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Wagging Tail – Interpreting Dog Behavior

25 12:10:55

Wagging Tail – Interpreting Dog Behavior

A lot of people have been fascinated to why dogs wag their tail. Some would say that the reason to why dogs wag their tail is because they are friendly. Others would also interpret tail wagging as a sign of happiness once they see humans. Well, this is not always the case my friend and the truth is, tail wagging could also mean fear, insecurity and also, it can be a warning for you to back off.

The truth here is that there are different reasons to why dogs wag their tail. Popular animal behaviorist have studies and learned that dogs have their own emotions and this could be conveyed by wagging their tail. Take note, even dogs who don't have long tails would also actually to wag their "behind" to convey their emotions towards humans and to other animals as well.

Now, before you assume that your dog is simply wagging because he or she is friendly or you just want to pet them, it is best that you learn the different interpretations to why dogs wag their tail. So read on and know the facts.

Tail Wagging Signals

Take into account; tail wagging is a kind of language for dogs. So before you want to go near them and pat or pet them, better know these tail wagging signals.

Broad tail wag – This would indicate that the dog is being friendly towards you. Also it would indicate that the dog would mean no harm and is looking forward for you to pet your dog.

Slight tail wag – A slight swing of the tail would mean that your dog is telling you a simple "hello" and is also telling you that "I am here". It is also a sign of greeting for you to take notice of your dog.

Slow tail wag – Slow wagging of the tail that's positioned high or low or "half mast" would indicate a behavior of a dog as being insecure, dominant or submissive. Such behavior of a dog would be a sign of being less social unless they are your master. However, if the dog is just a newly acquired pet especially if it came from a dog shelter, you would usually notice this kind of emotion.

Fast and small tail wags – This kind of behavior from a dog would signal them to run or to fight. Yes, the tail would usually vibrate fast and the dog may end up fighting another dog or they would run to evade the situation.

Vertical tail wagging – This kind of behavior of a dog would mean aggression. So be careful whenever you encounter dogs that would wag fast with a combination of growling since they are aggressive.

These are just some indications of emotions to why dogs wag their tails. In some instances, dogs would wag tail high to spread out their scent to tell other dogs that they are dominant.

Remember, tail wagging is important for dogs since it is their means of communication. Whether they are conveying their messages to other dogs or animals or to humans, it's just one way on how they would express their feelings.