ruthcatrin
Well-Known Member
Curled tailed dog "tail language" explanation
Not to long ago I found myself attempting to explain how "curled tailed dogs tail language" differed from "normal tailed dogs". I don't think I did to badly, but for my future reference and the reference of anyone else struggling with it I'm posting what I said in hopes of getting you'all's input. Even if you don't own a TM, but have owned another curled tailed breed, please input.
Of course those of us who have a reasonable amount of dog knowledge know that the behavior of a dog's tail by itself is not a solid indicator of a dog's frame of mind, however many of the curled tailed breeds are also among the list of breeds that are harder for many people to read the body language of, and so the tail language becomes more important.
And so.....
Tail tightly tucked between legs: This is a scared/fearful dog. A dog in this state may bite out of fear, especially if cornered. On this same note, once you get out of the catagory of toy breeds with curled tails you don't see this particular bit of tail language on curled tailed dogs much. By the time you get to breeds such as the Chow or the TM these breeds have been breed to NOT show fear, so if one of these dogs is showing a tightly tucked tail it is VERY likely this dog has been abused past the point of breaking, and you WILL need a trainer with breed knowledge to help you with this dog.
Tail down, hung loosely: tail may be wagging loosely, or hung still. This is a mostly relaxed dog. If he's moving its at a walk or slow trot.
Tail up, but not curled: for most curled tailed dogs this is really just an in-between stage between tail down and tail up-tightly curled, however some few dogs do carry their tail here. Untill you get to know the dog assume that this is an in-between spot and that his tail is headed for the tightly curled step.
Tail up, tightly curled: Tail may be wagging. This is a dog with something on his mind. He may be "in motion", or not, but if not then he's got his attention on something. Depending on the situation he may be happy to see you, or he may be in full alert mode. Pay close attention to the rest of the body language in this situation, even a furiously wagging-tightly curled tail can be a sign of a highly agitated on alert dog. Do not approach unless you're SURE you know whats going on in the dog's mind.
And of course each dog is different, and can change moods very quickly, before his tail has time to catch up, so always respect the dog you're approaching!
Not to long ago I found myself attempting to explain how "curled tailed dogs tail language" differed from "normal tailed dogs". I don't think I did to badly, but for my future reference and the reference of anyone else struggling with it I'm posting what I said in hopes of getting you'all's input. Even if you don't own a TM, but have owned another curled tailed breed, please input.
Of course those of us who have a reasonable amount of dog knowledge know that the behavior of a dog's tail by itself is not a solid indicator of a dog's frame of mind, however many of the curled tailed breeds are also among the list of breeds that are harder for many people to read the body language of, and so the tail language becomes more important.
And so.....
Tail tightly tucked between legs: This is a scared/fearful dog. A dog in this state may bite out of fear, especially if cornered. On this same note, once you get out of the catagory of toy breeds with curled tails you don't see this particular bit of tail language on curled tailed dogs much. By the time you get to breeds such as the Chow or the TM these breeds have been breed to NOT show fear, so if one of these dogs is showing a tightly tucked tail it is VERY likely this dog has been abused past the point of breaking, and you WILL need a trainer with breed knowledge to help you with this dog.
Tail down, hung loosely: tail may be wagging loosely, or hung still. This is a mostly relaxed dog. If he's moving its at a walk or slow trot.
Tail up, but not curled: for most curled tailed dogs this is really just an in-between stage between tail down and tail up-tightly curled, however some few dogs do carry their tail here. Untill you get to know the dog assume that this is an in-between spot and that his tail is headed for the tightly curled step.
Tail up, tightly curled: Tail may be wagging. This is a dog with something on his mind. He may be "in motion", or not, but if not then he's got his attention on something. Depending on the situation he may be happy to see you, or he may be in full alert mode. Pay close attention to the rest of the body language in this situation, even a furiously wagging-tightly curled tail can be a sign of a highly agitated on alert dog. Do not approach unless you're SURE you know whats going on in the dog's mind.
And of course each dog is different, and can change moods very quickly, before his tail has time to catch up, so always respect the dog you're approaching!
