Why do dogs wag their tails?

All I know is that they do this due to happiness could there be some other reason apart from that?

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Dogs wag their tails as a form of communication. This simple yet intriguing behavior serves as a way for dogs to convey messages to other dogs and even to us humans.

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Dogs wag their tails to communicate with us and other dogs! It’s like a furry conversation starter. A wagging tail can show different emotions depending on how it moves:

Fast wag, wiggly body: Happy pup, excited to see you!
Slow wag, relaxed posture: Feeling content and friendly.
Stiff wag, low tail: Might be unsure or scared.

So next time your dog wags their tail, watch the movement to see what they’re trying to tell you!

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Dogs, however, utilize their tails to convey more than just happiness to people and other canines. According to Dodman, an erect tail can suggest dominance, a horizontal tail can suggest neutrality, and a low tail might suggest submission. Whereas sluggish wagging conveys ambivalence, frantic wagging signals enthusiasm.

I recently encountered a month-old puppy who seemed to be sending mixed signals with his tail. Initially, he wagged it as I approached and allowed him to sniff, but there was no wagging when I began scratching and petting him. The rest of his body language was also quite intriguing—he initially appeared hesitant and cautious, then relaxed, but became uneasy when I picked him up. Realizing that he’s still learning to wag his tail, I stopped relying solely on his tail cues to understand his behavior.

Dogs wag their tails to communicate, using this behavior to convey information to other dogs through scent signals.