Question on Tail Wagging

[2rotties2luv]

Hi All -

This isn't a silly question - I've been wondering about it for some time. I hope that those experienced with rottie behavior will answer my curiosity.

My two rotties hardly ever wag their tails. I know we like to think that wagging is a sign of friendliness, but I've read that it's really a sign of anxiety.

Sierra, the female is 7.5 yrs old, and Jazz, the male is 6.5 yrs old. They are brother and sister, and I aquired Sierra at approx. 12-14 weeks and Jazz at about 10 - 12 weeks. Both were trained using mostly praise and rewards, with corrections only when absolutely necessary. Both were in obedience training for 3.5 - 4 yrs.

Sierra only challenged me once (growling) the first time I tried to take her bone. I grabbed her scruff, shook her and scolded, then ignored her - she's never challenged me or any other human since. Sierra disciplined Jazz - he never challenged me or anyone else.

Both work as therapy dogs - they're curious, friendly, and well-mannered with almost all humans (both totally ignore my ex though!) - rarely, they will ignore someone. Overall, they're calm, confident and don't get spooked. Everyone who handles them, vets, trainers, evaluators, etc., remarks at their good manners and calm temperment and how well they listen.

But they don't wag their tails ! So many, many posts here mention their nub-wagging, butt-wiggling rotties' reactions to people, and I keep wondering -

Is this something I should be worrying about ??? And if so, what should I do??

[Darseeuh]

I'm not an expert but I don't think you should worry. All dogs have different personalities. Your two might just not feel like it. I know with my Pookie, it depends on who he is greeting wether or not he wags or how much, it varies. :p :D

[AngelBunny]

2rotties2luv:

Depends on the dog, I think. The girl we lost last summer to cancer wasn't a tail wagger; she was a dignified, serious dog who rarely wagged her hind end. She smiled at you, but she wasn't a fanny waver. Riga also didn't have very much of a tail at all. Our 17 mo old Mox will wag her tail (it's longer than Riga's was), but she too is restrained.

On the other hand, our 3 yo Tula is a butt wagger.

She also is insecure, high strung and a bundle of nerves. Whether Tula's nature has anything to do with her butt wagging only she can say, but of all the Rottie's I've had, she's the biggest butt wagger.

[LORHEL]

I wouldn't be too concerned if there isn't much tail wagging going on, although I am not an expert. However, I did find out that tail wagging is not always friendly. Our male had several issues, and when he was wary of something, he did wag his stub, very slowly back and forth. I always thought that was a good sign. I learned that is not always the case! A dog can bite if its tail is wagging, and other signs are present. The best thing is to watch for the signs of anxiety or aggression, such as ears, eyes, teeth, growling, etc. (hopefully you don't go through that, but maybe you would see it in another dog or one which might approach you and yours). Just an FYI. ;)

[RottnKid1]

This isn't as issue that you need to worry about. I have some who you'd swear are hula dancers and some who rarely wag their tails. Not only is each dog an individual, but a wagging tail can have several meanings, depending on the overall posture/attitude of the dog and the position of the tail as well as the speed at which the tail wags. As long as your dogs are happy and well behaved, that's what counts. You know that some people are much less demonstrative than others - dogs can be the same way.

Also, with some Rottweilers, you really have to watch quite closely to see a tail wag. With my dogs who I stated rarely wag their tails, sometimes it's just a matter of not noticing because they wag in a very understated way.

I get the feeling that your concern about the lack of tail wagging is more of a worry that your dogs don't love you as much as you love them. I know there are behaviorists who'll tell you that dogs are incapable of love, but that's bull****. Please don't guage their love for you by the wagging of their nubs. I'm sure your dogs think you are their Goddess - you have nothing to worry about.:)

[fbkeays]

I have noticed that my dogs stop moving their stubs when I do pet them. Before and after my touch, they move their butts, but as soon as they get what they want, they stop. My male, 4 1/2 years old, can keep his body/butt still, but his stub is going. I would not worry about it. :)