Our cute dogs always wag their tails in showing their love and affection. We generally have a belief that dogs wag their tail whenever they are playful, cheerful, relaxed, happy and excited. But this is not true, sometimes misinterpretations also comes into play that can lead to serious problems.
Many a times we as a dog lover think that they are joyful and calm but at this point they might be in a harsh or outrageous mood, warning to unleash an attack upon you or someone you are close with. So reading your dog’s tail signs and overall body language is must to decode their wagging behavior. These signs of dogs tail wags can show variety of emotions from calm and joyful state to wrath and brutal instincts.
Decoding the Tail Postures
There are various signs that our dogs wants to convey with the tail position. Firstly, we are going to discuss about the tail postures. These postures are different and can be horizontal position, vertical position or a falling posture.
Straight Standing Tail
Why is my dog tail always keeps on standing? If your dog tail is standing firmly and straight, they want to communicate their alertness and confidence at this point and their territorial dominance as well sometimes. But situation can turn upside down incases where tail is straighten up with upright ears, so at this situation, these are potential expression of warning and aggression.
Tail Mid position
If the tail is in mid position means neither completely standing nor completely down with respect to back means its a neutral position, then they are communicating their patient and relaxed state, often denoting they are aware of the environment and the situation, and not being fearful or scared.
Tail Tucked or Down
If your dog's tail is down or tucked, this is a negative sign for them in terms of their feelings. This signifies that your dog is feeling frightened, fearful or in a panicking state, its a bad indication that also shows, the environment does not complement them and also at some moments depicting your dog's submissiveness and obedience as well.
Unraveling Tail Wagging Secrets
“If tail wagging is an art, dog is the artist”.
Every wagging story has separate emotions. More often dogs are able to convey different emotions with difference in their wagging style. The discrepant wagging style from left to right direction or a circular flow like a windmill, with overall body positions and behavior is very important for us to study and understand them.
Circular Fast wag
Fast wagging of tail like a windmill in a circular direction is a very common expression but it should not be misinterpreted in always positive senses. In some circumstances a fast wag with a stiff tail can be a sign of aggression or apprehension.
On observing my dog most of the time when he is at peace feeling relaxed or very joyful I get a proof of this expression. So the circular wag stories keeps on growing when dog meets a recognized person whom they admire, rewards they crave for like treats or might be a known dog, these all are good reason for a windmill wag.
Slow wag
Many a times you might have discovered your dog slowly wagging their tails. But keep in mind the other body posture as well to get the clear feelings. By this impression they are trying to depict, they are confused of what's happening! around and trying to analyze and examine the situation.
If the body position is downwards with a little wag, this is denoting feelings of submissiveness and obedience. Sometimes you might have noticed a slow wag expression with a lose tail, this depicts their patient and calm state, but if the tail is tucked with a slow wag that's a scared or frightened state.
Leftward Side Wag
Many a time dogs wag their tail in leftward direction. Generally this is not a good feeling for them rather a negative emotion, this is an unpleasant indication suggesting that the environment is conflicting to them, this commonly happens when they are unsure of someone might be a stranger or an interaction with an unrecognized animal could be a strong cause. With this emotion they are trying to communicate fearfulness, scared or anxious state of them.
Rightward Side Wag
Whenever your dog is wagging their tail in a right side direction, these are potential signs that they are experiencing some form of excitement, elation or joyfulness at this stage. Might be the case, that they are delighted witnessing their owner playing and spending quality time with them or might be a dog, else could be a pet that they are eager to share bonds with.
Some Waggy FAQS
Q1 . Why do dogs keep on wagging their tails?
Tails wagging is a form of communication or a sign that helps dogs to convey their emotional state, whether situation is unpleasant or delightful for them or if they have mixed feelings, obviously they cant speak, so its upon us to understand their wagging behaviour.
Q2- What does it mean when a dog tail is tucked ?
When a dog's tail is tucked inside their legs so this is an signification of showing fear, submissiveness and showing they feel threatened.
Q3- What is tail docking?
Tail docking is the process of removing a part of dog's tail through surgical procedure. This process is immensely painful for dogs. It was much common in history, as they believed tail docking avoids injuries and disease like rabies.
Q4- Is tail Docking banned?
Countries like United kingdom and Australia have banned this practice. Due to extremely painful procedure. The American Veterinarian Medical Association lays emphasis that this practice of cosmetic tail docking is not justified at any levels and should not be appreciated.
Q5 – What is happy tail syndrome?
Also called bleeding syndrome is a medical condition when a dog tail hits against the hard or rough surfaces, like against gate or wall, they develop some wounds and injuries on the tail which can cause allergies or infection if not taken due consideration.
Q6- What are medical issues that dog can experience with their tail ?
Yes dog can face medical complication with their tail like- happy tail syndrome or bleeding tail, fractured tail, infections and allergies.
Q7- How should I take care for my dog’s tail?
Closely checking and analyzing the tail as sometimes dogs can injure their tail in excitement or due to hard wagging.
Keeping the tail tidy and clean by regular brushing and washing.
Use protective cover like tail guards or tail protectors to minimize their chances of getting hurt.
Q8- Why does my dog have curly tail ?
Curly tail of your dog is due to their genetical inheritance from their ancestors and also the bone designs and structure. Some dogs with curled tails are Shiba Inu and Pugs.
Q9 – I adopted a dog but it’s tailless, how’s that possible?
Yes this can happen, their are two main reasons, one is- that its genetical with some breeds and the second reason is- the dog has undergone a surgical procedure called tail docking (removing some part of the tail)
Q10- Why do dog wag their tail when sleeping?
Dogs wag their tails while sleeping, as they also dream like us humans- chances are they dream about their owners having playful exchanges or chasing someone like other pets or dogs.