你可能聽過狗叫聲或者嗥叫聲，但你知道狗搖尾巴是什麼意思嗎？是在和我們交流嗎？狗尾巴向上、向下、左右搖擺，可能是狗告訴我們一些事情的方式。本文介紹狗搖尾巴的意思。
詞匯：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.
詞匯表
wag 擺動
converse 對話，和……交談
bark 狗叫
evolve 進化
pooch 狗
growl （狗）發出低沉的吼叫
scratch （動物）用爪子抓
call of nature 上廁所
submission 屈服，順從
canine companion 狗狗夥伴
droop 下垂
whine 發出哀叫
walkies （喚狗用語）該去散步瞭
four-legged friend 四條腿的朋友，狗
horizontal 水平的
ample 大量的
erect 豎直的
swagger 大搖大擺
測驗與練習
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
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. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
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. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
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. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
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.
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