TRIGGER STACKING

Trigger is a term used to describe something in the environment that increases a dog’s awareness, causing a negative emotional response, and resulting in a behavioural reaction. Trigger stacking is the build-up of triggers that a dog becomes exposed to over a period. Once a dog has come across more triggers than he is able to cope with, you will see behaviour such as reactivity.

SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP TO REDUCE THIS? TRY INTRODUCING THE FOLLOWING:

● Space from triggers in your dog’s daily routine.

● Time away from triggers to help reduce your dog’s stress levels.

● Reduce the number of triggers your dog comes across each day.

You can also work at reducing stress levels at home. Allowing your dog to bark at passers-by, fence-running with the dog next door, being fearful of household noises, or disliking his harness going on, will all add to what your dog can and cannot handle on his daily walks.