Dogs use their tails as a counterbalance while running or walking across unstable surfaces, helping coordinate movement.
Balance
Tail wagging, positioning and tension conveys important information to other dogs on mood ranging from friendly to fearful.
Communication
Dogs reinforce social connections by gently wagging tails during interactions or curling up tail-to-tail while resting
Social Bonding
A tucked tail may signal anxiety while a loose, rapidly wagging tail indicates happiness. Tails display innermost feelings.
Emotional Barometer
Dogs swish tails against flank to discourage biting insects from latching on. Certain dog breeds use tails to cover scent glands too.
Protection
Dogs change tail positioning to steer mid-air when leaping to help execute athletic feats or sharp turns while running.
Agility Booster
Nerve-dense tails sense information dogs use to explore surroundings, like objects brushing past them.
Stimulation Sensor