1. Tail Wagging freely- Very happy and open to being pet or played with
2. Tail Slowly Wagging- Friendly but not quite sure of what’s going on so they’re reserving judgement until something happens. Often a shy dog that needs assurance you’re not going to hurt them. Talk sweetly to them and the wag might go faster.
3. Tail Straight Out and Still- On alert, cautious, playful. Combined with ears forward or twitching they hear something but can’t see it yet. Combined with ears back they aren’t sure what of the person or animal in front of them is going to do. This usually results in a burst of running or playing with another dog.
4. Tail Between Legs-Scared, nervous, wants to hide. May lead to biting so to be on the safe side, crouch down and invite them to come to you.
5. Tail Not Moving- Look at the eyes and ears. Ears down , head down, eyes looking up at you sad means “I had an accident on the carpet and I’m sorry.” Eyes looking at you and away with ears back, listen for the growl. Do. Not. Pet.

Never go up to a dog that isn’t freely wagging it’s tail to welcome you. When dogs want you to pet them they can do a few different things to show you. They might walk over and sit near you, jump up on you, roll over and show belly, and even bark then pant with a big open mouth to get your attention.

Whenever a dog enters my shop I immediately crouch down and kneel at their level a few feet away and put a hand out to them. Not close enough to touch them but enough for them to sniff and walk over to me.  The worst thing you can do is charge up to a dog that isn’t sure of what’s happening. I always let them come to me. Another protocol I do when an owner drops their dog off is to take the lead and let the owner leave with the dog still in the front room of the shop. Once the owner is out of eye shot I say “OK” and gently tug the lead. They hop up and go anywhere I ask. I never drag a dog out back against it’s will. If they have any worries I pick them up and cuddle them for a few minutes before starting their grooming. This usually happens on  their first appointment because they have no frame of reference as to what’s about to happen. They only remember their last vet appointment and we all know how much dogs love going to the vet.