Loki doesn't wag his tail unless it's dinner time
Even when he is really happy to see people his tail is straight up but not wagging. Sammy wags constantly even if you just say "Hi Sammy!" Every dog is different.
Don't reach over his head. It can be disrespectful in dog language and some dogs don't like it. Mine dodge me if I try to pick them up because they don't want me to pick them up (they are independent) If Sammy wants to sit in my lap she will paw at me and crawl in my lap. Loki always prefers to sit next to someone, touching them but not on their lap. He is bigger (12lbs) and I think it is more comfortable for him.