Ugggh...I hear this one several times a week. And I wish I could have five bucks for each time I've been cornered in a room by a dog wagging his tail and snarling. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little...but not much. For many dogs, this can be a nervous gesture...yes, the dog may be wagging its' tail but the hair is also standing up on their back and they're showing you some lip (industry jargon for the dog is starting to snarl).
So keep in mind that their are a number of indications that a dog is actually afraid or aggressive and you should use caution, in spite of what the dog tail is telling you. Here are a couple of hints on how to tell a friendly dog from one that may want to take a piece of you home.
- ears are "flat back"
- growling
- showing "lip" i.e. dog is baring or showing their pearly whites
- hair on the dogs back is raised
- snarling - never a good sign, even if the dog is tap dancing
Best rule of thumb is don't move toward a dog that you're not sure if it is friendly. It may feel trapped or misinterpret your move as being one of aggression. Play it safe, walk away slowly!
Be safe, Keep Wagging!
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