Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails

Should you or should you not dock the tail of a dog? Some breeds like the Doberman Pinchers, German Short Haired Pointer, Rottweiler have docked tails. Tail docking is commonly done in accordance with a kennel club standard. Docking is a procedure usually done to working dogs for the purpose of protecting the tail from possible injuries. However, an owner that is aware why the dog wags its tail would possibly choose not to dock the pet’s tail. Have you ever wondered why dogs wag their tails?

A lot of animals have tails but tail wagging is most commonly seen in dogs. The tail of canines have many uses. A bushy tail certainly improves the physical appearance of a dog. The tail though is a very important appendage for a dog. The tail is an efficient balancing tool that allows dogs to scales steep cliffs and ravines, to make sharp curves and also to swim more efficiently. A very significant function of a dog’s tail though is as a communication tool.

Dogs cannot verbalize what they feel but they have an efficient way of communicating with people, with dogs and with other animals. An observant dog owner can easily understand the message the pet wants to convey by observing the wagging of the tail, the expression of the eyes, the movements of the ears as well as the other body movements of the dog .

The dog’s tail wagging is the counterpart of human’s smile and handshake. A smile is a simple and effortless way of making friends. Dogs are acclaimed for being very friendly animals. The wagging of the tails is doing the talking. A dog simply needs to happily wag the tail to gain friends. Dog owners are highly attuned to the feelings of their pets.

Fast wagging is indicative of excitement. A dog that happily wags the tail at the sight of the master is probably anticipating being walked or a treat. Being social animals, dog would thrive in an environment with a well defined hierarchy. Tail wagging specifies the dog’s rank in the pack. A tail held high and wagged slightly from side to side is a show of dominance. Dogs lower in rank will wag a tail that is held lower more slowly. Aside from the mentioned uses of tail wagging; this canine habit is also done for identification. Every time the tail is wagged, the odor that identifies the dog from other dogs is released by the glands. This secretion that is released by the glands are pheromones that identify the dog.

Learn more about why dogs wag their tails and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.