The Star Malaysia - Star2

Docking vs happy tails

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GENERALLY speaking, a stiff tail that’s upright signals that a dog is feeling defensive. That means it’s unsafe to approach.

A tail that’s stiff but down, signals a dog is feeling defensive but not awfully confident. Again, it’s best to assume it’s not safe to approach.

A wagging tail doesn’t necessaril­y mean a pet is happy. What you need to look for is a relaxed posture.

Happy dogs who are dying to talk to you will have loose body language. Often, they’ll also skip around and loll their tongues.

Basically, to keep safe you don’t talk to a dog unless you have been introduced and are friends.

However, if I’m at the park or at someone’s house, with a super pampered socialised pet who’s wagging and wriggling away, then I take the risk and say hello. I am careful, though. I talk softly, and let the pet sniff the back of my hand. I watch their body language, so that if they’re a nippy kind of dog, it won’t be a problem.

If you’re dealing with a docked dog, then be super careful because you may be missing signals.

FYI, docking is banned in Australia, Spain, the Netherland­s, and a dozen or more European countries.

Surprising­ly, it is only restricted in the pet-loving Britain and New Zealand. There is no legislatio­n in Malaysia.

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