Tell-Tale Tell-Tail Signs

by Danny Summers

A week or so ago, as I was walking into our favorite Pet Supply Store (Petco), I saw an English Pointer walking his owner towards the door. For anyone who is not familiar with the English Pointer, they are a short-haired spotted bird dog.

I was especially attracted to this one since it was a liver and white (dark brown and white), much like one our family had when I was about five years old.

As he maneuvered across the parking lot toward Petco, you could tell he was very intentional in the way he moved back and forth, almost prancing with his head down and nose fully engaged. Actually, it's like "the nose" is leading everything else at that point.

Another important attribute was at work: his tail. Large dogs with undocked tails have very active tails. You could say they provide Tell-Tail Signs!

I am sure there is a science to understanding how the dog's tail signals what the dog is thinking or how they are feeling. But it is easy to see that a large dog's tail is so active and shows emotion. Just ask any family that has had a Golden Retriever or Lab and how they can clear a small table in seconds when excited or happy!

Thinking about this subject of Tell-Tail Signs, I did a few searches and here are a few interesting points for understanding the common canine signals:

Common Tail Wagging Patterns
Here are some common tail wagging patterns and what they mean:

• Broad, Loose Wag: Indicates a friendly, relaxed dog.
• Fast, Short Wag: Shows alertness or agitation. The dog might be preparing to act.
• Slow, Controlled Wag: Suggests curiosity or caution.
• High, Stiff Wag: Can signal dominance or aggression, especially if the tail is held high.

Here's a few more interesting facts...

• Dog Tail Wagging Show Emotions: Tail wagging reflects a range of emotions, from joy to aggression. Always consider the context.
• Dog Tail Wagging Left vs. Right: The direction of the wag can indicate positive or negative emotions, as explained earlier.
• Dog Tail Wagging While Sleeping: This is normal during dreams and not a cause for concern.
• Dog Breeds with Unique Tails: Breeds like Pugs (curly tails) and Boxers (docked tails) have distinct wagging styles. Learn more about this canine emotion science at PetFel.com "Why do dogs wag their tails page."

What does this have anything to do with Garden Retailing?

If there can be a science for reading a dog's mood or feelings by watching its tail, then what about reading your audience in the Garden Center?

If I asked Carl Phillips, our guru for our Mystery Shopper Program, he would say, "Absolutely, there is a science for reading the customer." And certainly, The Group's Mystery Shopper Program is an important part of reading your audience. But, its just part to the "science."


Having your entire team in "observation mode" can be another important part. Having an emphasis on reading the customer will help shape almost everything you do... plants and products selection, displays, lighting, music, and of course what we have emphasized this past year... the customer experience!

Including as many options as possible can help. And reading the audience should be a priority in weekly meeting discussions.

What better way to read the Tell-Tale Signs!

Before I leave the "dog references," be sure to see the Quote of the Week section below, where I share two examples of the famous southern wit of Lewis Grizzard. If you don't know of Lewis Grizzard, there is more about him below the quotes. Mark Twain and Will Rogers are known for their midwestern wit, but more recently, Lewis Grizzard and Jeff Foxworthy have kept southerners smiling for many years.

I hope you get a smile from the reading!

Danny Summers
[email protected]
Tel: 678-909-7770
Cell: 678-761-7145

REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Tim Quebedeaux, John Kennedy, Seawright & Associates, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!

Quote of the Week

"You call to a dog and a dog will break its neck to get to you. Dogs just want to please. Call to a cat and its attitude is, 'What's in it for me'?"

"Life is like a dogsled race. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes."

~ Lewis Grizzard*
    

*Lewis McDonald Grizzard Jr. (October 20, 1946 – March 20, 1994) was an American writer and humorist, known for his Southern demeanor and commentary on the American South. Although he spent his early career as a newspaper sports writer and editor, becoming the sports editor of the Atlanta Journal at age 23, he is much better known for his humorous newspaper columns in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a popular stand-up comedian and lecturer.

Grizzard also published a total of 25 books, including collections of his columns (e.g. Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night), expanded versions of his stand-up comedy routines (I Haven't Understood Anything Since 1962), and the autobiographical If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground. 

If you want more quotes from Lewis Grizzard check this out HERE.