subject: Why Are Dogs Wagging Their Tails [print this page] What do you think, should a dog be docked or not? Some breeds like the Doberman Pinchers, German Short Haired Pointer, Rottweiler have docked tails. Tail docking is commonly done in accordance with a kennel club standard. Docking is a procedure usually done to working dogs for the purpose of protecting the tail from possible injuries. However, an owner that is aware why the dog wags its tail would possibly choose not to dock the pet's tail. Do you know why dogs are wagging their tails?
A lot of animals have tails but tail wagging is most commonly seen in dogs. Dogs use the tail in many ways. A well feathered tail is an asset that gets the dog lots of attention. A dog's tail has other more important functions in a dog's existence. The tail becomes a rudder for retrievers, a balancing tool that allows dogs to negotiate sharp curves and steep cliffs and ravines. A very significant function of a dog's tail though is as a communication tool.
Dogs' ability to communicate is limited, nevertheless, they can still convey what they feel to humans and animals by using the tail as well as other body parts. Dogs can convey their intentions and make humans understand what they feel by using the movements of the eyes, the ears as well as the wagging of the tail .
The dog's tail wagging is the counterpart of human's smile and handshake. Because of a smile, people can gain friends. Dogs are the most popular choice for a pet because of their friendly nature. To gain friends; the dog's tail will do the talking. A dog only has to wag the tail to get human friends. Dog owners are highly attuned to the feelings of their pets.
A madly wagged tail indicate the excitement of the dog. The pet is possibly anticipating play time or a treat from the master. Being social animals, dog would thrive in an environment with a well defined hierarchy. Dogs of different ranks wag the tail in a different manner. Dominant dogs will wag a tail that is held high stiffly. Dogs lower in rank will wag a tail that is held lower more slowly. Wagging the tail has another important function for a dog - identification. Every time the tail is wagged, the odor that identifies the dog from other dogs is released by the glands. This secretion that is released by the glands are pheromones that identify the dog.
