你可能听过狗叫声或者嗥叫声，但你知道狗摇尾巴是什么意思吗？是在和我们交流吗？狗尾巴向上、向下、左右摇摆，可能是狗告诉我们一些事情的方式。本文介绍狗摇尾巴的意思。

词汇：dogs 狗

We all know what a dog means when it wags its tail – it means they’re happy, right? Well, maybe not according to leading animal psychologists who analyse what a dog may be or may not be feeling.  There may be more of a tale in the movements of a dog’s tail than most of us think.

Most of us agree that it would probably make life whole lot easier and fun if dogs could actually converse rather than bark with us, but sadly they have not yet evolved to develop that skill. There are some obvious signs of what your pooch is thinking. For example, growling could show aggression, scratching at the door could mean a call of nature, and rolling on their backs could show submission.

However, in the opinions of experts like Stanley Coren, professor of psychology at the University of British Colombia, your canine companion may be trying to tell you much more with the movements and position of their tails. For example, a broad wag is a friendly sign and can mean that the dog is pleased.

If you see the tail drooping,it may be a sign that the animal is in a state of stress and anxiety. That’s according to Josie F. Turner, a journalist specialised in animal welfare. This is especially obvious if there are whines coming from them, or they are trying to hide. It may be time to get them on the leash and take them for that precious ‘w-word’ – walkies. Most dog owners know never to say that word in the vicinity of their four-legged friend, or they will get overly excited forcing you to take them out.

A horizontal tail with slight movements may be a sign that your canine is nervous or uncomfortable. And the more ample the movements, the more nervous your pooch may be. Finally, an erect tail accompanied by a swagger in the hips and lots of movement is a sign that your dog is as happy as can be – and very alert. However, if the tail is straight up in the air with no movement, it could be a sign that your dog is alert and trying to exert dominance.

So, the next time you’re greeted by a dog, make sure to have a look and see what their tail is doing. In their own way, they’re trying to tell you if they’re sad, nervous or happy. Many of us would like to know exactly what they’re thinking. Maybe we should just be grateful their tails are wagging and they’re not plotting our demise.

词汇表

wag 摆动
converse 对话，和……交谈
bark 狗叫
evolve 进化
pooch 狗
growl （狗）发出低沉的吼叫
scratch （动物）用爪子抓
call of nature 上厕所
submission 屈服，顺从
canine companion 狗狗伙伴
droop 下垂
whine 发出哀叫
walkies （唤狗用语）该去散步了
four-legged friend 四条腿的朋友，狗
horizontal 水平的
ample 大量的
erect 竖直的
swagger 大摇大摆

测验与练习

1.  阅读课文并回答问题。

1. What may an erect tail with no movement show?

2. Why might a dog scratch at the door?

3. True or false? A dog’s tail is the only way they communicate.

4. Why does a dog roll over?

5. Why does a dog’s tail droop?

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. We have some lovely _______.

converse                         conversation                  conversations            conversed  

2. My dog is so ­­­­­_______. She’s always rolling on her back.

submit                             submissive                    submission                submits

3. Can you try and stop _______. I understand you're upset.

whine                              whining                          whines                       whined

4. I think your dog just _______ at me.

growl                              growling                         growled                     growler

5. He always tries to take over and _______ the meetings.

domination                    dominating                      dominate                  dominated

答案

1.  阅读课文并回答问题。  

1. What may an erect tail with no movement show?
They are trying to show dominance. 

2. Why might a dog scratch at the door?
So that they can go to the toilet.

3. True or false? A dog’s tail is the only way they communicate.
False. The dogs also make noises and actions to show you what they want.

4. Why does a dog roll over?
Dogs roll over to show submission.

5. Why does a dog’s tail droop?
When they are feeling uncomfortable.

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. We have some lovely conversations.

2. My dog is so submissive. She’s always rolling on her back.

3. Can you try and stop whining. I understand you're upset.

4. I think your dog just growled at me.

5. He always tries to take over and dominate the meetings.