29
Mar
Are Dogs Really Happy When They Wag Their Tails. Wild species like wolves and foxes wag their tail when they are young but they do not wag their tail when they are old. Tail wagging can actually mean quite a few different things depending on how the tail is held. Dogs use their tails to communicate but not only in a positive manner. According to the SPCA of America there are quite a variety of emotions that can be expressed by a dogs wagging tail and theyre not all friendly.
Heres a fun fact. Dogs wag their tail to convey that they are happy and friendly. A tail lowered and between the legs could indicate fear anxiety or submission. Wild species like wolves and foxes wag their tail when they are young but they do not wag their tail when they are old. Besides feeling happy a dog wagging its tail can also feel nervous threatened anxious excited or submissive. Unlike dogs cats often wag their tails when they are angry or upset but its not always the case.
The left side of a dogs brain is more associated with positive emotions while the right side has all the negative bits.
If you watch a dog take a tight turn at high speed you will likely see him use his tail for stability The tail is also one component of the body language dogs use to communicate along with facial expressions and body postures. Interestingly there is a scientific reason for this. Most people look at a dog with a wagging tail and assume it is happy. When a dog is relaxed its said to be in a neutral position. Heres a fun fact. If your dogs tail wags slightly to the right research suggests this could indicate your dog knows the person or dog and it is a wag of recognition A tucked tail or a tail that is a lot lower but wagging slightly usually means the dog is worried.