In humans, we say a person is “over threshold” when they’re at a 7 out of 10 or higher on the crisis scale, and they are no longer able to use coping skills and tools clearly at that time. While I’ve never seen an exact number on a 1-10 scale for animals, it’s certainly very similar. Your dog cannot learn in any meaningful way while it’s in “crisis” or over threshold.
Recognizing When Your Dog Is Over Threshold:
Look for signs that the dog is anxious, reactive, or shut down. Barking, lunging, growling, shaking, stiffness, or excessive sniffing/licking can indicate your dog is reaching their limit. Stop before they hit it.
Steps to Take When Your Dog Is Over Threshold:
Increase distance: The most crucial step is to create space for them to calm down.
Stay calm: Your dog feeds off your energy, so stay calm and reassuring to avoid escalating the situation.
Give them something engaging to do: scatter some kibble on the ground to help calm and distract, do some fun training they like, etc
Try again when the dog is back under threshold: this time, try to take a step back so the dog doesn’t hit their threshold again.
Seek help: If your dog frequently reaches this state, consider consulting a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance and support.
Remember, every dog is unique, and their triggers and thresholds will vary. By understanding your dog’s individual signs and taking proactive steps, you can help them manage their emotions and prevent future incidents.
