Home

Low and high stimulus threshold in dogs: what does it mean?

Low and high stimulus threshold in dogs: what does it mean?

Low and high stimulus threshold in dogs: what does it mean?

In connection with dogs, there is often talk of stimulus threshold. But what exactly does this term mean? We clarify.

The stimulus threshold says something about the psychological resilience of the dog and about when a four-legged friend reacts to a stimulus coming from the outside. The barrier can be high or less high.

How is the stimulus threshold defined?

The stimulus threshold in dogs defines when the animal perceives and reacts to a stimulus from the outside.

Such a stimulus can be, for example, a pain, call, command, or even just the opening of a door. Possible reactions are snapping, growling, barking, drooling, or following orders.

Whether a dog reacts to a stimulus depends on the strength of the inspiration and on the readiness of the animal to respond appropriately to the same. A fundamental distinction is made between dogs with a low and dogs with a high stimulus threshold.

Low stimulus threshold vs. high stimulus threshold

If a dog has a relatively high stimulus threshold, he reacts only to strong stimuli. So he needs much longer to show any reaction at all. The situation is different for a dog with a low stimulus threshold: This dog already reacts to weak stimuli.

The reactions can also be different: While a dog with a low stimulus threshold behaves in a downright lively manner, its higher-threshold counterpart trots along comfortably behind its master. A four-legged dog with a high stimulus threshold is not easily ruffled.

Whether a dog has a high or low threshold can be related to the breed’s character.

Dogs with a high threshold

The level of the stimulus threshold is partly breed-specific. For example, large dogs such as the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Molossian have a generally very high stimulus threshold. Serene, patient, reserved, slow, and lazy are attributes that apply to such dogs.

Dogs with a low stimulus threshold

In contrast to dogs with a high stimulus threshold, their animal counterparts with a low point can be described as nervous, active, and bouncy. They react already to weak stimuli; that is, they get excited quickly and remain in this state for some time. This is said to be true for Border Collies, for example.

The problem with the stimulus threshold

However, the issue of stimulus threshold should not be generalized. This is because a dog may have different stimulus thresholds in different situations. For example, the animal may be sensitive to noises but react calmly to strange dogs.

In addition, it can also come in the course of his life to a stimulus threshold lowering. This applies, among other things, to dogs that are predominantly exposed to a low-stimulus environment. They then have a muscular imbalance between relaxation and tension.

The dog wants to act but has no sufficient trigger stimuli. The result: Even the weakest stimuli evoke a reaction – and how: The dog reacts with inappropriate intensity in the form of barking orgies or destructiveness. For this reason, owners must be sufficiently aware of their dog’s needs so that they can challenge him appropriately.

HZOES.COM

HZOES.COM

Cute and funny, info and tips about dogs, cats and other animals. Great pictures and funny videos from the animal world. Your animals on hzoes.com

More articles from dog

This is important for keeping a poodle.
Dog Keeping

This is important for keeping a poodle.

This is important for keeping a poodle. The Poodle is well suited for keeping as a family dog. This is not the least due to …

Read More →
Uncategorized

Pawp Pet Insurance Review

We’ve rated Pawp on price, coverage, policy options, waiting periods, customer support, and more. Read our Pawp pet insurance alternative review to see how this …

Read More →
Dog school for babies: find the right puppy playgroup
Dog Training

Dog school for babies: find the right puppy playgroup

Dog school for babies: find the right puppy playgroup Dog schools are beneficial for puppies. The earlier the little ones are professionally educated, the more …

Read More →
Caution toxic! Food that dogs should not eat
Dog Food

Caution toxic! Food that dogs should not eat

Caution toxic! Food that dogs should not eat They taste good to us humans, but they are poisonous to dogs: avocado, chocolate, etc. It is …

Read More →
Petting strangers' dogs: a good idea?
Dog Keeping

Petting strangers’ dogs: a good idea?

Petting strangers’ dogs: a good idea? Are you one of those people who like to pet strange dogs? Or are you the owner of a …

Read More →
Dog accessories: basic equipment checklist
Dog Buying

Dog accessories: basic equipment checklist

Dog accessories: basic equipment checklist If you are thinking about buying a dog, you will of course need the necessary dog accessories for the pelt-nose. …

Read More →
This site uses cookies

By continuing to use our site, you agree to our T & Cs and the use of our Cookies & amp;trackers as well as those of our partners in order to offer you content, services, personalized advertising and to generate statistics & amp; audience analysis.