🚧 Understanding Triggers & Thresholds
Reactivity doesn’t come out of nowhere—and it doesn’t happen all the time. It shows up in specific moments, often with very specific triggers.
Understanding those moments matters.
This page will help you make sense of what sets off a reaction, and why your dog might respond differently on different days. We’ll explore the concept of thresholds, how stress builds up, and what to watch for so you can recognize when your dog is close to their limit.
Because when you understand what’s happening in the moment, you’re in a better position to help.
🎥 Understanding Reactivity
Learn what triggers reactions, how thresholds work, and how to spot the signs before things boil over. These videos will help you understand what’s really going on in the moment—so you can support your dog with more confidence.
🔔 What Is a Trigger?
Simple explanation of what a trigger is, with real-life examples like bikes, dogs, strangers, loud noises, etc.
🌐 Do Emotions Really “Run Down the Leash”?
When stress shows up, it feels contagious—but it’s not your emotions travelling down the leash. It’s you and your dog going through parallel stress responses. Learn why training doesn’t happen in those moments, and why management and observation matter more.
🚦 What Does “Threshold” Mean?
Find out what a threshold is, how to tell when your dog is under, approaching, or over it, and why that matters for preventing reactions.
🌿 What’s Next?
Once you understand what triggers reactivity and how thresholds work, you’re ready to start helping your dog in the moment.
Next up: a library of practical, real-life tools to use when reactivity shows up.
👉 Up Next: Explore the Reactivity Toolkit →