The Secret Language of Dogs: 10 Insights Into Tail Wagging

4. Emotional Spectrum: What Tails Tell Us About Feelings

The tail is an emotional barometer, reflecting a dog's inner state with remarkable accuracy. Joy, fear, aggression, and curiosity are just a few of the emotions that can be expressed through tail movements. A wagging tail does not always mean a dog is happy; it can also indicate anxiety or aggression, depending on the context and accompanying body language. For instance, a dog with a stiff body and a wagging tail held high might be displaying aggression or dominance, while a relaxed body and a wagging tail held low could indicate contentment. Understanding the emotional spectrum of tail wagging requires careful observation of the entire dog, as the tail is just one component of a complex system of non-verbal communication.