UNDERSTANDING
TAIL WAGGING
Have you ever wanted to know what your dog was trying to
tell you? Recently a Japanese company created a machine that
will interpret your dogs feelings based on their barks and
say them out loud. Unfortunately the item is only available
in Japan right now. But for the rest of us there are some
things we can do to understand our dog. Modern researchers
have established the fact that dogs share three forms of intelligence
with humans.
One is the fact that they can learn from their experiences
and apply them to future situations. They can also follow
instructions, while at the same time they are following the
steps and procedures out in their head.
The second form of intelligence being, that they can in fact
communicate to others. While they are using their sounds and
body language, they are transferring an amazing amount of
information.
The third intelligence form is their ability to understand
the English language. The average dog can understand about
sixty words and phrases while some dogs can understand up
to three hundred. There are several ways that a dog may try
to communicate with us; this article will help you understand
a dog's tail wagging. Dogs communicate using their tails because
their ancestors used to use their tails to communicate with
the rest of their pack. Join your dog's pack; try using some
of the following suggestions to get inside your dog's head:
* When a dog's tail movement is a minimal cautious wag this
is a greeting, the shows that the dog is relaxed yet alert
to what is happening. It also means that the dog is waiting
to see what you'll do next.
* A slow wag with the tail somewhat lowered means the dog
is asking a question because you've done something it doesn't
understand and it doesn't know what you expect of him. Your
message needs to be phrased in a different way or more insistently.
* A slight shaking motion with the tail held upright means
that this dog is warning you that anything provocative may
be answered by aggression. To show whose boss a firm "sit"
should calm him down.
* A rapid wagging through a narrow range of motion with the
tail held very low means the dog is sending a message of obedience.
* If the tail is slightly below vertical and still the dog
is projecting a high degree of attentiveness, something has
gotten his attention and he is trying to find out what it
is.
* A parallel to the ground and rigid tail is the action for
the meaning that a challenge has been
acknowledged and accepted and
he may be about to test you as the leader.
* A vertical or almost vertical tail means that your dog
thinks he is boss; this isn't a threat it is just the gesture
of a confident dog.
* If the tail is loose and a bit lower than parallel to the
ground this means your dog is happy and relaxed.
* If your dog is wearing a low tail that is swaying
slightly he is trying to tell you the he doesn't feel good.
It could be something physical but more likely it shows that
the dog is uncertain or down in the dumps (no joke). If you
have time play with him or take him for a walk.
* The last tail action is when the tail is tucked between
the legs, this is flat out fear and he probably is expecting
to be beaten.
The above signals should give you a fairly good idea of what
your dog is thinking. Keep in mind, the tail is just one part
of the dog. There are many other techniques you can employ.
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely
train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself
to the possibility of becoming part dog." We wish you luck
on this journey.
News Spots
September 2001
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