Dogs use their tails to communicate their emotional state. But do dogs actually know they have tails? This is a fascinating question for any dog lover. The quick answer is: dogs likely don’t consciously know they have tails, but their tails are integral parts of communication and balance.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the evidence behind whether dogs have self-awareness of their tails. We’ll look at scientific research on dog cognition, how dogs use their tails, and what that implies about their understanding. Read on for a deep dive into the doggy mind.
What Science Says About Dog Cognition
Dogs Lack Self-Awareness
Research has shown that dogs do not possess a sense of self like humans do. The classic mirror test demonstrates that dogs do not recognize their own reflection. When presented with a mirror, dogs will treat their reflection like another dog, barking or wagging their tail rather than understanding it is their own image.
This indicates that dogs likely do not have self-awareness or a theory of mind. While dogs can feel complex emotions like jealousy and empathy, they operate mostly on instinct and conditioning rather than advanced cognition.
Additionally, studies have found that dogs do not understand object permanence. If you hide an object from a dog, they do not realize it still exists somewhere. Out of sight is truly out of mind for our canine companions!
Their inability to mentally represent things they cannot see in the moment suggests dogs lack higher-order thinking skills.
Dogs Have Complex Emotions
However, dogs do experience a wide array of emotions. Research from the University of Vienna in 2015 showed dogs exhibit jealousy when their owners interact with a potential rival. Brain scans also reveal that dogs feel genuine empathy when witnessing human distress, activating brain regions associated with emotion that are absent in other species like reptiles.
Dogs even display signs of mourning when they lose a caregiver. After the death of an owner, dogs can withdraw socially, lose interest in play, sleep excessively, or stop eating. These are common grief responses, indicating dogs form strong bonds and feel bereavement.
So while dogs may not ponder their place in the universe, they have a rich inner life. Their ability to experience joy, sadness, jealousy and love may even rival our own.
How Dogs Use Their Tails
Visual Communication
A dog’s tail is an important means of non-verbal communication. The position, movement, and overall carriage of the tail can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions (1). For example, a tail held high signals confidence, while a tail tucked between the legs signals fear.
A wagging tail is a sign of friendliness and excitement, while a stiff, rapidly moving tail indicates arousal or aggression. Some studies have even suggested that the direction of the wag provides additional information – a wag more to the right seems to convey positive emotions, while a wag to the left indicates negative emotions (2).
Understanding tail signals provides vital information to both other dogs and human owners or companions. A 2013 study found that dogs are able to perceive very subtle differences in tail position and movement (3).
An owner who can read and understand their dog’s tail signals will better understand their pet’s state of mind and respond appropriately to their needs.
Balance and Coordination
In addition to communication, a dog uses its tail to assist with balance and coordination, much like a tightrope walker uses a pole. The tail acts as a counterbalance when a dog is performing delicate movements like walking along a narrow surface, suddenly changing direction, or transitioning from a sitting to a standing position.
Loss of a tail, either from injury or intentionally via docking, can negatively impact a dog’s coordination and spatial awareness (4).
One study compared balance beam performance between 10 dogs with intact tails, 10 with short tail docks, and 10 with long tail docks. The dogs with intact tails were able to maintain their balance for an average of 34.9 seconds, compared to 15.6 seconds for short-docked dogs and 18.4 seconds for long-docked dogs (5).
This suggests that tail docking significantly hinders a dog’s balancing abilities. Dogs with intact tails also show superior performance in agility competitions, further demonstrating the importance of the tail for coordinated movement (6).
| Group | Average Balance Time (seconds) |
|---|---|
| Intact tails | 34.9 |
| Short tail docks | 15.6 |
| Long tail docks | 18.4 |
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-read-dogs-tail-wags/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131029141223.htm
- https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(13)01152-5
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6940909/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569988/full
- https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-015-0021-4
Dog Tail Docking Controversy
The controversy around dog tail docking relates to the practice of partially removing a dog’s tail for cosmetic or other purposes. There are arguments on both sides of this issue.
