QUESTION: I keep hearing people talk about the position of the dog’s tail when it’s working sheep. What do they mean? Why is the sheepdog’s tail position so important?
ANSWER: When dogs are relaxed they hold their tails in a normal downward position, but when they are nervous or afraid the dog’s tail becomes rigid, and often points upwards.
In the photograph above, Andy is leading trainee sheepdog Scylla into the training ring, with Scylla’s tail straight in the air. It’s a sure sign that the dog is nervous.
Why is the sheepdog’s tail position so important?
An experienced sheepdog trainer can get a good indication of the dog’s anxiety level by looking at its tail position while it’s working sheep or other stock.
If any part of the tail is pointing upwards it’s often seen as a bad sign. Some trainers of dogs intended for sheepdog trials will reject a dog that raises its tail when put under pressure, such as working very closely with sheep.
Is “up” always a bad sign?
The carriage of the dog’s tail is certainly an indication of its anxiety level. However, we don’t agree with this blanket condemnation IN THE EARLY STAGES OF TRAINING. Many of the dogs we’ve trained have “shown tail” in the early stages, but with good training those dogs have gone on to make first class, confident sheepdogs.
Remember – when the dog lifts its tail, it’s a fairly sure sign that the dog’s confidence is low at that moment. Bear this in mind while you’re working or training, and do all you can to boost the dog’s confidence.
This is one of our Frequently Asked Sheepdog Training Questions. See the full list of FAQs.
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