for a number of reasons

While often associated with happiness, dogs may wag their tails for a number of reasons.

happiness

Although there are many reasons why a dog wags a dog's tail, happiness is one of the most clear and known to us.

encouragement

Dogs wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement.

for numerous reasons, including when they’re feeling aggressive

Dogs wag their tails for numerous reasons, including when they’re feeling aggressive.

to the right to the left

Dogs wag their tails to the right when they see something they want to approach, and to the left when confronted with something they want to back away from, say researchers in Italy.

due to excitement and happiness

Dogs wag their tail due to excitement and happiness.

anticipation of social interaction

“Dogs wag their tails as a sign of happiness and anticipation of social interaction.

Dogs

Dogs wag their tails for other dogs, humans, and other animals like cats.

as a means of communication

Dogs wag their tails as a means of communication.

a universal sign of happiness

After all, a dog’s wagging tail is a universal sign of happiness, whereas glassy eyes, lowered ears, and a tail between the legs are all clear indications of stress.