I often hear the dog's tail was wagging. This does not mean the dog is always happy. It's important to read the whole-body language. Studies have shown that a dog's tail will wag to their right when they are feeling confident and happy. As I'm looking at dogs' tail, I will often go to the base of the tail where it is attached to the body and observe from that point and out to towards the tip.
A dog's tail may go to the left, if the dog is uncomfortable or possibly unsure about what is happening.
I have one dog that has often showed a circle wag. Her tail will spin like a helicopter. What does this mean? She is a very happy dog!
A dog's tail can tell a lot, but I encourage you to observe the whole-body language. You can learn much about your dog as you are with them.
The dog pictured below; her tail is more to her right side. She is excited as we play with the frisbee. She wants to play. Her front legs are spread and slightly bent. Her ears are midway and up.

The dog featured below is very alert. Her tail is slightly down, not to the right or left. It's not high over her body either but the tail has just a slight curve in it. She is leaned more forward, and her head is oriented toward the sound she hears. Her ears are up as she listens.

It's always best to understand your dog's body language. Understand your breed of dog too. Some breeds have tails that are always up. But just because a dog's tail is wagging does not mean the dog is always happy. Ready the whole body of the dog.
Above is two dogs meeting and you will notice the tails. They are excited both tails up and high. One dog has a wagging side to side tail, the other dog does not.
Mecca Curtice, CDBC, CCDT, CFDM
© 2024 Mecca Curtice Mecca's All Breed Dog Training
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