What exactly is happening in the mind of the tail-wagging dog?

Answer 1

Complete and utter joy!

Answer 2

Well people always assume that when dogs wag there tails there happy,which is completly untrue.Dogs wag there tail for a whole range of emotions,the way the tail is held while wagging determines his emotion.This is why you hear alot of owners say "he just wants to play" or "he's wagging his tail so he must be ok" usually when the dog is a confrontational pose,tail erect but usually still wagging,this is not friendliness,its a sign of confrontation/aggresion.A happy tail wag is held at a middle half way pose,with either calm or frantic tail wagging.The dogs face says alot to,ears held down to the head is normally a friendly gesture.

Answer 3

I don't think we will ever know. Dogs usually wag their tails to show us how happy they are - I had a dog that wagged his whole body to show me how happy he was to see me (and the rest of humanity!)

They wag when they are excited like when my dog knows I am about to give him a treat or food or something nice or play with him

They also wag when they are nervous and not sure of themselves, I have seen quite a few tentative wags just the tip of the tail accompanied by a fearful expression in dogs which I find very sad...

Tail wagging is a sign of emotion at the end of the day

Answer 4

Arousal / excitement. The more exited or aroused the dog is, the faster the tail will wag. Tails can wag when a dog is happy OR angry OR stressed OR fearful OR uncertain. Dog wagging its tail low is more apt to be friendly and wagging up high is more apt to be a dog that is ready for a challenge, although you need to consider the natural tail set of the dog too since a dog like a Siberian Husky is naturally going to wag high since that's where their tail is placed. Watch for what is low or high for *that dog*. Dog wagging tail low but slowly is probably uncertain of what will happen next and may also be a dog to approach with caution.

Answer 5

It all depends on the rest of the dogs body language.

A dog that is tensed up, showing teeth and wagging its tail good very well be saying, Back off or I'll bite.

A dog that appears to be relaxed, wagging its tail and acting generally excited to see some one, is saying Helloooo, its so nice to see you.

Answer 6

They are communicating joy, and each time a dog wages it's tail it also releases a sent from it's sent glands so that other dogs can pick up on it too.

That is why dogs sniff each others butts. To them it is like passing notes. They even leave messages about them selves by the smell by other means as well. Also the reason dogs sniff everything.

You would be surprised how much dogs can tell about each other by sent. So now you know...

Answer 7

It depends. If it's tail is wagging low, it probably also has its ears laid down. It's probably scared or knows it's in trouble.

If it's wagging up high and standing straigt up, it's either agressive or has had its attention caught by something.

if the tail is wagging a lot, and in the middle, it's probably happy.

Answer 8

Well this just happened, so it is very natural to feel emotional and to grieve. You loved your dog, so obviously it's going to take some time before you get over his death, it won't just happen overnight. It helps to cry right now, that's a very natural response to sadness. Also, talk to your friends and family about it. Focus on remembering the good times you had with Copper. It'll make you happy to know that you gave him a wonderful life. If you want to distract yourself, try sleeping, watching TV, listening to music (nothing sad), going out with friends, playing online games .. things of that nature. It's okay if you don't want to do anything right now though. Listen, years could pass and you will still cry about his death. I know, I still cry over my old dogs that died years ago. This is very natural, to miss someone you once loved with all your heart. Like I said though, just remember the good times! You will see your baby once again one day! He is in a better place now where he can watch over and protect you.. RIP COPPER

Answer 9

They're either excited or just really happy.

I think when they wag their tails it's sort of like people laughing or smiling.

Answer 10

Nobody probably knows, but the dog itself. Lucky guessese are food, sleep, and playing ball. If you are really curious I believe they have these new devices that can tell what a dog is think. ( I don't know if they work) Have fun with him!!

Answer 11

Just a happy happy dog