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Why do dogs wag their tails?
Dogs talk with their tails, as they do with their eyes, mouth, and paws.
They're pretty articulate with their body language, as anybody who owns a dog can tell you. For example, when it comes to communicating with their tails, canines understand each other precisely. A tail sticking straight up means "I'm top dog here." Tucking the tail means "you're the boss."
But these universal signals are not so clear and precise when the "conversation" is dog-to-person. That's because centuries of breeding have muddled the animal's natural, inborn responses. The best we can say for sure about a dog wagging its tail when approaching a person is that Fido is excited. Maybe its "You're home, now I can eat," or "I've been waiting
to play, let's do it." It could even be what you want to hear: "I'm really crazy
about you." But then again, maybe he's just saying "I have fleas."
Are you interested in bringing your dog to a local nursing home, hospital or school? Your local humane society may offer a program certifying pets and owners interested in such an endeavor. To be certified, your dog needs to be able to obey basic commands and walk calmly at your side on a leash. Your dog will also be observed for reactions to quick movements, awkward petting, being approached from behind and other potentially startling maneuvers.
"A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog." - Jack London
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