Everything A Dog’s Tail Can Teach You

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A dog’s tail is a communication device that does more than signal happiness to others. In fact, people and dogs can learn a lot about the message a dog sends through their tail. Whether your dog is tucking their tail between legs or sits curved over the back, knowing a dog’s tail language can help you understand your dog’s mood and intentions.

Below, we’ll discuss what factors affect dog tail position and movement, tail meanings for different breeds, and common myths about dog tails. By the end of this article, you should feel confident on how to advocate for your dog, based on tail meaning.

Common Tail Positions and Movements Explained

We usually see tail wagging as excitement but there are more nuanced readings to this movement. “The position and movement of a dog’s tail can indicate how they feel about a situation,” says Karah Wilkes, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Director of Training at ABCs Puppy Zs.

Pro-tip: If it’s difficult to tell which side the tail is favoring while your dog moves, Wilkes suggests taking a video and watching it in slow motion. The best way to know exactly what your dog’s tail means is to review videos of your dog’s body language and what factors are influencing their mood.

How to Interpret Dog Tail Positions

High tail indicates a lot of confidence

A high tail means that your dog feels confident, whether happily or aggressively, about a situation. The more excited they are, the higher and faster their tail may be. That’s why the type of movement is very important with a high tail.

According to Wilkes, if your dog’s tail is high and stiff, your dog may be feeling alert. This combination could be a sign of potential aggression, especially if your dog’s chest is forward and tense.

Low tail may suggest anxiety or shyness

“A low tail is usually a sign of submission or nervousness,” says Wilkes. “A submissive or anxious dog may have a low, wagging tail when greeting new people or other dogs. They may also display a crouched body and submissive peeing.”

When your dog’s tail is low, they’re communicating discomfort and are essentially asking to be left alone.

Neutral tail signals calmness or (rarely) concern

Wilkes states, “A neutral tail straight out behind the dog or a bit lower is typically a sign of a calm and content dog. When paired with a loose wag and relaxed body, this is a sign of a happy dog. A lot of wagging usually indicates excitement.”

Wilkes explains that while a neutral tail rarely suggests alertness or concern, a neutral tail wagging slowly and stiffly or one that’s frozen can imply caution or concern.

Tucked tail may indicate pain or discomfort

“A tucked tail is always a sign of negative emotions,” says Wilkes. “If your dog has a tucked tail, they’re ultimately telling you they’re uncomfortable, possibly afraid or in pain.”

If you notice your dog’s tail is tucked, evaluate the situation to see if you can determine an issue, whether it’s a person they’re unfamiliar with, a loud noise, or an injury.

Curved tails have a variety of meanings

A curved tail that lays over your dog’s back can mean your dog is feeling alert, confident, or excited. However, some breeds have natural curly tails. Their natural curl does not mean they constantly feel alert or excited. In fact, research shows that physical traits are not correlated to specific behavioral traits.

What Factors Can Change Your Interpretation?

Since dogs use their tail to communicate with other animals and people, knowing what else is influencing your dog’s mood is important.

The following factors will determine how you interpret what a dog’s tail is saying:

• Environment: Are there noises, objects, or scents that may stress or hype your dog?
• Energy level: Is your dog well-rested or tired?
• Other people and animals: Are these familiar or unfamiliar beings scary or fun to your dog?
• Medical conditions: Does your dog have health concerns that may make them more anxious?
• Motivators: Is there food or toys that your dog may be guarding or excited by?
• Socialization: Did your dog learn that different tail positions and movements result in certain rewards?

How A Breed’s Natural Tail Affects Communication

Some dog breeds have unique tails, so reading their meaning might vary, says Alexandra Bassett, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) CPDT-KA and Owner at Dog Savvy. If you ever felt like your dog was bullied at a park or play date, natural tail position—or lack of—could be a factor. Dogs like familiarity and some dogs with unique tails can make it harder for other dogs to read them.

Corkscrew tails may wag less obviously

Corkscrew-shaped tails are found in Pugs and Bulldogs, explains Bassett. “These spiral-shaped tails result from fused or wedge-shaped vertebrae, a condition known as hemivertebrae, and don’t pose a health risk as long as it affects only the tail.”

Because of the vertebrae structure, corkscrew tails are permanently fixed in their tight, spiral shape, says Bassett. “Although these tails don’t move as expressively as other types, there may still be subtle clues to a dog’s emotions, like stiffness meaning they’re alert.”

Sickle-shaped tails won’t point up

Sickle tails are similar to corkscrew tails but not as curved, so they’re more flexible and expressive. However, the position of sickle-shaped tails are hard to read and often stay curled over a dog’s back, even when they are relaxed. For these dogs, paying attention to their ears, mouths, and eyes are key to interpreting their tail movements.

According to Bassett, sickle-shaped tails are common in the following breeds:

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• American Eskimo Dog
• Chow-Chow
• Siberian Husky

Docked tails are difficult to read

“With docked tails, it can be harder to read emotions through tail movement,” says Bassett. “However, you can look at other body language like ear position and stance to understand their mood.”

Docked tails, which is the removal of part or all of the tail, are seen in the following breeds:

• Boxer
• Doberman Pinscher
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Boston Terrier
• Jack Russell Terrier

Natural bobtails

Natural bobtails, or tails that are naturally short or missing, are usually seen in Australian Shepherds and Sheepdogs.

Bassett explains that reading emotions for dogs with bobtails can be difficult since their tails are very short or not there. If they do have a short tail, you might notice when it’s raised or stiff to signal alertness or relaxed to indicate calmness. However, it’s important to look at their overall body language and behavior to better understand their mood.

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Debunking Myths About a Dog’s Tail

The position of your dog’s tail is just as important as the movement; meaning a wagging tail can indicate uncertainty just as much as it can be happiness. Keeping in mind the different factors of their body language is essential to what they are communicating. When you understand their tail language and other expressions, you can better communicate with them to understand and meet their needs.

Basset debunks these common myths about dog tails:

• A wagging tail does not always indicate happiness. Tail wagging can signal various emotions.
• A tucked tail can also mean submission or neutrality. It’s best to assess your dog’s emotional state in context.
• A tail does not tell you everything about a dog. Other factors, such as ear position, facial expressions, and vocalizations, also matter.

To let your dog know you understand them, Bassett suggests combining positive reinforcement as a response to your dog’s tail and other body language. “By using positive reinforcement, you can encourage desired behaviors and create a loving, secure environment when they need reassurance,” she says.

When your dog is relaxed, offer treats, verbal praise, or gentle play. When they don’t appear calm, remain patient and consistent. Calming your dog down quickly will depend on the situation — and approaching them with a gentle voice and petting helps. Don’t meet your dog’s stiffness with sudden movements or noise. As you develop a back-and-forth language with your dog, you’ll see your dog become more expressive and turn to you for help.

“Understanding dog tail meaning and body cues can help you bond with your dog and address their emotional needs,” affirms Bassett.