Even though "tail talk," as Dr. Buzhardt calls it, is a form of communication, dogs don't talk to themselves, so you won't see one wagging their tail if they're alone.

Tail-chasing that occurs every once in a while and a dog can be easily distracted from is "not really an issue," she says. The tail-chasing shouldn't impact a pet owner's day-to-day routine either.

A dog wagging its tail doesn’t always indicate happy mood. Here’s how to find out what they are trying to say with their tail.

The dogs in the model were represented by 17 segments comprising the head, neck, upper torso, lower torso, upper limb, lower limb and paw for each limb, and tail.

But, what do dogs themselves make of seeing an image of a dog wag his or her tail to the right or to the left? Is it a form of communication? One researcher thinks it's not. I'm not so sure it isn't.

Pedigree took part in a 'tail orchestra experiment' earlier this month, in which the pet food company presented dogs with treats — as well as other less appealing stimuli such as broccoli ...