Do happy dogs always wag their tails?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Love them or hate them, Happy dogs don't always wag their tails, and a wagging dog isn't necessarily a happy dog. Dogs wag for many reasons, from anxiety to alertness to uncertainty. My terrier, for example, nervously wags his tail during thunderstorms, which is a sure sign of fear. A thrilled dog will combine his wagging with loose body language and broad swings of his tail. A motionless tail does not always indicate an unhappy dog, however. Many relaxed dogs keep their tails neutral.
Positive Emotions
- Broad sweeping wags at mid-height during play
- Full body wiggles when greeting trusted people
- Gentle thumping while resting contentedly
Negative States
- Low fast wags with whale eye showing anxiety
- Stiff vibrating motions during territorial warnings
- Tucked trembling tails in fearful situations
Neutral/Alert States
- Slow deliberate wags while problem-solving
- Brief flicks when mildly interested in stimuli
- Still tails during focused concentration
True happiness from other wagging triggers. Joyful wagging pairs an open mouth, soft eyes, and a relaxed body. My golden retriever does this when we play fetch together. Tense muscles and lip licking characterize anxious wagging. I've seen dogs in shelters wagging too fast while backing away. It's all about the context.
Some breeds naturally wag their tails less, even when they are happy. Basenjis and other ancient breeds tend to engage in more subtle forms of signaling. My bulldog wagged with his whole butt, but never his tail. Companion breeds would develop exuberant wagging to attract attention from humans. In contrast, herding breeds may perform subtle movements that help with herding commands. It's important to learn your dog's language, as this will help you avoid misreading what it is trying to communicate regarding its state of mind.
Look out for non-wagging happiness signals. Relaxed dogs signal happiness through soft eyes and sighing (ie, my husky 'smiles' with squinty eyes). If your dog's tail is still, they may be deeply relaxed and in a state of joy, even while receiving belly rubs. True happiness lies in bodyholistic looseness, not just a wagging tail. Take all cues into account when reading a dog's emotions.
Read the full article: Dog Tail Wagging Meaning: What Your Pup Is Saying
