Why do dogs wag their tails? Dogs can use their tails to convey various emotions, ranging from delight to anxiety. Dogs use their tails and body language to express their emotions to humans and other animals. Let’s examine the meaning of your dog’s tail wag and how to interpret their feelings.
What is meant by tail wagging?
Dogs experience a wide range of emotions since they are emotional creatures. This is among the primary causes of our close relationships with our four-legged companions.
You might think a dog is happy when they wag their tail, but this isn’t always true. A dog may express various emotions when they wag its tail. They may be experiencing joy or excitement, or they may be experiencing anxiety, fear, or trepidation.
Since our dogs are unable to communicate with us verbally, they rely on their tail movements to provide us with hints about their feelings. Their body language and the position and velocity of their tail motions offer clues about their emotional states.
Your dog’s tail will wag enthusiastically back and forth or in a “helicopter” manner when they are happy. If you’ve been away from your dog for a short time—for instance, when you’re returning from vacation or work—they’ll probably do this. Your dog is telling you they have missed you and are overjoyed to see you again with this tail movement.
Some dogs move their entire body when they wag their tails, indicating that they are content and happy to see you. This full-body movement can also indicate that a dog is trying to convey that they are not a threat and is unsure of the circumstances.
Your dog is likely to feel peaceful and stress-free if their tail is relaxed and sitting in its natural position.
When your dog’s tail is tucked between their legs, it indicates they are afraid or anxious. The tail may still wag in this posture, but it is not joyful! A stiff tail suggests that the dog is thinking about reacting aggressively.
How can I determine whether my dog is anxious?
Your dog will communicate with you in ways other than their tail posture if they are afraid or anxious. Your facial expressions and body language tell how they’re feeling.
They may begin to yawn, lick their lips, growl, or flash their teeth aggressively or defensively. Watch for these emotional and physical reactions when your dog comes across something they are uncertain about.
Remove your dog from the situation gently if they exhibit any of these defensive behaviours, so they have enough time and space to unwind. You may contribute to your dog’s happiness, calmness, and safety by being aware of their feelings and staying vigilant.
What does the wag’s direction indicate?
According to research, dogs can express their emotions by wagging their tails to the left or right. Research indicates that dogs wag their tails to the left to indicate negative emotions and to the right to indicate pleasant feelings, although this may seem slightly unrealistic.
Why tail docking is a problem
Dogs use their tails to communicate, regardless of whether they have long, swooping tails or small, curled tails. As was previously noted, a dog’s tail is an essential means of expressing emotion, and when it is docked, the canine loses this ability.
In the UK, docking a dog’s tail is against the law. In addition to being an unpleasant and needless treatment that impairs their communication skills, it may also impact their balance and swimming proficiency.