A dog's tail pointing up as it walks through grass.

Did you know that a dog’s tail wagging to the right means something different from wagging to the left? While you can’t speak “dog,” you can use their body language to get an insight into what a dog is feeling, and to know whether you should approach or give them some space. A tail is a really useful communication device for dogs, and you can learn what your dog is trying to tell you by their tail position.

Keep in mind, though, that every dog is different, and these are general descriptions of what each tail position means. Your dog may have a different meaning for their tail tales.

 

An interior graphic depicting nine different tail positions and what they may indicate about a dog's mood.

Dogs use many forms of body language to communicate with us and other animals, not just their tails. Their eyes, face and ears can express different feelings, and so can their body position and even their hair. So it’s worth paying attention to your dog’s body language — you might just see what they’re trying to tell you.

 

RELATED POST: When the Wagger Doesn’t Work: Tail Injuries in Dogs

 

The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.