.

Common Concerns and Answers:

1. My dogs tail is always tucked between their legs. Should I be concerned?

If your dog consistently keeps their tail tucked between their legs, it could indicate fear or anxiety. Its important to observe their overall behavior and consult with a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist to address any underlying issues.

2. Why does my dogs tail wag so fast when they see me?

A fast wagging tail is a sign of excitement and happiness. Your dog is likely thrilled to see you and is expressing their joy through their tail wagging. Its a positive indicator of your bond with your furry friend.

3. Is it normal for my dogs tail to be stiff when meeting new people?

A stiff tail can indicate caution or wariness in a new situation. Its important to allow your dog to approach new people at their own pace and provide them with reassurance and support as needed.

4. My dogs tail is always down and tucked. What does this mean?

A consistently low or tucked tail can indicate fear or insecurity. Its essential to create a safe and supportive environment for your dog and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their distress.

5. How can I tell if my dogs tail wag is friendly or aggressive?

The speed and direction of the tail wag can provide clues about your dogs intentions. A broad, loose wag is typically friendly, while a stiff, rapid wag can signal aggression or discomfort. Its important to observe your dogs body language as a whole to accurately interpret their emotions.

6. My dogs tail is constantly moving from side to side. Is this normal?

A tail that flicks rapidly from side to side can indicate nervousness or uncertainty. Its important to assess the situation and provide your dog with support and reassurance to help alleviate their anxiety.

7. Can tail positions change depending on the breed of the dog?

While certain breeds may have natural tail carriage tendencies, tail positions are primarily influenced by an individual dogs emotions and mood. Its essential to consider your dogs behavior and body language as a whole to understand what their tail position is communicating.

8. What should I do if my dogs tail is raised and stiff around other dogs?

A raised and stiff tail in the presence of other dogs can indicate assertiveness or aggression. Its important to monitor your dogs behavior closely and intervene if necessary to prevent any potential conflicts.

9. Is it possible for a dog to have a permanently curled tail?

Some dog breeds are known for their naturally curly tails, such as the Akita or Pug. However, if your dogs tail suddenly becomes curled or exhibits unusual changes, its important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

10. Why does my dogs tail wag more to one side than the other?

A dogs tail wagging to one side more than the other can be a normal variation in their natural behavior. However, if you notice any sudden changes or asymmetry in their tail wagging, its advisable to seek veterinary advice to rule out any potential medical concerns.

11. Can tail positions indicate pain or discomfort in dogs?

Dogs may exhibit changes in their tail positions if they are experiencing pain or discomfort. Its crucial to be attentive to your dogs body language and seek prompt veterinary care if you suspect that they may be in distress.

12. My dogs tail is always pointing down. What does this mean?

A consistently drooping tail can indicate sadness or depression in dogs. Its important to provide your dog with emotional support, engage in stimulating activities, and consult with a veterinarian if their behavior persists.

13. Should I be concerned if my dogs tail is constantly wagging?

While a wagging tail is typically a sign of happiness and excitement, constant tail wagging can also indicate stress or overstimulation. Its important to assess your dogs overall behavior and provide them with a calm and relaxing environment to alleviate any potential stressors.

14. Can tail positions vary based on age or health conditions in dogs?

Elderly dogs or those with health conditions may exhibit changes in their tail positions due to physical limitations or discomfort. Its essential to monitor your dogs well-being closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any concerning changes in their tail carriage.

15. How can I strengthen my bond with my dog through understanding their tail positions?

By observing and interpreting your dogs tail positions, you can gain valuable insights into their emotions and communication cues. Building a strong bond with your dog involves paying attention to their body language, responding to their needs, and fostering trust and understanding in your relationship.

In conclusion, understanding what your dogs tail positions mean can enhance your communication with them and deepen your bond. By observing their tail language and responding appropriately to their emotions, you can strengthen your connection with your furry friend and create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship. Pay attention to your dogs tail positions, listen to what they are telling you, and enjoy the enriching journey of canine companionship.[ad_2]