Tail-Wags: Understanding The Language of the Tail🐶💕

Tail wags are dogs’ special way of talking to us and sharing their feelings🐶💕But each tail wag has its own meaning, and the key is to look at both the tail position and wagging speed to understand what your dog is trying to tell you!

Tail Positions as Words

Think of a dog's tail as their way of talking. The tail's position is like words, and the speed of wagging is like volume. Faster wagging means louder emotions.

Interpreting Tail Positions

Pay attention to the base of the tail to understand its set or position. Combine this with the wag to decipher the dog's emotions.

Tail Wagging Explained

The tail's position reflects the dog's general mood, and the wag reveals intensity. For instance, a relaxed dog has a neutral tail, while a fast, full wag means happiness.

Emotions Through Tail Wagging

• Happy/Friendly: Neutral tail, moderate wag.

• Curious: Tail straight out, may not wag.

• Relaxed: Still tail.

• Appeasing/Submissive/Fearful: Lowered or tucked tail, possibly wagging.

• Aggressive/Threatening: Erect, stiff tail.

• Avoidance: No tail wagging, dog moves away.

Right-Sided vs. Left-Sided Tail Wagging

Right-sided wags indicate friendliness, left-sided ones signal stress.

Dogs Without Tails

Dogs without tails communicate through vocalizations, facial expressions, tongue movement, eye and ear position, stance/posture, and movement.

Remember, a wagging tail doesn't always mean friendliness. Always consider the dog's overall behavior, ask the owner's permission, and trust your instincts when interacting with dogs.