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BEET Recap – Tails Tell All – What to look for
Watch those tails! ???? They are all so different. Know what is your dog’s normal carriage and pay attention to tail motion, position and context to better understand and help your dog. ????
A truly happy and friendly dog will wag its tail without any body tension, and their rear end will be loose and relaxed. In fact, a friendly tail might even resemble a propeller, wagging in broad and circular strokes. ????
If the dog’s tail goes suddenly still… give them some space and hang on to your leash! Stillness can indicate predatory action or a shift to discomfort.
The position of the tail can reveal a lot about the dog’s emotions, and help you predict what actions they’ll take, next.
- A raised tail conveys confidence and a forward-moving attitude.
- A midline tail position indicates neutral, friendly, and relaxed internal states.
- If any part of the tail is tucked, covering the anus, it means your dog is feeling insecure. Particularly look at the first 3-4 inches from the spine. Those muscles will control the tail and will indicate change.
When tail wagging is exaggerated and accompanied by a tight or tucked tail, it could indicate frustration, defensiveness or an approach-avoidance conflict, which may lead to aggressive behavior.
It’s important to consider the context as well. In the presence of a threat, ???? a fast wagging tail should be viewed with caution. Some dogs, especially those with experience in aggressive encounters, may become excited by the arousal and subsequent adrenaline rush they anticipate. ????
By paying attention to a dog’s tail, you can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and better respond to their needs.
For more deTAILS, and to practice seeing this in real time, come to the BEET in motion and watch the TAILS tomorrow – 5/23/23 at 3pm ET.
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8 Replies
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Thank you for these reminders!
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You are welcome! Hope you can join us today, @EGuerrero !
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Yay! ???? Can’t wait. ????
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It will be great to have you there, @WaiThePuaPup !
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Thank you, @catherine ! I need practice with this. I would love if we did BEET exercises weekly. Could even be turned into some kind of game, like Flip the Breed!????
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Great idea… stay tuned…????
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Wonderful post, I’m so sad I missed the presentation!
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Great information! Love BEET. I am always learning!
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