When dogs wag their tail, is it automatic or controlled?

A tail wag is part of what a dog uses to communicate. People often mistake a wagging tail as friendly or happy and that isn't so. A dog getting ready to bite will wag it's tail. A flippy floppy wag is happy, a jerky tense wag is tension or apprention. There are other signs on a dogs body/face/head that contribute to what they are trying to communicate.When dogs wag their tail, is it automatic or controlled?
BOTH!When dogs wag their tail, is it automatic or controlled?
Its like humans smiling or laughing, they can't control it no
Er... a little of both I think!
My dog wags based on his mood. He has different wags for whatever the reason. It's like a smile, so they probably have some control, but when they get overly excited it's more natural.
Naturally, so in some ways it can be both. The brain transmits data to your nerves, muscles, etc that provoke body movements.
Both!
i think they control it think about it it stops when they are asleep and when they are sitting. and befor you walk through they arent wagging but when they see u it stars wagging and if it was automatic it would wagg when the are asleep