Understanding Your Dog

The Dog's Tail Tells All

Your dog's tail tells all...well... the tail, combined with ears, body and facial expressions helps us better understand what our dogs are feeling. Of course short tails are harder to read and dog’s with no tails require knowing body and facial expressions to help decode their mental state. (To be discussed in future posts)

How your dog carries his or her tail tells you many things about their current mental state. While at a doggy daycare or off leash park, the tail will show the current social standing as well.

Tails 101: Beginner Tail Reading

Interpret the following tail positions:

1) Wagging fast
    Answer: Excitement to do something or to receive something (treats!)

2) Relaxed tail
    Answer: Dog is relaxed and feels comfortable

3) Tail between the legs, legs bent
    Answer: Fearful or submitting to you or other dogs

4) Wagging lightly
    Answer: How a dog normally welcomes someone or another dog

Share your results or comment:)

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Tails 201 Intermediate Tail Reading