When Your Dog’s Tail Tells a Story

At an event this month, I noticed a golden retriever greeting people with his tail tucked instead of wagging. He looked friendly, but his movements told a different story.  He laid down often, walked on his tiptoes like he was on needles, and moved slowly for a three-year-old dog.

My heart knew right away: this dog was in pain.

I recognized the signs because I’ve felt them myself. After my West Nile Virus infection and concussion, my nervous system was sensitive and painful. I moved quietly, slowly, trying not to draw attention. That same guarded stillness showed in his body.

Later, I spoke with his owner and learned that his tail had been broken. Suddenly, all those subtle signs made sense. His nervous system was still protecting him. I gently suggested he see a rehabilitation veterinarian who could help restore his comfort and movement.

Pain doesn’t always look loud.  Sometimes it looks polite, careful, or quiet. Dogs communicate through posture, rather than words. When their body feels off, their energy shifts too.

If you ever notice this in your dog, get help early. Reach out to a rehab veterinarian or a holistic pet health coach with rehabilitation experience.

Three Things You Can Do Today:

1. Massage – Use gentle, slow touch to relax muscles and notice areas of tension.
2. Awareness – Pay attention to posture, gait, or tail position. Subtle changes mean more than you think.
3. Get Help – Team up with someone trained to read your dog’s body and guide healing safely.

This is exactly what my PAWer Move System™ is built around. Helping pet parents learn to see what their dog’s body is saying. By combining conditioning, body awareness, nutrition and energy balance, we create lasting comfort and confidence, one small movement at a time.

Your dog’s tail, posture, and pace all tell a story. The more you learn to listen, the more you can help them live freely again.