Like with the ears, we have a chart that shows tail position and wags by the traffic color signals: green, yellow, and red. The speed of the wag does have meaning, and combined with the tail position can tell you a lot about the emotional state of the dog.
For instance, if you look at the Tail Management Traffic Signal chart below, you will see that a slow wagging tail in the neutral position is green, but a slow wagging tail and a higher position is red.
Tail Management Traffic Signal Chart
Management Signal | Tail Position or Movement | Canine Emotion | Meaning |
---|---|---|---|
Neutral Position Large wags at moderate speed and may be in circles Small wags at moderate speed Wags at slow speed | I'm at ease I like you Hello I like that I don't understand | Relaxed Friendly, Happy Friendly, Greeting Pleased Problem solving |
|
High Position Low Position Fast small wags | I'm in charge I'm no threat I'm interested | Confident Subordinate Excitement |
|
Slow and small rhythmic wags | I'm watching with concern | On guard |
This video will show you the differences in green, yellow, and red tail wags. Read the descriptions below to understand the signals you are looking for.
Green Tails
Green tails are in the neutral position and the wags are full and extended, sometimes causing the entire hips to wag. You see a natural tail position, you see a very full body wag, full tail wag. In the neutral position these are all green.
Yellow Tails
The yellow tails are lower, underneath the body, wagging faster and quicker motions, and are usually held higher or very low. Remember you’re looking at the base of the tail and not necessarily the end of the tail. See how low the base of that dog’s tail is on his body, also with the puppy. See how low the base of the tail is and only the end is wagging.
Red Tails
Red tails are very tucked, and the dog is much more cautious and/or stiff. See how tight the dog is hold it’s tail in the video above? It’s actually curled under his rear. His whole body is very still. Now, the Jack Russell’s tail doesn’t really move…it’s very stiff. Often, you will see the wagging is very rhythmic and it may stop altogether, like in this case when the dog was petted. Again, remember we are looking at the base of the tail