How do dogs express love through tail language?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Dogs express love through certain signals with their tails, usually in combination with specific full body language actions, that tell us about their affectionate feelings. Common affectionate tail movements include broad, sweeping wags held mid-height, which usually occur with a soft-eyed, relaxed, and happy body posture. My golden retriever greets me in circles of helicopter-like wagging all over, whole body wiggles. These signs contrasted with some of the signs of play or anxiety are different in their cadence and intensity.
Greeting Rituals
- Full-body wiggles with broad tail sweeps
- Circular 'helicopter' motions showing pure joy
- Gentle nudging combined with relaxed tail carriage
Relaxed Bonding
- Soft rhythmic thumping against surfaces near you
- Low sweeping wags during cuddle sessions
- Tail draped over your leg during resting
Trust Indicators
- Sleeping with tail touching your body
- Slow wagging while maintaining soft eye contact
- Tail raised to neutral height during vulnerable moments
Appreciating how dogs express their love varies among breeds. Herding breeds, such as collies, are more likely to be precision waggers when giving love licks. In contrast, companion breeds engage in much larger, full-body motions. I've seen my poodle circle its tail when it's happy in a very different way than my mastiff, which thumps its tail away. Know your dog's language, and pay attention to what his love licks look like.
Differentiate true devotion from mere excitement. Love wags are maintained at a steady rhythm over extended periods of contact. Excited wags reach a peak quickly, then fade. When my rescue dog loves me, he will lean in with steady pressure from his tail on my leg, rather than becoming distracted by his frenzied greeting wiggle. True tail language of affection, if you like, has a relaxed absence of tension.
Read the full article: Dog Tail Wagging Meaning: What Your Pup Is Saying
