Can You Pull a Dog's Tail? The Truth Unleashed!
The tail of a dog is an extremely important body part for them. Once, a highly experienced animal behaviorist gave a speech specifically addressing the issue of a dog's tail. Since dogs are quadrupedal animals, their spines differ from humans, and their tails are located at the end of their spines.
Functions of a Dog's Tail:
Balance
The tail plays a crucial role in a dog's balance. If the muscles are injured, the tail may become permanently crooked, leading to severe issues for the dog when jumping, walking, turning, or climbing stairs.
Biting
Dogs are sensitive to their tails and may feel threatened if they are pulled. If a dog's tail is frequently pulled accidentally, it can cause the dog to become startled and, through a conditioned reflex, mistake the person for an enemy, leading to a potential aggressive bite. Even if a dog doesn't react, it might be due to familiarity with the owner, but accidents are unpredictable.
Paralysis
A dog's tail is at the end of its spine, containing 23 vertebrae, each wrapped in muscle. Pulling on a dog's tail can potentially injure the spine, leading to severe tail muscle injuries, and in extreme cases, paralysis. It's not worth the risk!
Diarrhea
When a dog defecates, the tail's root muscle group helps to expel waste. However, if the tail is pulled frequently, it can lead to temporary or even permanent incontinence or constipation issues.
Safety and Security
Dogs' tails are sensitive and often serve as a barrier. When a dog is scared, its tail is tucked between its legs. If we pull on a dog's tail carelessly, it can become more sensitive and fearful, affecting its psychological wellbeing and growth.
Communication
Dogs use their tails to communicate emotions. When they see their owners, their tails wag happily; when they are scared, their tails are tightly tucked between their hind legs. Without a tail, how can a dog express its joy or sadness to its companions or owner?
It's important to note that while the middle and tip of a dog's tail should not be pulled, the root can be gently touched to help desensitize the area. Through professional training, dogs can learn to overcome their sensitivity. However, other parts of the tail should not be touched or pulled.
Do not harm a dog's tail, especially if it has not received desensitization training. In households with children, it's crucial to teach them to be gentle with a dog's tail and not to pull on it. Even if a dog is generally calm and doesn't反抗, it's important not to harm it due to its gentle nature. Dogs are our loyal friends, and we must protect them!
