Wagging tips and tales of what a dog's tail tell us -5 wagging ways

The easiest way to put a smile on a human’s face is to start wagging your tail. Helicopter wags, body wags, and swinging wags will usually get your peep all excited and you’ll probably get a little pat for just showing how excited you are. It’s what a dog’s tail tell us that’s so fun to learn as it helps you to understand us.

Our tail is just a natural extension of us, it expresses how we feel. In fact you can think of our tails like your mouth. People express themselves all the time with their mouth, ever had a smile on your face and you didn’t even realize it? Well it’s the same with us dogs, we are not always in control of our tails, they give away our inner emotions.

Every dog’s tail is unique they can be long, furry, skinny, stumpy, curly and nubby to name just a few shapes and sizes. However even the tiniest pug tail will still wiggle when he’s happy.

Why do dogs have tails?…A dog’s tail is an extension of the spine. It helps them to keep balance when they run. It’s used as a rudder when they swim. Bushy-tailed dogs use their tails to keep their noses warm. Moreover, A dog’s tail position and motion is incorporated as a component of a complex system of body language that domestic dogs use to show excitement or agitation.

What a dog’s tail tell us…It’s all in the Wag

1.Tail moving freely in wide sweeping arcs and slightly up: This is your typical classic wag. We’re telling you that we are welcoming and are happy. When we are walking and wagging we’re saying we are pleased and happy at the moment. You will see this wag…

When we greet you when you arrive home
We spot a friend on our walk
We are having fun playing

2. Casual tail, neither up or down, and has a slight movement: I call this the neutral tail. We dogs are just not engaged with anything in particular, and basically just checking out the scene. You’ll see this tail move…

On our usual walks.
Hanging out at home
Standing in the dog park and viewing the surroundings

3.Tail tucked in, all the way and between the back of my legs: I’m feeling very uncomfortable with my situation, I could even be fearful about something around me. You will see this tail…

Maybe at bath time
When I just stole the Sunday roast and got caught
On the way to the vet
A big scary dog is barking at me
The sounds of thunder or fireworks

4. My tail is up but I’m holding it still: I’m ready to act and launch into an activity. I’m alert and feel ready to engage.

what does it mean to keep a dog tails still

You see my tail at attention when…

I’m checking out other dogs to play with
ready to catch that ball that your going to throw
ready to start my agility run

5My tail is relatively high, and I’m moving it from side to side in short little was and kinda stiffly: Some people call it “flagging” Okay, I’m not happy, and if you look at my body signs such as hair up, ears back you should consider this a warning. I’m saying stay away. You may see me wag this way when