Wagging a raised, stiff tail : implies tension and potential aggression

Wagging a low tail, possibly between the legs : indicates fear and/or submission

Energetically wagging a tail at half-mast : usually a good sign, generally implying neither tension nor depression

Wagging a tail with a relaxed body stance, "smiley" face, and lolling ears : indicates a desire for play or kind attention

Hackles raised (hair standing up and bushed out), legs stiff, and eyes fixed : indicates guardedness and readiness to attack if necessary

The human misunderstanding of the role of the pack leader leads to behaviour problems. Take a look at this from the dog's point of view.

"hey, I've got a new owner. I wonder if he's going to be like the last one. It seems like they all want us to do things for them, but I don't know what it means when I'm off the leash in the park and my owner starts to chase me around, shouting and screaming. What does "come here" mean, anyway? Whenever my old owner shouted "come here" and caught me, he gave me a beating. Well if this one thinks I'll fall for that again, he has another think coming.

These people are funny creatures. They get you home and give you a smelly old slipper to play with, then when you've chewed that up and find a fresh one, they get really angry. It's only a slipper, after all, just like the one they gave you in the first place.

They let you get on the sofa when you're a puppy. And then later, when you weigh more and slobber all over the place, they don't like it. And another thing, why is it all right to sit on your favourite chair until company comes, but then you're expected to give it up for one of them? I wish people who take us in would decide what they want from us in the first place, then explain what they mean when they say something. After all, I am a dog, a pet - and I'm just here to please. If only I knew how.