... Every time the dog wags his tail, the muscles around the anus contract and press on the glands, causing a release of the scent. “The tail is a place that can be injured very easily when dogs play with other dogs or when escaping from an animal seeking to do them harm,” Mahaney says. Social dogs usually enjoy playing with other dogs, either while out on a walk or at a dog park. ... so they can keep up with their prey. When he’s tense, it stiffens up and the curve of the C grows tighter. But when the tail is high and stiff and other dogs are near, it could be display of dominance, Hartstein says. A dog tail wagging in circles shows the dog is happy or excited. A wagging tail is the classic sign of a happy dog, but certain movements of the tail can signify a problem for the dog.Dogs use body language to communicate and can give clear signals regarding their current frame of mind. Avoid engagement until you see the dog relax. The tip of the C moves forward over his back. A dog with her tail erect is confident and in control. This is an offensive signal ! And there’s a good rule of thumb: the stiffer and more still the dog and his tail, the more careful you should be. Whether she's talking to you or to another dog, the message is the same: "I give up!" Fearful & Worried – I’m Not Approachable This high, stiff tail with a fast wagging tip generally means the pup is alert and aroused. A relaxed dog will usually have their mouth partly open, they may be panting, but not excessively. Oftentimes, the most common reason for stiff walking in dogs and cats is arthritis, which is the natural wear and tear of joints. 3 Signs Most People Don’t Know. A relaxed dog allows its tail to follow its natural curve or curl over its back. This position will likely also impact how the dog holds their head and tail, with both pointed toward the ground. Structure and Function of the Tail in Dogs. “When a dog’s tail is tail … Dog Conditions; Limber Tail Syndrome in Dogs; Free Dog Walk * ... Limber tail syndrome typically clears up on its own in just a few days with a period of rest, although it tends to be quite uncomfortable for the dog until it heals. Interfering with a dog in this state is a good way to get bitten. Here is how dog behaviorists decipher what a dog's tail indicates. Stiff Walking. He is confident and enthusiastic and strutting his stuff. If a dog is agitated, his tailmay also “fluff” up, with the hair standing up on end. Think your pup's wagging tail means he's happy to see you? A happy, playful dog will hold their tail up high and it will be wagging! “A high, stiff tail shouldn’t be interpreted as friendly in most breeds,” Luedecke says. If you were to imagine picking this dog up, none of his limbs would dangle — they’d appear as if they would remain stiff. Like many pet owners and lovers, I grew up misunderstanding dog tail positions and what they mean. The average person however, may not recognize these signs or might misinterpret the signals completely. The position of a dog's tail tells a lot about her, too. However, other common causes include injuries, muscle strains and hip dysplasia. 7. Their ears may be up or down, also depending on breed.