There is a lot that you can learn from your canine companion and their tail. Their tail was originally evolved to help them stay balanced, to serve as a counter-weight when making high speed turns or to help keep them from falling from narrow walkways. But their tail is also an important way for them to communicate.
Some important factors include: Positioning and Wag speed.
- 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 their tail between their hind legs.
- Tail wagging stiffly: A dog who is excited may wag their tail stiffly while jumping, spinning or sticking his rump in the air. The 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.
The speed of a dog's wagging tail might also give you an indication of his mood.
- 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!
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