Question

A wagging(摇) tail is a form of dog communication. Dogs wag their tell us something about how they’re feeling.

There are probably few people who haven’t seen a dog wagging his tail, and most of the time it’s obvious what the dog is trying to tell you with this kind of body language. It is important, however, that you pay attention to how the dog is holding his tail when he’s wagging it.

Is it relaxed and moving back in forth? Is his body moving along with the wagging? Or is the tail high and moving quickly back and forth while the dog’s body remains fairly erect and stiff (竖直僵硬的)? Where the tail is and the way a dog holds his body while he’s wagging it can give you a clue about what he is trying to communicate.

Most people look at a dog with a wagging tail and assume he is happy. Most of the time this is true, but there are times when a dog wags his tail right before he becomes aggressive. If a dog is wagging his tail and the rest of his body seems relaxed or is moving along with the wagging, you are dealing with a happy and comfortable dog.

If a dog is holding his body erect and stiff while wagging his tail, however, he may be telling you that he’s feeling territorial or uncomfortable with something that is going on around him. In this case, the dog’s tail will be held high and moving back and forth rapidly. This discomfort can be a sign to attack.

This is one reason people sometimes report that a dog was wagging his tail right before he bit someone. So if you come across a dog you don’t know who is wagging his tail, check out what the rest of his body language is telling you before you approach.

1.In what situation do we know a dog is happy?

A. When we have a close look at him.

B. When we try to communicate with him.

C. The dog wags his tail and his body remains relaxed.

D. The dog moves his body along and holds his tail high.

2.A dog’s tail holding high and moving back and forth rapidly shows he may be ________.

A. aggressive B. frightened C. friendly D. relaxed

3.What are people expected to do when meeting a strange dog?

A. Train him to be friendly. B. Judge him by his body language.

C. Ask the owner for help. D. Approach him slowly.

4.What is the best title of this passage?

A. Signs of a Dog’s Bites

B. A Special Communication

C. A Pet Dog — Human’s Friend

D. Dog Feeling Expression —Wagging Tail

Answer 1