Is a wagging tail always a sign of a happy dog?

/ Terri j Photography/

In most cases a wagging tail really does mean a happy dog. Look for these signs of a friendly dog:

  • A relaxed or fluid tail is a sign of happiness.

  • A tail that’s held high is another hint of a friendly dog.

  • If the tail is wagging fast, it usually indicates happiness as well.

  • A sure sign of a happy dog is the “whole body wag”. This really does indicate a dog that is overjoyed to see you!

Signs to be wary of:

  • Beware of a stiff or rigid tail. That may mean hostility or aggression.

  • A low and/or slow tail wag is also a signal to be cautious. A low tail may mean nervousness and a nervous dog may react aggressively if feeling uncomfortable.

  • A tail tucked between the dogs legs is a certain indication of apprehension and may result in unexpected negative behaviour in certain situations.



    These signals are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to interpreting the meaning of the tail wag! There is a vast amount of information on this subject to be found on the internet. Here’s a good article to read.

As a dog photographer, I love seeing the “happy signs” and I know that the dog is having fun at his photo shoot! I also enjoy seeing the different types of dog tails.

Here are some pictures of dogs with different tail styles all taken at a recent dog photography shoot at a beach in South Florida.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A CURLED TAIL?

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A CURLED TAIL?

THIS POINTY TAIL IS JUST LIKE A RUDDER!

THIS POINTY TAIL IS JUST LIKE A RUDDER!

HERE’S THE CURLY HAIR DOG TAIL

HERE’S THE CURLY HAIR DOG TAIL

A PROUD AND STUBBY POODLE TAIL ON DISPLAY

A PROUD AND STUBBY POODLE TAIL ON DISPLAY

THIS IS SUCH A HAPPY BUSHY TAIL!

THIS IS SUCH A HAPPY BUSHY TAIL!

LOVE THOSE BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIRED TAILS

LOVE THOSE BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIRED TAILS

THIS LITTLE LADY IS SHOWING OFF HER BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIRED TAIL TOO!

THIS LITTLE LADY IS SHOWING OFF HER BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIRED TAIL TOO!

And what about those “Oops, what happened to my tail?” tails.

HERE IS A “NO TAIL” TAIL!

HERE IS A “NO TAIL” TAIL!

ANOTHER NUBBY TAIL ON THIS LOVELY BOXER

ANOTHER NUBBY TAIL ON THIS LOVELY BOXER

If you would like to capture some great photos of your dog and his unique tail, please feel free to contact me to discuss a photo shoot in the Toronto or South Florida areas.

For more on dog’s tails, head on over to the blog of Linda Perdue of VPShoots Photography serving the Tampa Bay, Florida areas.