Dog tail

Golden retriever bows down with his fluffy tail high in the air. Image for dog tail tag page.
Learning how to read dog tails is key to successfully communicating with your dog.

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.