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Should you or should you not dock the tail of a dog? Rottweiler, Doberman Pinchers and German Short haired Pointer are only some of the breeds commonly docked. This cosmetic surgery is commonly done so that the dog will fit the standard set by the kennel club. Docking is a procedure usually done to working dogs for the purpose of protecting the tail from possible injuries. If you know why a dog wags its tail, you probably would think twice about having the tail of the pet docked. Do you know the reasons why dogs wag their tails?

Many animals have tails but only dogs are known to have the inclination to wag the tail. Dogs have many uses for their tails. Undoubtedly, a richly feathered tail will enhance the appearance of the dog. The tail though has a more important role in the life of a dog. The tail is an efficient balancing tool that allows dogs to scales steep cliffs and ravines, to make sharp curves and also to swim more efficiently. Most importantly, the tail of the dog is mainly used as an effective communication tool.

Dogs cannot speak but they have a way of making humans understand what they want to convey through the use of body language. Dogs can convey their intentions and make humans understand what they feel by using the movements of the eyes, the ears as well as the wagging of the tail .

The wagging of the tail is not unlike human smile or handshake. Because of a smile, people can gain friends. Although dogs are known to be protective, these pets are also very friendly. The wagging of the tails is doing the talking. A dog only has to wag the tail to get human friends. An observant owner will be able to understand what the pet is feeling.

Fast wagging is indicative of excitement. A dog that happily wags the tail at the sight of the master is probably anticipating being walked or a treat. Being social animals, dog would thrive in an environment with a well defined hierarchy. Tail wagging specifies the dog’s rank in the pack. A dominant dog will hold the tail high and wag it stiffly. Lower ranked dogs wag tails that hare held lower slowly. Dogs wag the tail for identification purposes. When the tail is wagged, the anal glands are squeezed so that an odor distinct to every dog is released. This secretion that is released by the glands are pheromones that identify the dog.

Learn more about why dogs wag their tails and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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