The point at which a dog moves from being able to think and respond calmly, into a reactive or overwhelmed state.
Threshold refers to the point at which a dog moves from being able to think and respond to cues, into a reactive or overwhelmed state where they can no longer take in new information or respond calmly. A dog who is "under threshold" is coping with whatever is around them. A dog who is "over threshold" is not.
The idea is used constantly in behaviour work, particularly with reactive or anxious dogs, because training only works effectively while a dog is under threshold.
Working under threshold usually means managing distance and intensity. A dog who reacts to other dogs might be perfectly calm at 20 metres but go over threshold at 5 metres. Training sessions are set up to keep the dog far enough away, or the trigger mild enough, that they stay under that point throughout.
As the dog builds confidence, the distance can gradually decrease, or the intensity of the trigger can gradually increase, while keeping the dog under threshold at every stage.
Pushing a dog over threshold, even briefly, can undo progress that took weeks to build. It's usually better to work at a distance that feels overly cautious than to risk a dog going over threshold and reacting.
Signs vary by dog, but often include an inability to take treats they'd normally accept, fixed staring, a stiff body, or reacting with barking or lunging rather than looking to the handler.
Yes, threshold is a general concept that applies to any dog in any situation, though where that point sits, and how obvious the signs are, varies enormously between individuals.
Yes. With careful training, many dogs can be taught to cope with triggers at closer distances or higher intensities than before, effectively raising their threshold.
Gradually exposing a dog to something they find difficult, at a low enough intensity that they stay calm, then slowly increasing that intensity over time.
Changing a dog's emotional response to a trigger by consistently pairing it with something the dog already likes.
A dog's level of physical and mental activation, from calm and relaxed through to highly excited or stressed.
