It is commonly believed that dogs wag their tails to convey that they are happy and friendly, but this is not exactly true. Dogs do use their tails to communicate, though a wagging tail may not necessarily mean, “Come over here and stroke me!” It has been observed that dogs have a kind of language based on their tails’ position and motions. You can also understand your own dogs and others by learning how they communicate their emotional state through their tail movements.

Dogs wag their tails for other dogs, humans, and other animals like cats. Research has confirmed that they do not wag their tails when alone because there is no need. Just as humans use lots of body language in social situations, our dogs do the same. Tail movements are communication devices, and with some careful observation, these movements may be able to tell you how your dog is feeling.

The tail serves many purposes, such as acting as a rudder in the water when the dog is swimming and acting for balance when running. For example, if you watch a running dog turns to catch a ball, you will most likely see him use his tail to keep his balance.

Experts believe a wagging tail may best be seen as a sign of willingness to interact, but not necessarily in the way that the observer may want to believe. The dog is, nevertheless, mentally aroused and engaged with what is going on in his environment.

Many clues can help detect how the dog may be feeling. For example, if the tail is held straight up or curled over at the tip and moving quickly from side to side in small rapid movements, it shows great interest and mental arousal.

Other tail signals include:

• relaxed tail – dog is relaxed and comfortable

• light wagging – welcoming

• broad circle wagging – dog is interested

• slow wagging – doesn’t quite understand what you are trying to teach him (e.g. in training)

• fast wagging – excited

• hanging horizontal but relaxed – the dog is interested in something, attentive

• hanging horizontal but stiff – confrontational (such as confronting an intruder)

• tail between legs – submission or fear

• tail raised and slowly moving – dog is on guard

• upright tail – sign of dominance

• upright tail curled over at end – demonstrates trust and self-confidence.

If you are interested in dog behaviour and psychology, dog care, or caring for animals generally, the Academy for Distance Learning provides many courses that may be helpful and interesting to you and a huge stepping stone to a career in animal care.