I'm new here and I hope I'm not out of line.
I was attacked, by a local radio talk show host, for making the statement that the wagging of a dog's tail is a poor indication of the dog's intentions. They tell me that a dog with a wagging tail will not bite. They back their claim with, self proclaimed, dog experts. I was told that I don't know what I'm talking about.
In my fifty plus years of training dogs, I've seen many go into full attack mode while wagging the tail.
Have I only experienced weird dogs or what?
You're dead on the money. A slowly wagging tail is one of those key body language cues to look for in a dog that means business. Be glad to give you a bunch of references when I get home to my library.
A police man is under heavy fire because he shot a family dog who was wagging his tail and barking. It was a 'pull-over' situation off the highway, no one closed the car door and the boxer mix jumped out wagging his tail hard and barking.
While I do not agree with shooting the dog, the police man is truly being treated poorly for his actions.
**Dr. Martin Luther died in 1546. He was a great reformer of the church, and a great GERMAN SHEPHERD!**
You have to read the total picture the dog presents, cuz of course a wagging tail can be friendliness or excitement. But when combined with stiffened legs, pricked ears, pursed lips, direct eye contact, slow movement..... look out!
I agree Lee. When I said "excited" I meant it as an indicator in response to some stimuli - be it friendliness, aggression/anticipation of a bite/fight, etc. ie when I come home my boy's tail is wagging like a helicoptor trying to take off - happiness/friendliness/general excitement. It also wags, albeit in a different fashion, when someone approaches our home at night - in an I'm going to bite you if you take one step closer way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Thanks to everyone. I think I just needed to be certain that I'm not loosing my old mind. I have videos of protection dog and police dogs, in full fight mode with tails wagging. Some wag all through the attack.
I offered to show the tapes to those at the station, but they have declined to watch them.
I think it's bad judgment to advise the public that they have nothing to fear from a strange dog if he wags his tail.
I'm an old fan of Ed's and am glad to find this site. It appears that there are good people here from whom I can learn. I think I'll hang around for a while. At least as long as you will tolerate an old man who learns from dogs.
Have a great day and stay warm.
Hi hank and welcome. I am new here also - about 4 weeks new.
PM - (private message)me the name of the station and I will give them some information on dogs that will educate them.
Part of a program I will be kicking off in in my state is teaching teachers to instruct kids about strange dogs and how to approach all dogs that are not thier own personal family pet...The "traditional" way gets you bit if the dog is prone to bite. :rolleyes: <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I would be happy to vidicate you and maybe we can do some good too. Just let me know.
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. - Robert Benchley
In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. - Edward Hoagland
Anyone who makes a blanket statement like "A dog who is wagging his tail will not bite" does not have a clue about what the hell they are talking about and should certainly not have a talk show giving advice on training or dog behavior. Don't lose a wink of sleep over how these idiots treated you.
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