Thresholds are a crucial concept in managing and modifying reactive behavior in dogs.
Understanding thresholds allows us to work with our dogs in a force-free, fear-free manner, to create lasting behavior change through teaching.
There are typically three zones to consider:
|
Under threshold |
At threshold |
Over threshold |
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The dog is aware of/ notices the trigger but can still focus,learn, and respond to cues paid for with boring food. |
The dog shows early signs of stress but can still be redirected with effort or increased value of reward. |
The dog reacts strongly and is unable to respond to cues or redirection with even the best food. |
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Building on your previous work identifying triggers, we'll now focus on understanding dog thresholds and how to respect them during training.
Create a Comfortable Baseline: Before introducing any triggers, ensure your dog is completely relaxed in the chosen environment. This may require multiple practice sessions in various locations to find where your dog is most at ease or to build their comfort there.
Observe Without Pressure: Once you've established a comfortable baseline, introduce the trigger at the distance you previously noted. Watch your dog's body language without any expectation of interaction or response.
Pro tip: Don’t encourage the dog to approach or have the trigger sneak up on them.
Look for Subtle Changes: Pay attention to minor shifts in your dog's behavior or body language. These might include:
Notate Individual Responses: Remember, every dog is unique. Some may show obvious signs of noticing a trigger, while others might have very subtle reactions. The goal is to understand your dog's personal "language" of comfort and discomfort.
Adjust as Needed: If you notice any signs of stress, increase the distance from the trigger. The aim is to find the point where your dog is aware of the trigger but remains completely comfortable. This is a key part of training under threshold.
Document Your Observations: Note the distances and specific behaviors you observe. This information will be valuable for planning future training sessions.
Remember, this process is about understanding how your dog feels, not about achieving any specific reaction or lack thereof. We're building a foundation of knowledge about your dog's comfort levels to inform and build on with our future training approach.
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Keeping your dog under threshold during training:
Allows for learning and positive associations
Prevents rehearsal of reactive behaviors
Reduces overall stress and increases safety for both dog and handler
Distance and visual management: Use distance and block their view to keep your dog under threshold during exposure to triggers.
Desensitization: Gradually decrease distance to triggers while keeping the dog under threshold.
Counterconditioning: Pair sub-threshold exposures with positive experiences.
By training under threshold and using force-free dog training methods, you can create a training environment that promotes learning, builds confidence, and reduces stress. These force-free dog training methods ensure both safety and emotional well-being.
Thresholds can vary based on the specific trigger, environment, and your dog's overall stress level. Regular reassessment is key to maintaining a positive, force-free, and fear-free training experience. If you have any questions about assessing your dog's thresholds or need help interpreting their behavior, don't hesitate to reach out to your Homeschool Trainer or message Homeschool Support for personalized guidance and support.
Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.
