Dogs communicate through many actions and their tail is no exception.
A common mis-conception is that a waggy tail means a happy dog, this is not always the case!
Origionally a dogs tail would wag to help keep their balance, however with domestication this use was diminished and began to be used to communicate rather than function as a balancing pole.
Here are some tail actions and movements to help you understand your dogs language a little better:
Tail raised high:
A dog with their tail raised high is a sure sign of asserting dominance; by showing a predominant stance and a raised tail they are showing the other dogs or people who is boss, the 'alpha'.
With their tail being raised this allows strong scents to come from their anal glands, alerting other dogs of their presence.
Tail raised high, play stance:
- Depending on situation and other body language of course; your dog could portray this tail action when you are playing with them, however their body language will change and they may show the play postition, in which they will crouch their front body down and keep their bottoms raised, your dog is not threatening or showing a certain dominance, they are merely showing excitement.
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Horizontal to the ground:
A dog showing this tail action is usually feeling curious; perhaps when a new person enters your home or when you are out walking together your dog may portray this tail movement. They are neither showing dominance or submission, this is merely a inquistive dog.
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Lowered by the back legs:
A tail swinging by the back legs means a very relaxed and calm dog.
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Between the back legs:
This tail action means a nervous, anxious and scared dog. It is the opposite the a tail raised high which also means the opposite portrayel, submission, the dog is clearly submissing to whatever they are scared of.
They will also do this to try and hide scents from leaving their body to try and go unnoticed by whatever they feel threatened by.
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Tail Wagging:
As discovered by recent scientists, they have now determined how to figure out what a dogs tail wagging means due to the positioning.
- If your dogs tail is wagging to the right, this means that they are feeling happy and playful and are approachable.
- If your dogs tail is wagging to the left this could mean they are showing signs of feeling insecure, restless and not themselves, depending on other given body language this type of wag may not be approachable.
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Tail indications are clearly dependant on the situation given and you know your dog best, this is merely a little information and advice to perhaps help you figure it out.
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