Arguments in Favor of Tail Docking
Proponents of tail docking argue that for some breeds, such as working dogs or hunting dogs, a docked tail can reduce risk of injury. They believe the procedure is relatively painless if done when puppies are very young.
Some also argue it gives certain breeds a desirable look in line with tradition and breed standards.
Arguments Against Tail Docking
Opponents believe tail docking causes unnecessary pain and compromises dogs’ communication and balance. Even if done when puppies are very young, critics argue the procedure should be considered unethical unless medically warranted. The practice is banned in many parts of the world.
Key arguments against tail docking include:
- It removes an important means of canine communication and expression
- It impairs balance and coordination
- Puppies still feel pain, even if docked young
- Injuries risks in some working dogs may be overstated
- Breed standards based mainly on appearance should be reevaluated
- Routine docking violates animal welfare principles
Surveys suggest the majority of veterinarians are opposed to docking when done solely for cosmetic reasons rather than medical necessity. However views still remain mixed among breeders, working dog handlers, and the general public.
The Ongoing Controversy
This issue continues to be debated as a matter of ethics, tradition, perceived health benefits, and animal rights. More research into associated risks and clear communication of findings to stakeholders will be key to resolving the controversy.
In the meantime, anyone considering tail docking should thoroughly investigate the latest research in order to make an informed decision aligned with their ethics and the wellbeing of their dogs. This controversy seems likely to continue but hopefully with open-minded discussion, respect and education on all sides.
Fun Facts About Dog Tails
A dog’s tail can say a lot about how they are feeling. Here are some fascinating facts about our canine companions’ tails that you may not know!
Tails Aid Balance and Communication
A dog uses its tail for balance and stability when running or making sharp turns. The tail acts as a counterbalance to shift the dog’s weight and prevent falling over. Dogs also use tail wagging and positioning to communicate with other dogs and humans.
For example, a slow wag can indicate calmness while a faster wag may mean excitement. Tucking the tail communicates fear or submission.
Tail Shape Varies by Breed
Tail shape and size is specific to each breed. For instance, Pugs have curled tails, Greyhounds have long slender tails, and French Bulldogs have short stubby tails. Some breeds like Australian Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis even have naturally bobbed or docked tails!
Docking and Injuries Can Shorten Tails
In certain breeds like Boxers and Schnauzers, puppies may have their tails docked or partially removed a few days after birth. This used to be done for practical purposes in working dogs, but is controversial today for purely cosmetic reasons. Tails can also be shortened through accidental injuries.
Thankfully, dogs adapt well to shortened tails.
Tail Wag Direction Matters
Scientists found that dogs wag their tails to the right when happy and seeing something pleasant. But tails wagged to the left indicate anxiety, uncertainty, or a negative emotional response. Understanding the difference can help owners recognize their dog’s emotions.
Tails Help Dogs Swim and Run
That long slender tail comes in handy for swimming dogs like Labradors and Newfoundlands. The tail acts as a rudder to power them through water. For running breeds like Greyhounds, the tail rotates to counterbalance the dog’s motion and allows tight cornering.
Their tails are literally built for speed!
Cold Weather Can Lead to Frostbite
In extreme cold, a dog’s tail is at risk of frostbite since it lacks thick fur coverage. Short haired breeds like Greyhounds often need tail wraps to protect the tail in winter. Severe cases of frostbite may require partial tail amputation, so bundle up that tail in cold months!
A dog’s tail is a useful communication tool and helps them balance and maneuver. Next time your pup wags its tail, you’ll have a better understanding of what they might be trying to tell you!
Conclusion
While dogs may not be self-aware enough to consciously know they have tails, their tails are core parts of their communication, balance, and well-being. Understanding the role of the oft-overlooked tail gives us greater insight into the inner and outer lives of our best furry friends.
