Dog Tail Movement
Meaning & Problems

The surer the dog is of itself, the more it moves its tail and says more things with it.

• Relaxed tail: Relaxation and comfort.
• Hanging horizontal but not stiff: A sign of attention. The dog sees something interesting.
• Hanging horizontal but stiff: The dog is confronting an intruder or someone or something unknown.
• Upright tail: This is a sign of authority of a dog that shows itself dominant.
• Upright tail and turned over the back: shows trust and self-control.
• Downward and close to the hind legs: If its extremities are rigid and it wags its tail slightly, it shows "I'm not feeling well". If its legs are slightly bent it's a sign on insecurity.
• Tail hidden between its legs: Fear or submission.
• Raised tail and slow and rhythmic movement: The dog is on guard.
• Wagging lightly: Is their normal welcome.
• Wagging with broad circles: "I like you". When two dogs are mock fighting this movement confirms it's a game.
• Wagging at a slow speed: When it's being trained it means "I'm trying to understand you, I want to know what you're saying but I don't understand yet". Once it finally understands, the dog wags its tail faster.
• Short and slow movements: Shows that it's pleased. Sometimes its only wags its tail a few times when it's on the floor.
• Wagging fast: Excitement to a desired activity or object.