Creative Canine Solutions

Chomp!

If you're bringing home a new furry baby, then puppy biting is going to be a concern! Being prepared will help you survive the teething period!

FAQ Friday: why did my dog behave aggressively if his tail was wagging?

This is a really common point of confusion: doesn't a wagging tail mean your dog was happy? Unfortunately, no. Yes, some tail wags are happy - but tail wagging can also indicate distress, arousal, aggression, or fear. So how do you know the difference?

-A high, flagged tail (like in this photo) can indicate aggression and arousal, especially if the tail is wagging very quickly in short wags.

-A tail level to the spine swinging in big, wide swings or in big circles ("helicopter tail") indicates friendly, relaxed feelings.

-A tail dropped below the spine and wagging quickly (either dropped near the legs or tucked underneath your dog) can indicate nervousness and fear.

Have you noticed your dog's various emotions around wagging their tail? Any you're confused about? Let us know in the comments!