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Myth #5 - "Tail-wagging means a dog is friendly!"

Don't count on it. Tail wags have lots of different meanings, some friendly and some not.

You have to look at the body posture of the animal and everything else it's doing. Is the dog growling or bearing its teeth? Is the fur standing up rigidly on its back?

How is the tail wagging? Stiffly, tucked and wagging, nice and flowing, is the whole body wagging? That all has to be taken into consideration.

Some signals to consider:

Relaxed, comfortable dogs generally have a gently wagging tail held horizontally or slightly lowered.
Confident dogs carry their tails up.
Dogs with their tails down may be stalking prey, feeling cautious or indicating friendliness and respect to the one they're greeting.
Together with a lowered head, direct stare, closed mouth, ears held back and eyes wide open, a lowered tail is a clear warning to back off.
A tucked tail indicates anxiety, avoidance or caution.

The biggest lesson is, never approach a strange dog unless you are sure that it is friendly. It's just safer that way!

paws paws paws

For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe at 972.838.9156 or visit Hunter's Creek.

Posted by Lara O'Keefe (Hunter's Creek, Melissa) on 03/28/2009 11:43 AM

Comments (14)

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14 Comments on Myth #5 - "Tail-wagging means a dog is friendly!"

MAR

Ceasar Milan could not have said it better!

Thanks for the info. Just went into the back property of a client who no longer lived in the home. A stray Rottweiler came between me and the back of the house. His tail was tucked in; so, I picked up a couple of large rocks for protection and walked slowly towards the house. Apparently the tucked tail was because the dog must have been beaten in the past; as the dog saw me with the rocks and took off running with tail still tucked. I was relieved, yet saddened.

Lara, you have to approach a dog with caution I agree cause they don't know you.

Cool post Lara. I would of never thought of blogging about dog behavior. Good stuff to know. Thanks for posting

This is a common myth. I am glad that you have enlightened people regarding this.

Lara, thanks for letting everyone know about some dog safety tips. I had the worlds most friendly dog but when I wasn't home, he was a guardian. So I never ever trust any dog I do not know. People forget that a dog can be terriortial and protect his environment.

Donald - thank you :-)

Tim - I understand your fear and your concern for the dog. Your safety has to come first.

Gary - I went to pet a Golden Retriever and got snapped at. Turns out it was mixed with Chow and quite aggressive. Who knew?

Winston - I stumbled across the info and thought I'd share it.

Joan - people get bitten by dogs all the time. You just have to be careful.

Gail - they can be very territorial. Excellent point!

Friendly or not, I ask that the dog be kenneled or placed in a separate room during my inspection.

Good information. I subscribe to being cautious with ALL animals....

Lara-Thanks for the great info, and what a great idea for a post.

MAR

Hello Lara,

Great post & information! Thank you for sharing.

Rita

Tad - that's just good business sense for you.

Cheryl - I agree. Better safe than sorry.

Joesph - thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Rita - thanks for stopping by.

MAR

Morning Laura, I have encountered a few loose dogs when running or walking so thanks for the informative post. It can be frightening even though I'm a dog lover!

Cynthia - just be cautious and don't always assume that they are friendly.

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