What’s The Meaning Behind The Dog Tail Position?

Unfortunately, dogs can’t talk to us (Unless they’re like Bunny the Sheepadoodle, who’s learned how to communicate via buttons with her pet parents!). So, we have to rely on their bark and body language – including their tails.

That’s right, your dog communicates all day through the position of their tail!

But what is the meaning behind your dog’s tail position?

Tail Position: Just One Part of Dog Body Language

While a dog’s tail position is a crucial indicator of their emotions and intentions, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To truly understand how a dog is feeling, pet parents need to observe a variety of body language cues. By looking at other aspects like ear position, mouth shape, hackles, and overall body posture, you can get a more comprehensive picture of your dog’s emotional state.

1. Ear Position: Ears are highly expressive in dogs. Ears that are forward and alert often indicate curiosity or attentiveness, while ears laid back can signal fear or submission. Each breed may have different ear positions, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your dog.
2. Eyes: Eyes convey a wide range of emotions, in humans and dogs alike. Dilated pupils can indicate fear or excitement, while “whale eye” (showing the whites of the eyes) often signals stress or anxiety. Soft and relaxed eyes can be seen in content dogs. 
3. Mouth Shape and Expression: A relaxed mouth with a slightly open jaw and lolling tongue usually means a dog is happy and relaxed (you might even consider this a dog smile!). Conversely, a tightly closed mouth or visible tension in the jaw can indicate stress, anxiety, or aggression. Panting can be normal, but excessive panting might signal that your dog is too hot or experiencing discomfort, stress, or pain.
4. Hackles: The hackles are the hairs along a dog’s neck and back. When these hairs stand up, it’s known as piloerection and can indicate that the dog is feeling threatened, excited, or highly stimulated. This response is often subconscious and can occur during various emotional states.
5. Body Posture: A dog’s overall body posture is a significant indicator of their mood. A relaxed, loose posture suggests a calm and comfortable dog. In contrast, a dog that is standing stiffly, leaning forward, or cowering low to the ground may be feeling aggressive, fearful, or submissive.
6. Facial Expressions: Dogs have a range of facial expressions that convey their emotions. Raised eyebrows and a relaxed face usually indicate a calm and happy dog. A wrinkled brow or intense stare can be a sign of worry, confusion, or aggression.
7. Vocalizations: While not a visual cue, vocalizations like barking, growling, whining, or howling also play a role in understanding a dog’s feelings. Each sound can have different meanings depending on the context and accompanying body language.
8. Other: Excessive shedding, trying to hide, or need to potty can occur in times of stress.

By paying attention to these various signals, pet parents can better interpret their dog’s overall mood and respond appropriately.

Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

Firstly, a wagging tail isn’t just a random act – it’s your dog’s way of communicating with other dogs as well as us humans. A dog’s tail is like a built-in mood ring, telling us how they feel and what they’re thinking.

But what does your dog’s tail wagging mean?

When a dog’s tail is wagging broadly and happily, it’s a clear sign they’re excited. This kind of wagging usually comes with a whole-body wiggle. On the flip side, if a dog’s tail is held low and wagging, slowly and stiffly, it might mean they’re feeling cautious about something, or even aggressive.

Dogs even have a directional wag – believe it or not! Research suggests that wagging to the right is usually linked to positive feelings, such as recognizing a human family member. Wagging to the left may indicate negative emotions, but more research is needed on this. 

So, next time you see a dog wagging their tail, take a closer look. They’re talking to you in their own special way. Understanding these tail signals can help you better connect with your furry friends and know exactly what they’re trying to say.

Next, take a look at what each dog tail position means.

Dog Tail Position Chart

Dog Tail Meanings

Down and Away from the Body

When your dog carries their tail low, but away from their hind legs this means they’re feeling  relaxed and comfortable – this is the position we pet parents want to see most of the time, particularly when they’re in the home. Your pup is at ease.

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: This position is a normal tail position for many dogs, but it could also indicate that they’re feeling snoozy, so it may be time for your doggo to catch some Zzz!

Carried High, Tilted Upwards (Between Horizontal and Vertical)

Your pup is feeling confident, alert, excited,, and in control. 

Carried High, Slightly Curved Over Their Back

This natural tail carriage for some breeds may also indicate that your dog is very confident. Obviously, if your dog’s tail is naturally curly, then this may not be the case, but if they have a straight tail, you can be sure that they are feeling themselves!

Horizontal (Not Stiff)

Your pooch is paying close attention to their surroundings – they’re focused on what’s going on around them. It’s worth noticing this one because it could go either way: they’re either preparing because they sense danger, or they’re just very curious about a new toy or visitor! Use their other body language and surroundings as a clue. 

