What Your Dog’s Tail Reveals About Them

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    If a dog looks like this, looking straight ahead with its tail perked up, while encountering a new dog, (s)he is merely showing off his confidence by displaying dominance. Or, in tail talk: “Hi buddy! By the way, I’m the boss here!”
    3/13 If a dog looks like this, looking straight ahead with its tail perked up, while encountering a new dog, (s)he is merely showing off his confidence by displaying dominance. Or, in tail talk: “Hi buddy! By the way, I’m the boss here!”
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    If a dog’s tail juts straight out, (s)he feels threatened.
    4/13 If a dog’s tail juts straight out, (s)he feels threatened.
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    When a dog is in this position and his or her tail is also wagging back and forth, (s)he’s just trying to impress you.
    5/13 When a dog is in this position and his or her tail is also wagging back and forth, (s)he’s just trying to impress you.
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    If none of his or her limbs are tightened and (s)he seems completely relaxed, the pup is completely unconcerned.
    6/13 If none of his or her limbs are tightened and (s)he seems completely relaxed, the pup is completely unconcerned.
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    This body language, with his or her tail curled up and mouth open, means there’s an uncertain threat.
    7/13 This body language, with his or her tail curled up and mouth open, means there’s an uncertain threat.
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    If your dog adopts this posture, (s)he’s saying, “Feed me!”
    8/13 If your dog adopts this posture, (s)he’s saying, “Feed me!”
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    This position can be a bit worrisome depending on the pooch. It’s a subordinate position they take when they are around a dog of superior rank. It is the canine way of saying, “Woah, buddy. You’re cooler than me, do what you will.”
    9/13 This position can be a bit worrisome depending on the pooch. It’s a subordinate position they take when they are around a dog of superior rank. It is the canine way of saying, “Woah, buddy. You’re cooler than me, do what you will.”
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    If a dog swings its tail to the right, (s)he's happy or excited. But there’s many other ways to translate a wag.
    10/13 If a dog swings its tail to the right, (s)he's happy or excited. But there’s many other ways to translate a wag.
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    If a wag shifts to the left, this signifies that there is something wrong.
    11/13 If a wag shifts to the left, this signifies that there is something wrong.
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    The speed of the wag is important to note as well. A dog’s tail will wag vigorously to the right if they see someone they know.
    12/13 The speed of the wag is important to note as well. A dog’s tail will wag vigorously to the right if they see someone they know.
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    But if they spot someone that is unfamiliar to them, the tail will wag more slowly.
    13/13 But if they spot someone that is unfamiliar to them, the tail will wag more slowly.

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Did you know when a dog wags its tail, it can mean something other than happiness and excitement? The speed and direction the tail is wagging can also indicate important warning signs every pet owner should be aware of.

Don’t fret! Picking up tail talk is actually much easier than you might think. Here’s a quick rundown of a few important basics.


Source: Psychology Today and Little Things