How to change behavior based on tail height

The height of the dogs tail is a direct indicator of what state of mind the dog is in. When the tail is high and not moving it is in a tense state.
When the tail is high and moving short tight wagging patterns the dog is in a very excited, tense state. This state can be dangerous because the dog is not thinking clearly and can make bad choices.
When the tail is down and still but not tucked then the dog is in a calm balanced state of mind. This is a great place for the dog to be.
If the tail is down but moving side to sidequickly they are in an excited state but not tense. If the wag is a slow casual wag they are in a healthy happy state.
When I am working with aggressive and reactive dogs I focus a lot on the tail position and movement of the tail to help return them to a calm balanced state before I introduce " behaviortriggers". When I can walk them past the trigger and they maintain a low calm tail I know they are in a much better state and won't react out of impulse.
Hello and welcome! I'm Cindy Sanford, also known as the K9Goddess. I'm a certified professional dog trainer and behavior expert with over 20 years of experience. My passion is helping dogs overcome the barriers that hold them back from simply being dogs, and I’m here to share the knowledge I’ve gained from working with thousands of dogs over the years.
At one point, I cared for over 24 dogs, mostly bloodhounds and coonhounds, due to my deep involvement in coonhound rescue. Today, I share my life with a pack of 10 dogs, ranging from a tiny Papillon to a majestic Great Dane.
When I begin working with a dog, I picture how that dog should behave and constantly reevaluate that vision throughout the training process. Obedience training is the foundation I use to build trust and respect, regardless of a dog’s current challenges. My goal isn’t to rely on tools but to shape a dog that responds to verbal commands and thinks before acting.
I specialize in rehabilitating fearful and aggressive dogs. Early in my career, I volunteered at shelters, assessing dogs scheduled for euthanasia. If I believed I could help, I’d bring them home, rehabilitate them, and rehome them. That experience shaped my understanding that no two dogs-or situations-are the same. Successful training requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to tailor your approach.
On this channel, I’ll share my insights on training and rehabilitation, including how to use various tools effectively. Whether you’re in dog rescue or working with your own pack, my hope is that this information will empower you to bring out the best in your dogs. Thank you for joining me on this journey.