Learn everything your dog wants to say when wagging its tail. Photo: Pexels
Many people believe that a dog is expressing happiness when it wags its tail. However, this is not always a sign of joy. Just like our gestures, this act can have different meanings. So, what does the dog mean when it wags its tail? The most accurate interpretation is that it is willing to interact.
To know if this interaction is positive or negative, it is necessary to pay attention to the details. In general, the more the body is involved in the wagging, the friendlier the pet’s intention. A nice wag that passes through the torso to reach the tail is a likely sign of sociability. But if the tail is the only part of the dog’s body in motion, it may not be such a friendly gesture.
The rhythm of the tail movement can also give clues to the dog’s intention. A quick wag is associated with friendliness, while a slow wag may indicate hesitation to interact, in the case of more reserved pets, or it can be a display of aggressive tendencies.
Also, observe the direction of the movement. Trainers assess that a circular wag, in which the dog’s tail traces a wide-open circle, is a positive sign. Also called “helicopter tail,” this movement is quite common when dogs are greeting a close friend, especially after a long absence.
Tension is another revealing factor. The more relaxed the dog’s tail is, the more likely it is to be a friendly gesture. A fluid and flexible movement suggests friendliness, while a wag with a stiff tail may not be a good sign. In summary, the combination of factors reveals the true intentions of the dog when wagging its tail.
