January 17, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Training

Many dogs wag their tails when they are happy, excited or to indicate that they are friendly. However, it is a massive mistake to believe that any dog with a wagging tail is going to be forthcoming with kindness.

It is important for all people to realize that a wagging tail does not mean that the dog is friendly and wants to be petted. To determine this, it is better to look at the entire dog – look for stiffened muscles, dilated pupils or ears pinned back to tell if the dog is going to be friendly.

In addition to indicating happiness, a wagging tail also communicates emotions such as agitation, annoyance and anger, the news source reports. The original purpose of the tail was to balance the animal as it moves, especially when walking along narrow structures, climbing or leaping. Without it, canines would likely fall over when they make sharp turns while running or swimming.

Eventually, the tail started playing a role in communication – with other dogs and with humans. The media outlet reports that most dogs do not begin wagging their tails until they are about a month old, and many start much later. Usually, they start to use the tail to indicate certain feelings to littermates. They also instinctively wag their tails to spread the natural scent from their anal glands, since every dog has a unique scent. Alpha dogs tend to carry their tails higher to release more of their scent, while others will carry their tails lower. Dogs that hold their tail beneath their legs are generally frightened and do not want to release any of their scent.

There are certain ways to distinguish your dog's wag. Studies have shown that dogs wag their tail to the right when they are happy and to the left when they are scared. Your pooch may wag its tail back and forth, high in the air, when you present it with a Durapet Dish & Bowl full of Wellness CORE Dry Dog Food, because it is happy. It may also make this happy wagging motion when you are about to throw its Booda Tail-Spin Flyer or reward it with PureBites or Happy Hips Treats.

When your pooch is being nosy or is curious about something, it may keep its tail horizontal to the ground, the news source reports. When it is tucked between the canine's legs, it means it is frightened or feels submissive, and when it's wagging low the dog is likely worried or insecure about something. 

Related posts:

1. What to do when Fido can’t wag?
2. Legends of pet ownership
3. Who is that doggy in the mirror?
4. How well does your dog know your face?
5. Is your dog ticklish?