Horizontal (Stiff)

When the tail stiffens up horizontally, your dog is feeling a bit more alert or cautious. There may be a new visitor they’re not certain of or an unfamiliar dog close by to them. Your dog is waiting to see what’s going to happen next.

It’s good for you to start taking some caution, too, when you see this tail position, as things can change very quickly, negatively or positively…

Down, Still, and Relatively Close to the Body

If the tail isn’t tucked under the body and not quite touching the hind legs but close to, this can mean that your dog is feeling a little insecure and uncomfortable, a little low. If you see this happen, they need to be reassured, comforted, and kept calm. 

Some canine behavioralists believe that this is the dog attempting to make their body smaller so they’re not perceived as a threat from what they’re worried about.

If you keep forcing whatever situation is causing this tail position onto them (a new environment or person), things could escalate negatively, so try to soothe them and take caution.

Tucked Between Their Legs

No dog owner wants to see this dog tail position: this means your dog is frightened and doesn’t want to be hurt. Dogs will do this when they fear punishment, cruelty, a loud noise, or when they’re around anything that’s scaring them. They need lots of comfort and love when this happens: reassuring tones and pets. They’re feeling incredibly vulnerable and need their pet parent more than ever.

Stiff Tail, Slight Quivering

Your pooch is feeling aroused, focused, or tense.

Raised and Slowly Wagging

This tail position may be accompanied by a tilted head and perked up ears – that’s because this means they’re confused, curious, or interested. They aren’t worried, they’re just trying to work out a command, what you’re saying to them, or a new food/toy.

Broad Wagging

This is a happy dog! Perhaps their pet parents just returned home or they’re being made a fuss of for being such a good doggo or performing a trick and/or receiving their favorite treat.

Fast Wagging

Your dog is excited! A fast wag may be accompanied by an excitable bark, particularly if you’ve just said the word “walkies”!

Right or Left?

Which side your dog’s tail is leaning toward can also be an indicator of the emotions your dog is feeling, but more research is needed in this area.

When a dog’s tail position leans or wags to the right, it may mean that they’re feeling good and encountering someone or something that’s known to them. If the dog tail position is more to the left, a new person, dog or thing is unknown to them and may be causing some uncertainty or fear.

Dog Wagging Tail While Lying Down

Ever notice your dog wagging their tail while they’re lying down? Well, when a dog wags their tail in this position, they’re still communicating, but the context and specifics of the wag can tell you a lot about what they’re feeling.

1. Contentment and Relaxation: If your dog is lying down and wagging their tail in a relaxed manner, it usually means they’re happy and comfortable. This is a common sight when they’re lounging around you, enjoying a cozy spot, or simply feeling at ease in their environment.
2. Anticipation and Excitement: Sometimes, a lying-down tail wag can indicate anticipation. If your dog hears a familiar and exciting sound, like the jingle of their leash or the rustling of a treat bag, their tail might start wagging as they eagerly await what’s coming next.
3. Seeking Attention: Dogs often wag their tails while lying down to catch your attention. If they’re lying nearby and their tail is thumping on the floor or couch, it might be their way of saying, “Hey, I’m here! Pet me, please!” It’s a gentle reminder that they’d love some affection or interaction.
4. Submissive or Calming Signals: In some cases, a dog wagging their tail while lying down might be showing submissive or calming signals. Especially if the wag is slow and gentle. This could happen during interactions with other dogs or people, signaling that they’re not a threat and just want to keep things peaceful.
5. Pain or Discomfort: It’s important to watch for any signs of distress. If the tail wagging is accompanied by signs of discomfort, such as whining, shifting restlessly, licking a particular area, or other signs of illness, it might indicate that your dog is in pain or feeling unwell. In such cases, a visit to the vet is important to ensure everything is alright.

Understanding these nuances helps you connect with your furry friend on a deeper level. So, next time you see your dog wagging their tail while lying down, take a moment to observe the context and their overall body language. It’s their way of sharing their world with you, one wag at a time.

Can Dogs Control Their Tails?

So, do dogs have complete control over their tails, or is it more of an automatic response? The truth is, it’s a bit of both. Dogs do have control over their tails and can wag them intentionally. But many tail movements are also instinctive and reflect their true emotions.

Voluntary Control

Dogs can move their tails intentionally. They have muscles at the base of their tails that allow them to wag, lift, lower, and curve their tails as they see fit. This means they can use their tails to communicate deliberately, such as wagging to show friendliness or holding their tail high to display confidence.

