Why Are Dogs Wagging Their Tails
What do you think, should a dog be docked or not? Some breeds like the Doberman Pinchers, German Short Haired Pointer, Rottweiler have docked tails. This cosmetic surgery is commonly done so that the dog will fit the standard set by the kennel club. Docking is a procedure usually done to working dogs for the purpose of protecting the tail from possible injuries. In all probability, a dog owner that knows the reason why the dog wags its tail would choose not to cut the tail of the pet. Do you know the reasons why dogs wag their tails?
Many animals have tails but only dogs are known to have the inclination to wag the tail. The tail of canines have many uses. A bushy tail certainly improves the physical appearance of a dog. The tail though is a very important appendage for a dog. The tail is an efficient balancing tool that allows dogs to scales steep cliffs and ravines, to make sharp curves and also to swim more efficiently. Most importantly, the tail of the dog is mainly used as an effective communication tool.
Dogs cannot speak but they have a way of making humans understand what they want to convey through the use of body language. The expression of the eyes, the movement of the ears as well as the wagging of the tail enables the dog to communicate their emotions and to express their intentions .
Smiles and handshakes are for humans while tail wagging is for dogs. A smile is a simple and effortless way of making friends. Dogs are acclaimed for being very friendly animals. The wagging of the tails is doing the talking. A dog only has to wag the tail to get human friends. Because of the close ties that exist between owner and pet, the owner can easily understand what the pet wants to say.
An excited dog would wag the tail madly. A dog that happily wags the tail at the sight of the master is probably anticipating being walked or a treat. Apart from being social animals, dogs are pack oriented thus they would need to have well defined hierarchy. Dogs of different ranks wag the tail in a different manner. A dominant dog will hold the tail high and wag it stiffly. Dogs lower in rank will wag a tail that is held lower more slowly. Dogs wag the tail for identification purposes. By wagging the tail, a dog releases its distinct odor. The pheromones that are released when the tail is wagged determines the identity of the dog.
Learn more about why dogs wag their tails and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
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