2007-02-18 12:24:32 · 25 answers · asked by bambam0229 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Tail wagging is not always a sign of friendliness. Say your dog meets a strange dog off the leash. The other dog approaches with great interest, ears alert and tail wagging. But this dog is giving out signals that spell hostility. The wagging tail is stiff and held high. The eyes have a hard expression and stare into your dog's eyes. The dog's hackles are raised. The animal's whole posture signifies aggression. Even without growling or showing his teeth, a dog behaving like this has a chip on his shoulder. You should remove your dog from the scene quietly and quickly.
A friendly or curious dog's tail will be wagging in wide sweeps, hanging down. His ears are down and his fur is smooth along his shoulders and back. The dog will not attempt to look you or your dog in the eye. He will go through the typical sniffing pattern with your dog, first nose to nose, then the genitals. Offer this dog the back of your fist to smell, and then you can probably pet him if you wish.
2007-02-18 12:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by Misty Eyes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll go with all the rest, they're happy. The boss at work has a mastiff and he's old, but there are mornings that he'll walk down the hall to meet whoever's there, wagging his tail so hard that his whole body is wiggling. "Beware of dog---He wants to be petted. Forever." If he's lying in the hall, he'll wag his tail and reach out with his paw to try to catch your foot.
2007-02-18 12:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read in a training book, that a dog wagging it's tail is like a human laughing.
2007-02-18 12:27:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's body language. Wolves lived in packs and relied on body language to tell each other what they felt. Wagging their tails would show the other wolves (or dogs or people) that they were happy.
2007-02-18 12:30:23 · answer #4 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They wag when they are excited. We usually see them wag when they are happy. However, when I took mine to the vet and he gave him an injection, my dog's tail was wagging like crazy! I commented to the vet "why is he wagging to get a shot?" and the vet told me they wag when they are excited.
2007-02-18 12:38:56 · answer #5 · answered by dgm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
happy = tail wag
2007-02-18 12:31:05 · answer #6 · answered by David W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not because they are happy. Dogs wag their tails when they are agitated or uncertain. That's why they often do it when they meet you. They aren't sure what your relationship is or how they should approach you.
2007-02-18 12:28:06 · answer #7 · answered by Pineapple Hat 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Without thumbs, it's the only way they can give you the "thumbs up" sign! But Misty Eyes is right, it can mean several things, just as she said
2007-02-18 12:33:51 · answer #8 · answered by Ayla B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would you do with a tail if you had one?
2007-02-18 12:33:07 · answer #9 · answered by Geoff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
animal planet explained that they are airing their *** juices. Basically, they get happy and they want to share their scent with you and other dogs.
Go to www.animalplanet.com
2007-02-18 12:27:27 · answer #10 · answered by John P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