Involuntary Responses

Many tail movements are automatic and tied to a dog’s emotional state. Much like how humans might smile or cry without thinking about it. When a dog is genuinely happy or excited, their tail wags instinctively. Similarly, fear or submission might cause their tail to tuck between their legs without conscious effort.

Emotional Honesty

Because tail wagging is often a genuine reflection of a dog’s feelings, it’s challenging for them to fake emotions through their tail movements. While they can wag their tail on command or in certain training scenarios, the natural, spontaneous wag that accompanies true joy or excitement is hard to replicate without the actual emotion behind it.

Social Signals

Dogs use their tails to communicate with both humans and other animals. A happy wag can indeed convey friendliness and openness, but it’s not typically done with the intent to deceive. Dogs rely on their tails to send honest social signals that help them interact and understand each other’s intentions.

In essence, while dogs can control their tails to some extent, most tail movements are sincere indicators of their current emotions. They might wag their tails to show happiness and invite interaction, but these wags are usually rooted in real feelings rather than a conscious decision to appear happy.

Is My Dog Telling Me They’re Sick?

Sometimes our dog’s tail position can indicate the state of their physical health, too. If their tail stays low for a while, they may be feeling tired or under the weather. When it’s accompanied by tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, joint stiffness, or other signs of illness, they should be checked over by the vet.

If your dog hasn’t moved their tail in a while, this can be a sign of an injury, such as a fracture or neurological issue, so make sure it sees a veterinarian if this is what you suspect.

Tail Position: Just One Part of Dog Body Language

While a dog’s tail position is a crucial indicator of their emotions, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To truly understand how a dog is feeling, pet parents need to observe a variety of body language cues. By looking at other aspects like ear position, mouth shape, hackles, and overall body posture, you can get a more comprehensive picture of how your dog is feeling.

Ear Position

Ears are highly expressive in dogs. Ears that are forward and alert often indicate curiosity or attentiveness, while ears laid back can signal fear or submission. Each breed may have different ear positions, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your dog.

Mouth Shape and Expression

A relaxed mouth with a slightly open jaw and lolling tongue usually means a dog is happy and relaxed (you might even consider this a dog smile!). Conversely, a tightly closed mouth or visible tension in the jaw can indicate stress, anxiety, or aggression. Panting can be normal, but excessive panting might signal that your dog is too hot or experiencing discomfort, stress, or pain.

Hackles

The hackles are the hairs along a dog’s neck and back. When these hairs stand up, it’s known as piloerection and can indicate that the dog is feeling threatened, excited, or highly stimulated. This response is often subconscious and can occur during various emotional states.

Body Posture

A dog’s overall body posture is a significant indicator of their mood. A relaxed, loose posture suggests a calm and comfortable dog. In contrast, a dog that is standing stiffly, leaning forward, or cowering low to the ground may be feeling aggressive, fearful, or submissive.

Facial Expressions

Dogs have a range of facial expressions that convey their emotions. Raised eyebrows and a relaxed face usually indicate a calm and happy dog. A wrinkled brow or intense stare can be a sign of worry, confusion, or aggression.

Vocalizations

While not a visual cue, vocalizations like barking, growling, whining, or howling also play a role in understanding a dog’s feelings. Each sound can have different meanings depending on the context and accompanying body language.

By paying attention to these various signals, pet parents can better interpret their dog’s overall mood and respond appropriately.

Final Thoughts on Dog Tail Meaning

So, what does it mean when a dog wags its tail? It can mean multiple things. Isn’t it amazing what we can learn about our dogs simply through their tail?

It’s worth noting, though, that the above dog tail positions and their translations aren’t a one-size-fits-all. Every dog is different, and only you, as their parent, will know the true meaning of your dog’s tail position. The above is just a good barometer to start with!

Even though we can’t communicate with our dogs, we can learn about how they exhibit emotion. This is a great part of being a responsible, loving pet parent. It can only enhance our bond with them and boost our understanding of their unique personality further.

Sources

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/interpreting-tail-wags-in-dogs

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8802960

“This Dog Can “Talk” To Her Owner” Mashable on YouTube, Jul 22. 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LQt5TCHq6E

“The Science Behind a Dog’s Wagging Tail: What It Really Means” Pettsie, October 30. 2023 https://www.pettsie.com/blogs/blog/the-science-behind-a-dogs-wagging-tail-what-it-really-means

Author Harris, Steve “A Dogs Tail Can Tell You a Lot: Here are 13 Positions and Their Meaning” Daily Dog Stuff, Apr 7. 2021 https://www.dailydogstuff.com/dog-tail-positions-meaning/“A Dogs Tail Will Tell You A Lot” Family Pet Health Center https://familypethealthctr.com/pet-articles/a-dogs-tail-will-tell-you-a-lot/