El body language The dog plays a key role in the way he communicates with other people and animals. Each of his gestures expresses a different emotion, including the movements of his ears and tail. We focus on the latter below, analyzing the meanings of their different positions.
This theory is supported by different studies. An example is carried out a few years ago by biologists Stephen Leaver and Thomas Reimchen, from the University of Victoria in Canada. According to them, "the animal exchanges a lot of information through its tail, its movements and the different postures it adopts." Thus, the dog expresses its state of mind and communicates with us. Let's see how:
Tail raised and directed upwards. With this gesture the dog shows authority and firmness, maybe some dominance.
Movement in circles. It means joy, desire to play and empathy. This movement is very common when the animal meets a friend of his or when we get home.
Raised and curved tail. Show calm and confidence.
Tail extended horizontally. The dog thus shows his interest in something that is happening around him, although if he keeps his tail taut and his hair bristled, it may mean that he is on the defensive.
Quick and lateral movements. They indicate nervousness or joy, anxiety in some cases. Dogs often make this gesture when they are reunited with their loved ones, when they play, when they go to eat, etc. Sometimes these movements also symbolize fear. If, in turn, the dog throws its ears back and shows us its teeth, we are facing a possible attack.
Low tail with slow and lateral movements. Reflects insecurity and distrust of any person or situation.
Tail between the legs. It is the way that this animal shows fear and submission. Its objective is to contain the pheromones that it secretes through this area, thus remaining in a discreet background and wanting to go unnoticed.