What does it mean when a dog wags its tail?

Dogs may not be able to speak, but they can express themselves through actions like wagging their tails. The main meanings of a dog wagging its tail are: excitement, happiness, fear, trust in the owner, boredom, alert, and trying to please the owner. If the tail wagging is alerting, it is recommended that the owner stay away from the dog to avoid being bitten. If the tail wagging is friendly, the owner can try to play with the dog.

Excitement

If the dog's tail wags quickly and it jumps around excitedly, it could be due to excitement or enthusiasm. For example, when the owner comes home from work, the dog may be excited and wag its tail. In this case, the owner can hold or stroke the dog.

Happiness

If the dog's tail wags left and right and even spins continuously, it means the dog is excited and happy. If you look closely, you can see that the dog's tail wagging frequency is quite high.

Fear

If the dog's tail wagging frequency and amplitude are low, or even hold the tail between its legs, and the eyes dart around and emit low growls, it means the dog is scared. In this case, the owner should not hug the dog or else they may be bitten.

Trust in the owner

If the dog lies on its back on the ground, exposing its belly while biting its tail, it means the dog trusts you and is willing to expose its weakness to you.

Boredom

If the dog's tail wags quickly, spins along with the tail, and keeps trying to bite its tail, it means the dog is bored and keeps biting its tail out of boredom. In this case, the owner can spend more time playing with the dog or buy some toys for it.

Alert

Dogs have a strong sense of territory. When they are alert, they will raise their tail and stiffly wag it. If the dog's tail is raised and slightly wagging, but keeps growling, it may feel threatened and is showing its aggression, which may lead to an attack. In this case, do not approach the dog lightly or you may get hurt.

Trying to please the owner

Dogs are greedy for food. When they see their owner holding something or food, they will wag their tail at the owner, looking at them pitifully, trying to please them so that they can get some to eat.