Pets and their tails. Communication or function? Some of both it turns out. Animals use their tails as a way to communicate, be it fear, excitement or irritation. A dog’s wag can indicate happiness or friendliness and is part of the non-verbal communication they might display when around other dogs. Cats use their tails to help them balance (although dogs can likewise use their tails to some extent for balance and steering while swimming-except of course for Sam, who we all know wouldn’t voluntarily get near water with a gun next to his head).
Research indicates there is the same right/left brain associations in dogs as there are with people. A dog will tend to wag to the right side when they encounter something pleasant but will wag more to the left side if it feels threatened by say a strange dog who displays dominant tendencies. Stress can show up as a left side wag and is directly reflective of what’s happening in its brain.
Sam’s tail tells me precisely what’s going on in his brain. A slow-moving wag generally signifies general happiness (which is 99.9% of the time). A furious wag and he’s telling you he’s about to jump out of his skin and that wag is right side dominant. If the tail is in an upright position, he’s definitely engaged. If it’s hanging more closely toward the floor, then he’s moderately engaged. When he really gets the tail going, I need to expect jumping, and snuffling around me face from him. He definitely has a super tell…about his tail. There is no second guessing what he’s trying to convey. Peals of laughter from me seem to really get him ginned up, the tail moving ever faster and more furiously. That dog is certainly not subtle.
A friendly wag — unmistakably friendly — often involves the dog’s whole back-end. In Sam’s case, his tail moves sweepingly back and forth and quickly. If he’s really excited about a person he’s greeting, he has been known to wag in big, fast circles. Butt wiggles also come into play. And if you know the anatomy of poodles, they seem to be hinged in the center of their backs, often looking like a slinky toy. The whole friendly dog package includes a slightly lowered body, open mouth, squinty eyes, and ears somewhat back. Loosey, goosey. Everything suggests a friendly encounter. Dogs whose body language is tense but includes a wagging tail should be carefully observed. Hard fixed eyes, stiff back and legs suggest the dog is not comfortable despite the wagging tail. Caution is the key here in this case.
So what’s your pup’s tail tell?
Live, love, bark! <3
Oh my dear, I’m so bad at reading my dogs. If the tail moves, I’m happy. LOL
Moving tails make us smile, too. 🙂
Which proves the point that docking a dog’s tail is cruel and leaves him bereft of an important communication’s tool.
Love this post! Anne is the first dog I have been around that wags her tail when she is nervous. That was new for me.
Many dogs do that, a tail wagging isn’t necessarily a sign of happiness. Hope you’re doing well. Good to see you around our ‘ranch.’
This was great. I love to watch my dogs tails when out pheasant hunting. They go s mile a minute when near a bird.
I’ll just bet they do! 😉
Max is definitely a rear end wiggler when happy. An expressive rump so to speak.
Wiggle butts are the best and bring all sorts of giggles out of the bipeds! 😉
Really interesting! I love learning how to understands dogs better.
It’s fascinating to find out just what makes them tick! 😉
Love that comic. Jack’s tail is probably the most expressive of our dogs – I know exactly how he’s feeling and more importantly what he’s planning…
It’s always a game of chance around the ranch on the planning stuff with Sam-you’re lucky. 😉
When Kaci slaps her tail in a peep’s face, she has to go out-even at 3am.
Good morning, it’s pee-o’clock.
fun and informative. I can’t tell you how many unaware dog owners say, “he’s friendly, see his tail wagging?” and it’s a nervous, or aggressive wag. Cole knows and stays away or if he’s in a mood, says, bring it! I’ll take you. The people never seem to get it.
Cole only wags for certain people, preferring to hold his cards close to the chest. LeeAnna
Yes, I’m afraid too many think a wagging tail is a sign of friendliness. And don’t get me started about the ones off leash who approach a tail wagger who is scared out of its wits at the oncoming furball of energy. 😉
Oh the joys (and entertainment) by simply learning canine body language! When Ray is really and happily excited, he leaps around in vertical twisting moves. Everything that can wag is wagging during these short flights! 🙂
And don’t you just love that unbridled joy! 😉
We do. It is so rewarding, given his past, to see him simply lose it with excitement! 🙂
Awww, that makes me so happy for him, you and Carol.
Easy’s tail is a weapon and I’m afraid he would lose every poker game because of his wild wagging tail :o)
Nothing as fun and happy as a wagging tail! Hope everyone in the Easy household is doing better.