Why do dogs wag their tails?

A recent study published in Biology Letters suggests that dogs wag their tails because humans liked the rhythm. The study found that human preferences for rhythm played a significant role in shaping this iconic canine behavior. This human preference for rhythmic tail movements could have influenced the evolution of dogs, making tail wagging an favorable feature in domesticated dogs as a sign of their friendliness and sociability. This study highlights how human preferences can potentially shape the behavior of animals closely associated with us.

Source

Dogs Wag Their Tails. Humans Might Be the Reason, Researchers Say., www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/01/22/dog-tail-wagging-research-domestication/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.