Animals use their tails for balance like lemurians, for running like the cheetah, or even for comfort, just like horses use their tails to remove flies and other flying insects.
But dogs use their tails for communication purposes. Tail wagging is a powerful tool dogs use to reveal both positive and negative feelings. I’ll tell you how it happens.
Wagging History and Evolution
Tail wagging is a behavior only domestic dogs exhibit. Presumably, this trait was selected by breeders as a means of communication with the dogs, to find out exactly what canids (foxes, wolves, dogs, coyotes, jackals, etc) feel like.
It’s all about social interactions. The dog’s ancestor, the wolf, uses tail wagging as a greeting behavior after separation and as a sign of submission to the Alpha male and female of the pack.
Wolves may become separated from the rest of the pack and, when they reunite, this behavior can be observed. This is similar to the dog greeting a human.
How Does Wagging Occur?
As you may very well know by now, the dog’s tail is an extension of the spine. When a dog wags its tail, it is making an involuntary movement, as a response to stimulation. The dog may control this process up to a certain point.
The exact mechanism of the neuro-physiological control of wagging is controversial. What we do know, is that the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum, or small brain, is involved. When electrical impulses stimulate this part of the brain, an increase in wagging can be seen. Wagging is an asymmetrical behavior; depending on positive or negative stimuli, this movement can be either left-sided or right-sided. Right-side wagging is determined by positive emotions, while left-sided wagging is linked to negative feelings.
For example, when a dog sees its owner or will receive a treat, it will wag its tail to the right. When it spots a new dog or person or is in a place that makes it uncomfortable, it will wag its tail to the left.
Wagging And Hormones
Wagging is also associated with hormone balance. When a dog is happy, its brain will release oxytocin, or “the happiness hormone”. This hormone will help the dog bond with its loved ones and promote positive feelings.
If the dog is stressed or uncertain, its adrenal glands will secrete cortisol, or “the stress hormone”. Cortisol is also involved in the “fight or flee” mechanism.
This presents itself quite simply: when the dog experiences a stressful situation, it sends out a signal to the amygdala. This is the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing. The amygdala sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which communicates to the adrenal glands to release adrenalin.
If the stressful situation continues, the brain will further command the secretion of cortisol. This keeps the dog on high alert. When the danger goes away, this hormone’s levels drop.
High levels of cortisol are dangerous for dogs, as it may trigger some underlying illnesses or make the dog more predisposed to certain diseases.
So Does Wagging Mean Friendly?
Tail wagging is used as a social sign. Dogs do this when they meet other dogs, people, or animals and rarely when they are alone. It is a very powerful tool when assessing a dog’s temper and emotional state. But the position of the tail and the speed of the wagging are also important.
An upright tail that wags is a positive behavior indicator and means a secure or dominant fellow. You can see this kind of wagging when dogs meet other dogs of the same gender.
If the dog holds its tail low or even beneath it means that the dog feels insecure, anxious or even scared and you might want to be careful around them. A visit to the vet may have this result, for example (for some dogs).
If the tail is low, and the dog wags it rarely and has the tendency to bring back its tail underneath after the wagging stops, means submission, and obedience, perhaps combined with fear. The dog may even bite without further notice. Dogs that have been abused either verbally or physically exhibit this kind of behavior more than other canids.
So, now that you know all about tail wagging, it’s time to check it out live and see how your very best friend feels.
