What Is the Importance of Understanding Dog Tail Wagging?

by Blog Contributor | June 19, 2024 | Pets | 0 Comments

^{Image by freepik}

Dog tail wagging is a common communication method for dogs. But how sure are owners that they’re translating the behavior correctly?

One of the primary responsibilities of a caretaker is to establish a clear means of communication to facilitate understanding and regulate the help they provide. Unlike presuming what the other needs, the favor becomes healthier when the other’s point of view is cautiously considered. Such a process poses no trouble for people providing for other individuals. Since they can verbally express their needs, caregivers don’t have to decipher what they’re communicating as the channel is concise and effective.

However, the whole process changes with a dog or animal in the picture.

“Why does my dog wag his tail when he sees me?”

As a dog owner, such a question is an inevitable curiosity. To most, this automatically means “the dog is happy.” But this gesture doesn’t always involve the exact translation.

Given their pets’ capacity to verbalize demands is non-existent, owners have to carefully assess their body language and master every possible meaning this may necessitate. This way, they can comprehend what their dogs are trying to convey and react appropriately.

What Does a Dog’s Tail Tell You?

Dogs are very communicative animals. They utilize their bodies to express what they want to convey, and most of the time, this involves dog tail wagging.

This gesture is a big giveaway of what they need at the moment, their body’s natural expression of their demands. Dog owners are taught to look into this behavior to understand their canines. However, as much as it’s critical to master what every movement may mean, dog tail wagging is also often as confusing as when humans play mind games.

When dogs wag their tails, it’s commonly attributed to happiness. But does this mean happiness is the only emotion conveyed by the gesture?

In her children’s book, Yvonne Bronstorph highlights the importance of reading about the attitudes of dogs. She details how every dog communicates differently, and if owners want to understand and be genuinely close to their companion, they must recognize these differences.

From this book, it’s safe to assume that dogs don’t only possess different qualities or personalities. However, they may also have different communication styles that reflect how they approach their owners.

By truly opening oneself to the complex world of dog tail wagging, owners better respond to their pets’ demands. There’s more to a dog’s tail wagging than what meets the eye.

How Do You Understand Dog Tail Wagging?

What does dog tail wagging mean and reveal about the dog’s feelings?

The answer varies as dogs utilize their tails for any emotion they feel, positive or negative. While a wag can look the same, and assessing what every movement means sounds a lot, it’s not impossible. Not to mention, the return of learning this secret language dogs practice is also worthwhile.

The first thing owners must understand about dog tail wagging is the emotion the gesture may entail. Dogs wag their tails for a number of reasons, but they do so commonly to express happiness, submission, playfulness, or alertness. What’s the difference?

The key is to observe their whole posture and behavior.

Happiness

This is the common interpretation of dog tail wagging. A fast and enthusiastic tail wag captures dogs’ happiness and excitement. Dogs are not automatically out of joy when they wag their tails, but if they’re swinging fast and eagerly, then owners can pat their backs for doing something that made their canines excited and joyful.

Submission

Unbeknownst to many, dog tail wagging can also convey submission. It’s not always a positive emotion if the tail is moving. Often, this means the dog is feeling deferential to someone or another dog they’re facing. What makes this gesture different from when they’re expressing happiness?

Again, owners have to look at the dog’s whole demeanor. What makes a tail wag submissive is when accompanied by submissive language like averted eye contact or lowered ears. Perhaps it would be best to comfort the dog or remove it from the situation when this happens.

Playfulness

When dogs are feeling playful, they wag their tails erratically and slowly. This is their way of inviting others or their owners to join them in whatever they do, a sign of affection that they wish to share their joy with others. This movement is similar to when they’re happy, which is a logical connection to establish.

Alertness

Dogs wag their tails when they’re excited about something or if they’re alert to their surroundings. This typically happens when they hear rustling, the doorbell, or when they see a squirrel. Such dog tail wagging is more controlled or slower than when they’re happy, which should be a thing to note.

The world of dog tail wagging is an intricately beautiful realm to understand. If you’re interested in knowing more about your dog, what they’re trying to convey, or the attitude they’re giving, read more of Yvonne Bronstorph’s book Dogs with Attitude.