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

Cooking dog food yourself: Delicious recipes
Dog Food

Cooking dog food yourself: Delicious recipes

Cooking dog food yourself: Delicious recipes If you don’t want to buy conventional food for your four-legged friend for health or financial reasons, you can …

Read More →
Easter with dog: great gift ideas for your four-legged friend
Dog Keeping

Easter with dog: great gift ideas for your four-legged friend

Easter with dog: great gift ideas for your four-legged friend Easter is just around the corner, and there you also want to dedicate a little, …

Read More →
Dog suddenly stinks extremely: What to do?
Dog Health

Dog suddenly stinks extremely: What to do?

Dog suddenly stinks extremely: What to do? The dog smell can already be very intense in normal condition. However, if the smell changes and the …

Read More →
8 things you should know about Great Dane before buying.
Dog Buying

8 things you should know about Great Dane before buying.

8 things you should know about Great Dane before buying. She is very big, quite heavy and at the same time incredibly adorable: the Great …

Read More →
Diet dog food for overweight dog cook yourself
Dog Food

Diet dog food for overweight dog cook yourself

Diet dog food for overweight dog cook yourself If your four-legged friend is overweight, it is a good idea to switch to diet dog food. …

Read More →
Friendly and alert: The Giant Schnauzer
Dog Buying

Friendly and alert: The Giant Schnauzer

Friendly and alert: The Giant Schnauzer The Giant Schnauzer is a dog with a remarkable size and a special character. Clever, impetuous and affectionate as …

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.