Why do dogs wag their tails?

Updated 03/01/2025

Is there anything more cheering than a wagging tail? But why do dogs wag their tails, could it mean more than simply being a happy, derpy dog? Come with us as we uncover all the different wag meanings and learn all there is to know about wagging.

Key takeaways

• A wagging tail can mean a range of different emotions, it just depends on their tail position, body language, and the type of tail wag
• Pet parents, you know your pup best, but use their tail wagging as a way to read what might be going through your pup's mind
• There's a theory that dogs have evolved to use tail wagging more often just so they can communicate better with us humans!

Why do dogs wag their tails?

Dogs communicate through facial expressions, scent, noises, and, of course, tail wagging. There are a few different theories out there as to why doggos have evolved to have tails, but one rather reasonable idea suggests their ancestors used their dog tails for long-distance communication. Obviously, not for any sonar purposes (although that would be pretty amazing and adorable) but to communicate during pack activities like hunting or traveling.

A fun fact - wolves don’t use tail wagging anywhere near as much as their canine cousins. This has led some people to think that pups have evolved to use wagging as a way to talk to us humans!

We generally associate tail wagging with a happy dog, however there are a few other meanings behind a wagging tail that can mean more than pure joy.

Different tail positions and wag meaning

The happy dog wag

When we see a wagging tail, most of us instantly think, “Well, that is a happy doggo!” And we’re not wrong, a strong tail wagging and waving from left to right is the body language of a happy pup. This is often accompanied by facial expressions including a lifted, open mouth (almost like they’re smiling), gentle panting, and bright eyes. 

Another fun fact coming your way - some dogs have been shown to have a preference for wagging more to their left side or right side. They can literally be left or right-tailed!

An overexcited dog tail wag

Pups can become overstimulated over many things - when you arrive home after a long day, when you arrive home after a 10-minute trip to the shops, when they see their best dog friend at the park, or simply knowing it’s dinner time. Whatever the trigger, it can result in a tail that resembles a helicopter blade. They are so excited they can’t even wag back and forth, it’s out of control and off auto-pilot!

On a serious note, recognizing this type of wagging might be a sign your dog needs to calm down. Overstimulated pups can become boisterous and borderline aggressive, which can be dangerous. If you see this helicopter tail when they’re amongst other dogs or young children, keep a close watch on them, they might need a brief timeout.

Curious dog tail wagging

A slightly lowered tail with short tail wags or wagging at a slower pace can mean they’ve activated ‘curious dog mode’. There’s still an element of excitement there mixed with caution, meaning the wagging can be a bit more reserved than the usual wag-athon.

The neutral wag

If you see a dog’s tail sticking out at the same height as their body, which is gently beating back and forth, congratulations, you’ve found yourself an ambivalent hound! While this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhappy, it doesn’t mean they’re about to have the zoomies. Basically, it means they’re all good, life is chilled, and they’re just kicking back with their tail.

A submissive or anxious wag

Tail down, nearly between their legs, accompanied by reserved body language (lowered head, eyes down or blinking, hunched over, and slow movements)? That’s an anxious dog right there. If thrown into new, unfamiliar situations, some dogs will show this submissive wagging as a way to show they’re nervous and don’t want any trouble. Crowded places, new humans around, or unknown dogs can trigger this type of tail wagging.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV. Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Keep their tails wagging even when you need to be away from home. Find a trusted sitter to provide loving, in-home pet care for your precious pup to travel with peace of mind.