One of the body language behaviors that is most associated with dogs is the wagging tail. We’ve all been taught from a young age that a wagging tail indicates happiness. We were told it means that a dog is excited to see you, wants to play with you, or is in a good mood. However, you may be surprised to learn that a wagging tail does not always mean happiness. The following is a brief guide from our behavioral expert, Shay Maimoni, to better understand what your dog is actually trying to tell you:
“A dog’s tail often conveys their emotional state. A low tail, for example, may indicate fear. However, it is important to consider all behaviors being exhibited at any point in time in order to properly assess the meaning of a wagging tail. How low is the tail? Is it positioned between the dog’s legs or simply pointing downwards?
It is also crucial to consider the context, such as the dog’s personality and breed. I owned a Dutch Shepherd female named Apache. She was one of the most exceptional working dogs I have ever encountered. She served as a patrol and narcotics detection dog. Typically, her tail was pointing downwards, and whenever I accompanied her, people would exclaim, “She is afraid,” or “I am certain of it; observe her tail.” However, the truth was that Apache would wag her tail only when playing fetch or during protection training. This was the only time she exhibited overt excitement and happiness. Does this imply that she was afraid at other times? No. She maintained a neutral and aloof demeanor, and did not exhibit any other behavior unless commanded. Therefore, low tails do not necessarily signify fear.
A wagging tail can convey happiness, but the interpretation depends on the tail’s intensity, speed, and tension. Additionally, breed and environmental factors should be considered. For instance, a Labrador Retriever’s tail wagging in circles upon seeing its owner enter the house at the end of a working day is likely indicative of happiness. However, if a stranger enters the house, and the dog’s tail moves slowly from approximately 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it is uncertain whether the dog is genuinely happy. The dog may be displaying apprehension or contemplating its response. Consequently, individuals may mistakenly perceive the dog as friendly and approachable, potentially leading to inappropriate interactions.
For dogs with bobtails, it can be more challenging to gauge their mood, but their tails moving rapidly and happily are evident signs of contentment.
If a dog has a high, stiff tail with the tip pointing forward toward its head, this typically indicates a threat. It is advisable to exercise caution around such dogs, except in the case of a Norwegian Elkhound, which is known for its high tail.
In summary, while the tail serves as a barometer of a dog’s mood, it is essential to pair it with an understanding of the dog’s language, consider the dog’s breed and also consider the current situation.”
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