Do you know why dogs wag their tails? Many people think that dogs wag their tails only when they are happy, but this is not always the case.
Just as our gestures can have different meanings, the movement of your dog’s tail can also convey different feelings, both positive and negative.
To find out why dogs wag their tails, read on, and check out the top reasons we’ve listed for you below. We also share some tips to help you understand what your dog is trying to tell you when he wags his tail!
Why do Dogs Wag their Tails?
Wagging the tail is an instinctive behavior that develops from the first weeks of a dog’s life. In short, it is a way of communication between your dog with humans and other dogs.
As we mentioned earlier, many people think that dogs wag their tail only to express positive feelings, but this is not true. Dogs can wag their tail for other reasons, such as nervousness, anxiety, fear, or aggression.
To know exactly what your dog means when wagging his tail, it is necessary to analyze all the signs shown by him, including his body posture. We’ll talk about this in the next topic!
How do I Know what my Dog Means when Wagging his Tail?
There is no ready-made formula for knowing what your dog means when wagging his tail, so it is necessary to pay attention to the dog’s body language, movements, and tail positions. These movements can vary according to the feeling that the dog wants to express at that moment.
Tail movements and positions may differ between dog breeds, but many general movements are the same. Some examples include:
1. Lowered tail, between the legs: May indicate fear, anxiety, or submission.
2. Stiff tail, at body height: It can be a sign of aggression.
3. Raised tail: May indicate feelings of happiness and euphoria.
4. Tail wagging energetically from side to side: It can indicate happiness.
5. Tail down and relaxed: It may indicate that the dog is calm and relaxed.
A study published in Current Biology in 2013 found that the direction a dog wags his tail can also be an indicator of mood. According to the study, a dog that wags his tail more towards the right side of his body is likely to be more relaxed, while a dog that wags his tail to the left side may be showing a sign of warning, stress, or anxiety.
Remember that canine body language goes far beyond just tail movements. To interpret what your dog means, you must also analyze your dog’s posture, position of the ears, among other factors.
The Importance of Understanding the Language of Dogs!
Knowing how to interpret what your dog is feeling at different times is essential to interacting with him in safe manner. If you notice signs of stress during a game, it could be that your dog is not enjoying it, and it may be better to stop.
This skill can also help you communicate better with your puppy on a day-to-day basis.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Howl?
The Importance of the Tail for Dogs!
You already know that your dog wags his tail to communicate with you and other dogs, but the tail is also important for other reasons.
The dog’s tail is important as it acts as a rudder when he is swimming. In addition, it is essential to his balance during races and runs.
Did you already know about these two fun facts?
Did you like to know why dogs wag their tails? Take the opportunity to discover more Fun Facts about Canine Behavior on our Instagram.
Stay tuned, as we will soon share more content like this here on the blog!
We look forward to seeing you in the next post!
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