Why Do Dogs Put Their Tail Between Their Legs?

You’ve probably seen this happening and mostly triggered by different actions. But why do they do it, why do dogs put their tail between their legs?Ever wondered why they do this?

What exactly is your four-legged friend trying to communicate to you? Are there any specific actions you should take when you experience this with your dog?

Dogs are known to behave in peculiar manners such as scooting around your carpet or chewing and licking everything around the house. But all these behaviors always have some sort of meaning behind them.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the key reasons why dogs put their tail between their legs and if there is anything to worry about.

Let’s get straight to it.

Why Do Dogs Put Their Tail Between Their Legs?

When dogs are scared or sad they tend to put their tail between their legs. Other reasons may include a clear sign of fear or anxiety caused by a new environment or person. This is also a sign of submissions to their masters (Owner). They may also show such behavior to prevent other dogs from sniffing them or preventing other dogs from trying to mate with them.

They also put their tails between their legs when they are being apologetic after doing something bad in the house. Also, known as the “apology bow” in dogs, they tend to do this when for instance they have caused some sort of damage in the house.

Many have misread these actions in dogs. It’s important to get a better understanding of this action and ensuring you have a better understanding of why exactly your pet friend could be putting his tails between their legs.

Other than tucking their tails under their legs, it’s crucial to also get a better understanding of a canine’s tail position.

Key Reasons Why They Do This

While we now know that a dog will put its tail between its legs for a number of reasons; including fear, anxiety, or when they are being submissive to their master.

Below are further reasons why your dog could be putting their tails between their legs.

1. You Have an Apologetic Dog: You’ve probably found a few things in the house is a mess. You look around and see your dog with its tail between their legs and drops its head with its eyes turned away from you; in what is known as the “apologetic bow”. Your dog knows very well it definitely caused all that mess in the house.
2. Your Dog Made a Mistake: When your dog makes a mistake and you start to scold it, you’ll witness the tail coiling and in between their legs.
3. Aknoledges You As the Leader: Dogs will always submit to the leader of the pack. When he has done something wrong, he’ll tuck its tail between the legs as a way to show submission to the leader of the pack – you the dog owner.
4. Feeling Insecure in a New Environment: When in a new environment for instance at the dog park, at the pet groomer or when eating in the presence of a new dog. They’ll tuck their tails between their legs feeling frightened in a new environment.
5. Doesn’t want to be Mated: A female dog in heat may not neccesarily want to be mated by a certain male dog. It will tuck it’s tail in between their legs to prevent any unwanted approaches. Your bitch (female dog) may also react in this manner if surrounded by a number of male dogs eager to get her attention.

What Other Tail Position Means in Dogs?

Dogs can’t communicate verbally. We, therefore, need to pay close attention to their actions to get a better understanding of their mood.

For us, dog owners getting a better understanding of canine body language can help you better understand them

Below is some other common tail position that you should be aware of.

Tail Pointing Downward Close to the Legs

When your dog has its tail pointing downward close their legs its means that your doggo friend could be feeling stressed or feeling insecure.

This could be as a result of them being introduced to a new environment that they are not 100% comfortable with.

Tail Tucked Tight Between The Hind Legs

When your god has his or her tail tucked tight between their hind legs, it means they are very scared and feeling vulnerable. This action also signals some sort of submission over their master.

Tail Tucked Slightly Between The Legs

This tail position indicates that your dog could be in an aggressive state. The dog could be frightened but is not afraid to take any action to protect itself.

In this state, the dog is not submissive at all and could be very hard to control.

Tail Held Slightly Below The Top Line

In this case, you could be unsure of the current happenings. It’s not sure of the exact action to take. It will require some sort of guidance from you before they take any sort of action.

Wagging Tail Held More Up

When your dog is wagging her tail, this is an indication that your dog is happy. The joyful nature of your dog can be seen by the sweeping motion of your dog’s tail.

Wagging Tail Held More Down

In such a state, your dog is still weighing his or her environment before knowing the next cause of action. In most cases, their next cause of action is always going to be happiness.

The wagging of a tail held more down indicates that your dog is gauging the situation and whether it’s safe to be happy.

Stiff, Upright Tail With Slight Wagging Movements

When your dog has a stiff, upright tail with slight wagging movements, indicates that you have a very aggressive dog in your presence. You need to be careful as any unnecessary movement could lead to an attack from such a dog.

Horizontal and Stiff Tail With Slight Movement

When your dog is in such a state, it indicates that the dog is super alert and cautious of its environment.

Lowered Tail that’s Drooping and Listless

In such a case, you could be dealing with a sick dog. This is a sign that your dog could not be feeling well. It’s recommended to have him/her checked by your local vet as soon as possible.

There you go, those are some of the key body languages you should be paying close attention to whenever you are with your dog. Not all dogs will exhibit such tail behavior as there are some other breeds that don’t necessarily have long tails. Such breed as the french bulldogs can’t tuck their tails between their legs.

Conclusion

There are a number of reasons why your dog may be tucking her tail between its legs. This may range from being scared, fearful, or as a show of submission. They may also do this if they are frightened by other dogs and wants to prevent them from sniffing their genitals; in so doing, preventing any mating attempts.

There is a need for you to closely monitor your dog’s reaction and be in a position to help them cope better in a new environment and prevent them from any sort of anxiety or fear from a new environment.