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Dog Training, Learning and Thresholds

Writer's picture: Alyssa Alyssa

dog training theory
Dog learning theory

So what are thresholds and why should you care?


See that red line between the stretch zone and over threshold? That's the boundary and the last moment your dog can focus, think and respond to what you're asking of them.


When we trainers talk about a dog's threshold we may be referring to:

-the distance from a trigger

-the amount of adrenaline in their system

-or the amount of time they can focus in a given situation.


Think of thresholds as an emotional tripwire. On one side, your dog is thinking and responding, on they other their shut down, distracted, or a chaotic barking, lunging, tornado.


The comfort zone on the other hand is where our dogs feel safe and calm but it usually exists in the absence of anything being actively "asked" of them.


So what's in between the two? It's our goldilocks zone the stretch zone, where there's just a bit of frustration, confusion, or even some stress.


Not all stress is bad! Learning is inherently a bit stressful - especially when you don't speak the same language ;) Training is a giant problem solving, translation game for our dogs, there is inherently some frustration and confusion for them, but great training means our dogs are building memories and learning to recover and work through their frustrations.


Learning in the stretch zone creates resilient, patient, and more confident dogs, and who doesn't want that?


So... aim for the stretch zone, and learn to help your dog recover when they end up over threshold (because life WILL throw you a curve ball so be prepared).


Aim to extend their thresholds, and expand their stretch zone by getting closer to triggers, being more patient, and recovering faster when over threshold.


Want help creating a resilient dog or building confidence? Reach out, we'd love to help!




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