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Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails Most of us believe, perhaps justifiably, that dogs wag their tails only when they’re pleased. Learn all about your dog’s tail and what those many dog tail signals mean below:.

The tail is a very useful instrument for talking with your dog. Whether they are curly or straight, long or short, dog tails can be a gauge for emotional state. As opposed to popular belief, a wagging tail from a dog does not necessarily portray it is indicating happiness. Dogs express themselves with their whole body. To understand what they feel fully, you need to observe not only their body language but also the situation.

This helpful tutorial explains the various meanings of dog tail wags and explains why canines do it.

Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

Depending on the breed, tail wagging is an innate trait that starts to develop between 3 and 4 weeks of age and is one of your dog’s main ways to communicate with people and other dogs.

Though it is believed that the wagging tail shows that the dog is happy, there are other suggestions for the behavior, either eagerness or uneasiness.

Dog Tail Signs and Positions – What Do They Mean?

First, you have to step back and pay attention to the posture and speed of your dog’s tail. Interpret what your dog wants to tell you every time it wags.

Natural Position, No Wag

Provided he is in this position, the dog will almost always be calm. Almost all breeds of dogs—with the possible exception of breeds like the Samoyed, whose tails naturally curl over their backs—naturally let their tails hang loose down by their heels.

Straight, Wagoning Tail

Even though you might think that your dog wagging its tail upright means it is happy, that’s actually characteristic of an excited dog. Which means your dog can be unpredictable.

Also read : How to Read Dog Body Language

Backwards and Gentle Wagging

This sign with a dog tail indicates curiosity and perhaps hesitancy in a given circumstance.

You could look out for this if they are staring at some unfamiliar thing or species.

Tail Between Legs

If they have their tail tucked or between their legs, they might need a little space as they could be afraid or anxious.

They may be pumping themselves up to respond with flight-fight if they do small pulsating wags or twitches at the same time.

Full-Bodied Wags

The wag that is the most desirable is a full-bodied, freewheeling one because it really indicates that the dog is happy! This can be accompanied by a full body wiggle, which is a sure sign that your dog is very happy and is looking for social interaction.

Vertical Tail

A dog is aggressive if it has a straight tail, held up high. In general, best keep your distance as much as possible and only approach them when they seem to calm down themselves.

The Direction of the Wag

The way the tail is wagged also conveys a lot of information. A wagging tail to the right is usually positive, while that on the left usually is negative, denoting tension, anxiety, or fear. The left hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with positive feelings, controls the right side of the body.

The Importance of Tails

Where are the responses to the inquiries concerning why dogs wag their tails? Communication is typically connected to them, and they can perform a wide range of other beneficial tasks. When a dog is swimming in water, its tail can function as a rudder.