Dog is “Over Threshold” – what does that actually mean?

Have you watched a YouTube video or been to a dog training class and heard ‘the dog is over threshold’ or someone saying ‘avoid going over your dog’s threshold’, keep em below threshold or something like this and you had no idea what they were talking about? We got you!

“Over threshold” is a term used to describe a dog that is experiencing an emotional or behavioural state of arousal that is beyond their threshold of tolerance. When a dog becomes over threshold, they may exhibit signs of stress, anxiety, fear, aggression, or other undesirable behaviours. It’s important to recognise the signs of an over threshold dog and take appropriate steps to manage and mitigate the situation to prevent further escalation.

Signs Dog is Over THreshold

Here are some common signs of an over threshold dog:

1. Increased vocalisation: An over threshold dog may bark, whine, growl, or vocalise excessively in response to a trigger or stimulus that is causing them stress or anxiety.
2. Aggressive behaviour: An over threshold dog may display aggressive behaviours, such as lunging, snarling, snapping, or biting, towards people, other dogs, or objects in their environment.
3. Pacing or restlessness: An over threshold dog may pace back and forth, show restlessness, or exhibit repetitive behaviours as a coping mechanism for their heightened state of arousal.
4. Dilated pupils and heightened body posture: An over threshold dog may have dilated pupils, raised hackles, stiff body posture, and other physical signs of stress or arousal.
5. Inability to respond to cues: An over threshold dog may have difficulty responding to basic cues or commands, as their heightened state of arousal may impair their ability to focus and respond appropriately.
6. Increased panting or drooling: An over threshold dog may pant excessively, drool, or exhibit other signs of physiological distress, such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to intervene and manage the situation to prevent further escalation.

What to DO about it?

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Remove or reduce the trigger or stimulus that is causing the dog to become over threshold, if possible. For example, if your dog is reacting to a particular sight, sound, or smell, try to remove them from that environment or distance them from the trigger.
2. Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing, slow movements, and soft voice tones, to help soothe the dog and lower their arousal level.
3. Avoid punishment or confrontation, as it can further escalate the dog’s stress and arousal.
4. Use positive reinforcement techniques to redirect the dog’s focus and reward calm behaviour.
5. Seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist who can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance and training to help manage and modify the dog’s behaviour.

It’s important to remember that an over threshold dog should be handled with care and patience, and it’s crucial to understand and address the underlying triggers or causes of their heightened arousal. With proper management, training, and professional guidance, many over threshold dogs can learn to cope with stress and anxiety in a more appropriate and manageable manner.