"A dog wags its tail with its heart."
– Martin Buxbaum
Martin Buxbaum (1912-1991) was an American poet, author and editor. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Buxbaum was blind but underwent a cataract operation which restored his sight. He has written approximately 11 books that include Rivers of Thought and The Underside of Heaven. While I don't know a lot about him, I know that his statements on animals were always apt. I was researching for this blog when I came across this sentence - A dog wags its tail with its heart. And I realised that this is so true. Dogs are actually very genuine and expressive creatures but only for those who want to understand them. You may not be able to read their expressions but if you carefully observe the position and movements of their ears, tails and eyes, you'd be able to understand them.
Many people don't understand the importance of dogs' tails. That is exactly why you see things like tail docking. Many years ago or should I say decades ago, tail docking may have made sense for hunting breeds as sometimes predators would catch these animals by their tails, but in this day and age, it doesn't make any sense. It's painful and it can limit the communication skills. In this particular blog, I want to talk about what different types of tail wags and positions mean. Because once we understand what it means, our relationships with our dogs can become much much better. It can also help us understand whether to approach a dog or not and which are the scenarios for which our dogs might need training.
So, let's dive right into it. Also, if you've any doubts, you can reach out to us on WhatsApp. We have got trainers, vets, nutritionists and all sorts of specialists to help you out in your journey of understanding dogs.
What does a wagging tail mean? Or not mean?
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog! Tail wagging is a key aspect of canine communication, with different wags conveying various emotions and intentions. Like human infants learning to talk, puppies develop their "tail language" around one month old. Remember, they are not born with it. They learn it. They use it to communicate with their mother and siblings, signaling hunger, play fatigue, or other needs, showcasing the intricacies of dog behaviour.
Why do dogs wag their tails to communicate?
While humans rely on words, dogs use body language to communicate (because they are sight animals- they see and understand things instead of speaking), with a dog’s tail wag being one of their most expressive tools. Without a verbal vocabulary, dogs convey emotions and intentions through movements like shifting their eyes, adjusting their stance, or wagging their tails.
Tail wagging is highly effective in canine communication. Dogs, attuned to movement more than color or detail, can easily interpret different tail wags. Evolution has also enhanced this skill with visible tail traits—bushy tails, contrasting colors, or light undersides—all accentuating the wag to improve communication. Interesting, isn't it?
Different tales with different tails?
To understand the language of a dog’s tail wag, it’s important to know that a dog’s natural tail position differs by breed. While most relaxed dogs have tails hanging near their heels, breeds like Beagles hold their tails upright, Greyhounds and Whippets tuck theirs under their bellies, and Pugs or Boston Terriers have tightly coiled tails that barely wag.
Meanings of different wags
Happiness: A fast, energetic wag often signals excitement and joy, like when receiving a treat or toy.
Submission: A gentle wag paired with lowered ears and averted eyes shows deference to another dog or person.
Playfulness: Slow, erratic wags invite play and interaction with others.
Alertness: A steady, controlled wag indicates curiosity or focus, like spotting a squirrel or hearing the doorbell.
The speed and direction of a wag offer clues about a dog’s emotional state. A wagging tail isn’t always a sign of happiness. Dogs may wag their tails when feeling scared or stressed, so observing other cues like ear position or body posture is essential.
Common Tail Positions
Upward Tail: Indicates happiness or confidence but could suggest dominance or aggression if stiff.
Lowered Tail: Signals submission or fear, especially when tucked between the legs.
Straight-Out Tail: Shows curiosity or alertness, often linked to playfulness.
Wagging Speed Matters
Slow Wag: Reflects insecurity, uncertainty, or submission. Look for flattened ears and a hunched body to confirm these emotions.
Fast Wag: Often indicates excitement and joy but can also signal aggression, especially if paired with tense body language.
Misleading Tail Wags
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog. For instance, dogs may wag their tails when anxious or stressed, with low or stiff wags suggesting discomfort or unease.
Tail Wagging and Aggression
Aggressive wags are typically fast, stiff, and paired with tense body language. If you notice this, avoid approaching and back away calmly. Consult a trainer or behaviourist if needed.
Interpreting a dog’s tail wag requires attention to speed, direction, and accompanying body language. Understanding these cues helps build better connections and ensures safety in interactions with dogs. I hope this blog helps you communicate better with your dogs.