There is one deep-rooted belief among dog owners and animal lovers that has been passed down from generation to generation: when a dog wags its tail, it is happy. However, this is a mistake that can lead to misunderstandings and, in the worst case, even dangerous situations. Let’s look at it in a little more detail.
In the canine world, the tail is not only used to express joy, but functions as a highly specialized communication channel through which the animal expresses many emotions, from joy to insecurity and fear to aggression. But the key to understanding what the dog is really telling us is not in the fact that this part of the dog moves, but in the direction and intensity of the “waving”.
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The brain and its two halves
Did you know that dogs perceive the world much more asymmetrically than us humans? This is then also reflected in their body language, where the main role is played by the so-called laterality of the brain, which is a system where the left and right (half) process different types of emotions. “If a dog sees something he likes – for example, his owner, his brain primarily engages the left hemisphere, which controls the opposite, i.e. the right side of the body.” explained Mr. Marek Skorec, breeder of working dog breeds. The result is a tail wag that is more pronounced from the center of the body to the right. On the contrary, in situations that cause anxiety or even a desire to escape in the animal, the right hemisphere starts to act and the tail deviates to the left according to the principle described above.
A subtle but clear signal
While we, as members of another animal species, usually do not even notice this subtle difference (to our own detriment), in the canine kingdom such a small thing serves as an important signal for other participants in the communication. “When a dog sees another dog wagging its tail to the left, experts have found that its heart rate increases, the animal becomes stressed and remains alert,” added Marek Skorec, saying that it is a barely perceptible language that takes place in milliseconds, but nevertheless determines whether a canine encounter will end in a friendly sniff or an inevitable conflict. However, if the direction of movement is to the right, the observing dog is calm because it has “read” that there is no danger.
How high?
In addition to the direction of movement, the height at which the dog holds its tail is also important. A tail held high that moves in short and violent oscillations often signals excitement, which may not be positive at all. It can be a show of dominance or even straight. On the contrary, a tail tucked between the legs, which only slightly trembles, speaks of a dog’s deep insecurity and subordination. At such a moment, our four-legged friend tries to look as small as possible, sending a clear signal to the dominant creature that he is not and certainly does not want to be a threat.
Notice the posture of the body
For the correct interpretation of the dog’s mood, the correct assessment of his overall attitude is also necessary. A happy dog wags its tail so freely that the whole back of its body often moves with it, its muscles are soft and its eyes have a gentle expression. However, if the body is rigid, the dog stands stiffly on extended and firm legs and only wags the tip of the tail, it is necessary to be careful. Such a dog is alert, and its “shaking” is rather a manifestation of accumulated energy that can explode at any time. Understanding these details requires patience and a keen eye, but the reward is a much deeper and more secure relationship with our furry companion.
Understanding will lead to better coexistence
Knowledge of dog reactions opens the door for us as breeders to better education and a calmer coexistence. In short, tail wagging is a kind of imaginary barometer of the dog’s soul, and if we learn to perceive its subtle deviations, we will avoid many misunderstandings. The dog speaks to us with its whole body, and the tail is only one chapter in the dog’s handbook. You have to be really careful and not be fooled by the first impression, which can sometimes be very misleading.
