What Your Dog's Tail is Telling You

At IdaBoss Dog Training, we love helping people understand their dogs better. And one of the best ways to start understanding your dog’s emotions is by watching their tail. Yep, that wagging tail isn’t just for decoration! It’s a communication tool, and if you pay attention, it can tell you a lot about how your dog is feeling. But did you know that which side the tail wags can also tell you something?

Let’s break it down in plain language.

Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

Dogs wag their tails to express emotion. It’s one of the most obvious ways they “talk” to us and each other.

Tail wagging can mean:

• They’re happy to see you

• They’re feeling unsure

• They’re getting ready to play

• Or even that they’re feeling threatened or nervous

Tail wagging isn’t always a happy signal. The speed, stiffness, and direction of the wag all matter.

So let's look closer, especially at the direction.

Tail Wagging Left vs. Right - What It Means

Recent research has shown something fascinating: dogs tend to wag their tails more to the right when they’re feeling positive emotions, and more to the left when they’re feeling stressed or unsure.

Right-side wagging: If your dog’s tail wags more to the right, they’re probably feeling relaxed, excited, or confident. You might see this when you walk in the door or bring out their favourite toy.

Left-side wagging: A wag more to the left may suggest your dog is feeling anxious, unsure, or even wary. It doesn’t mean they’re going to bite – but it could be a clue to slow down, give them space, or help them feel safer.

Why Does This Happen?

Just like humans, dogs brains are split into two sides. The left side controls the right side of the body, and the right side controls the left. The left side of the brain is linked to positive emotions, while the right side is linked to more cautious or defensive emotions. So if the happy part of the brain is more active, you’ll see more wagging to the right!

How Can You Use This Info?

Understanding tail direction can help you:

• Recognise when your dog is unsure (especially in new environments or with new people or dogs)

• Build trust by noticing when your dog is stressed and helping them feel safe

• Communicate better – when you respond to their emotional signals, your bond gets even stronger

  
  

Keep in mind:

• Tail language is just one part of body language. Look at the whole dog – their face, ears, posture, and movement all matter.

• Some breeds have curly, short, or docked tails that are harder to read. Watch the base of the tail or the rest of the body in these cases.

• Not all left-side wagging means panic – it might just be mild uncertainty.

  
  

We believe dogs are always communicating – and it’s our job to listen. Learning little things like tail direction can help us create calmer, kinder, and more responsive relationships with our dogs.

So next time you’re hanging out with your dog, take a moment to watch that tail. Is it wagging left, right, or both? What else is their body saying? You might be surprised at how much you learn!