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Dogs’ Tail Wags Decoded

Corgi's tail wags as he walks down the street

Humans may like to think of ourselves as good at reading body language. However, sometimes our skills are lackluster when it comes to determining what our canine companions are attempting to convey. From eye contact to vocalizations, dogs have a lot to say! Yet sometimes their attempts at communicating can be misinterpreted. One example of this is dogs’ tail wags.

For many people, a wagging tail equals a happy dog. Although this can be true, a canine expert recently explained to Newsweek why this is not always the case. Instead of assuming that tail wags always mean a pleased pup, humans should pay attention to the tail’s position, direction and/or speed of wags, and other accompanying body language.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals dogs use tail wags to show everything from happiness to submission. Different tail wags can even be dogs’ attempts to negotiate when meeting a new human or dog! A 2013 study published in the scientific journal Current Biology even shows that the direction of a dog’s tail wags can provide important information about what they are feeling!

So, how can humans better understand what dogs are trying to tell us? First of all, pay attention to the position a dog is holding their tail in. If the tail is high and upright, the dog is signaling that they are excited and alert. A lower, more horizontal position shows curiosity about the surroundings.

Another way to decipher tail wags is to look at the direction of the wag. Tail wags to the right have been found to show happiness and feelings of contentment. By contrast, tail wags to the left can show that a dog feels concerned or uneasy.

Lastly, the speed at which a dog’s tail is wagging can indicate how they feel. Fast tail wags show that a dog is excited and joyful. Slower tail wags, especially those that are stronger towards the right, indicate anxiety or feelings of nervousness.

Understanding canine communication can help ensure that humans are respectful of dogs’ feelings. By paying attention to dogs’ tail wags, humans can better understand them. Since the tail is highly visible, understanding tail wags can be a great way to decipher what a dog is trying to tell you!

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!