Dog tail

Dogs use canine body language to communicate, particularly the dog tail.

Happy tail messages

• Playful dogs hold their tails straight up
• Excited dogs wag their tails in circles
• Secure, confident dogs hold their tails high and move them in slow sweeps
• Relaxed dogs allow their tails to curl over their backs.

Nervous, submissive or aggressive tail messages

• Nervous dogs hold their tails high and still
• Fearful, nervous dogs hold their tails straight out
• Worried dogs wag their tails low and slow
• When the dog holds its tail between its legs it is fearful or stressed and wants to show submission
• Aggressive dogs hold their tails level with their bodies and often move their tails in a rhythmic sweeping motion.