This article is part of our series of informational tips for volunteer foster families.
Consider making a long-term difference through short-term care by signing up to foster animals in need.
Trigger stacking happens to dogs when there are too many sensitive stimuli occurring within short succession of each other. These sensitive stimuli are specific to each dog, but some common stimuli include other dogs, bikes, vacuums, and skateboards. Each stimuli on its own is uncomfortable for the dog, but when there are multiple, it can be overwhelming and go as far as a redirection of the built up frustration.
“Your dog may not show all of the signs in the chart. For example, your dog may eat but still be over threshold. Pay attention and help your dog if you get any over threshold body language.”
– Grisha Stewart, World-Renowned Dog trainer
The threshold is the point at which the dog may no longer become responsive to gain its focus. The goal with our dogs is to keep them under threshold by reducing the excitement, provocation, and tension.
