05/22/2025
A dog wagging its tail doesn’t always mean it’s happy. Tail wagging is a form of communication, and the meaning depends on factors like tail position, speed, direction, and the dog’s body language.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Loose, wide wag at mid-height = Usually happy or friendly.
• Fast, twitchy wag with a stiff body = Alert or agitated—can be a warning.
• Tail high and stiff with slow wag = Dominance or potential aggression.
• Tail low or tucked with slow wag = Fearful or submissive.
• Wagging more to the right (from the dog’s perspective) = Generally positive.
• Wagging more to the left = Associated with anxiety or stress.
So context is key—always read the whole dog, not just the tail.
