How to Read Your Dog’s Tail Language

1 Reading Your Dog’s Tail Language

I. What Wagging Means

Dogs wag when joyful, frightened, angry or confused, so judging mood by wagging alone is often inaccurate. The states break down as follows:

1. A horizontal tail swept widely, with jumping, a curved body and fast side-to-side wagging and ears pulled back, means the dog likes you and is inviting play.

2. Wagging while licking your hand or face and making soft throat sounds also means a very good mood.

3. A tail held low and wagged now and then while barking at you means wariness — a warning not to come closer.

4. After doing wrong and seeking forgiveness, the dog lowers its tail and wags slowly, with soft nose sounds.

5. When very sad, the tail hangs low and sways gently with occasional whimpering, and it may rub against your leg for help.

6. A low tail with small fast wags means a bit nervous but wanting to show it is brave and not afraid.

7. When you give a command, a tail held low with the head tilted and eyes on you means it may not have understood and wants you to be clearer.

II. What a Tucked Tail Means

A tucked tail usually means fear, submission or tension, but a sick or painful dog may also tuck its tail. Body pain makes the dog feel threatened repeatedly, so it tucks the tail and may tremble all over. If you see a dog walking with its tail tucked constantly, check its body for discomfort and, if anything is wrong, take it to a vet.

III. What a Raised Tail Means

1. Standing straight with the tail stiff and raised, staring hard at someone, shows hostility and a possible attack at any moment.

2. A raised tail with a gentle wag means the dog is claiming dominance, a bit pleased and showing off; you can pat its head lightly to show approval.

These are several kinds of dog tail language. As our good friends, dogs repay understanding their emotions through the tail with a stronger bond. They cannot speak, but with careful observation and thought we can get along with them more friendly.