What dogs communicate using their tails

Most people know that dogs communicate with us through grunts and barks, but not that many know that they also communicate by using nonverbal language. For example, they communicate by moving their tails. It is important to know what different movements mean to understand how they feel or what they want to tell us.

Two of the most expressive parts of a dog’s body are their ears and their tails.   With them, dogs transmit most of their emotions, which is why tail docking and ear cropping stops them from communicating correctly – with us, and with other dogs. These are the two parts of their body that they use when socializing and expressing themselves, similar to the way we use our facial expressions. Also, the tail aids the emanation and transmission of pheromones that dogs have in their anal glands, which they use to communicate with other dogs.

The basic tail movements done to communicate with us or with other animals are:

• Circular Movements: the dog is communicating that he is happy and wants to play.
• Short and fast movements:usually this type of movement indicates that there is something that they are not happy about, which can make them aggressive. If the dog is pulling his ears backwards and retracting his lips to expose his teeth, he is ready to attack.
• Curved and raised tail:when the dog does this position, it usually means he is trying to transmit self-control and trust.
• Movements from side to side: it could indicate either happiness, nervousness or impatience, depending on the situation and environment.
• Raised and bristled tail:the dog is trying to communicate dominance.
• Horizontal position of tail:when the tail is in this position (and it is not bristled), it indicates that the dog is concentrated. If the tail is bristled it means that the dog is ready to attack.
• Tail lowered: if the tail is below the dog’s upper body, it means he is relaxed. This same position, together with tail movements, indicates insecurity and if the tail is between his legs it means he is scared.

If the owner or breeder decides to amputate two of the most expressive parts of the dog’s body, the tail and the ears, the dog may have serious problems trying to communicate with other dogs. The dog will no longer be able to transmit or communicate dominance or submission, which can cause misunderstandings and confrontations.