Most people see a dog wagging its tail and automatically think that the dog is happy or friendly. But that’s not necessarily the case. Knowing how to interpret the actions of a dog’s tail can mean the difference between safely petting him or losing a finger or two.
Dogs wag their tails for a number of reasons, including aggressive feelings. First, consider the breed of the tail-wagger. Most breeds have tails that naturally hang down to near the hock (the first joint of the hind leg after the hip). Other breeds, such as Pugs, have tails that curl up over their backs. Then there are the Northern/Spitz-type breeds (such as Huskies and Malamutes) whose tails curve up over their backs, but without the tight Pug curl. Then there are the breeds such as the Australian Shepherd whose tails are naturally ‘bobbed’, or breeds such as Dobermans, Boxers, or Rottweilers whose tails have been surgically docked. All these variations may make it a little more difficult to interpret the wag.
When a dog is feeling relaxed and calm. his tail is at its normal position. If he’s feeling happy, a gentle back-and-forth ‘sweep’ is what you’ll see. If he’s REALLY happy or REALLY excited (like he might be after not seeing you all day), his tail will wag much faster, sometimes even going in circles. (Our little Border-Collie mix Tara is famous for the ‘circular wag’. It’s really cute.) These happy wags are usually accompanied by relaxed ears and perhaps a big grin on the dog’s face.
On the flip side, if he’s feeling nervous or timid, his tail will be lowered and may still wag, usually more rapidly than if he’s relaxed; often, the wag will be mostly toward the end of the tail. If he’s feeling really submissive or scared, his tail will be between his legs and tucked up tight under his belly. A dog who is aroused by something, such as someone passing my on the sidewalk, will hold his tail higher than normal, usually without any movement, accompanied by erect ears. (Tara’s ears usually move independently of each other when she’s on high alert. It’s like she has a couple of satellite dishes attached to her head.)
If you happen upon a dog that is holding his tail high and stiff, but still wagging it, and this is accompanied by a hard stare, it might be a good time to back off. The tail might be wagging, but everything else about this dog’s body language (such as flattened ears and bared teeth) is not giving off friendly signals. He’s either challenging you or threatening you.
Learn to interpret your dog’s signals and it will strengthen the bond between you.
