What Do Low and High Stimulus Thresholds Mean in Dogs?

Dog owners frequently refer to stimulus threshold as an umbrella term; but what exactly does that entail? Here we provide clarity.

The stimulus threshold of a dog provides insight into his or her psychological resilience and how quickly or slowly they react to external stimuli, with barriers that range in height from low to high.

How is stimulus threshold determined?

Dogs’ stimulus threshold refers to when an external stimulus causes them to react.

Such stimuli could include pain, call, command or simply opening of a door; potential reactions include snapping, growling, barking and following orders.

How a dog reacts to stimuli depends upon both its intensity and the animal’s readiness for response, with low stimulus threshold dogs responding differently than high threshold dogs.

Low vs High Stimulus Threshold

A dog with a relatively high stimulus threshold only responds to strong stimuli, taking longer before any reaction appears. By contrast, one with a lower stimulus threshold already reacts quickly to even minor stimuli.

Reactions vary: While dogs with low stimulus thresholds often show excitement when exposed to stimuli, those with higher thresholds tend to trot along comfortably behind their master and stay put when encountering new stimuli. A four-legged animal with a high stimulus threshold is unlikely to become distressed easily.

What determines whether or not a dog has a high or low threshold can depend on its breed’s personality.

Dogs with high thresholds tend to have lower stress levels.

The level of stimulus threshold can differ according to breed. For instance, large dogs such as Bernese Mountain Dogs or Molossian typically possess a very high threshold – these breeds often exhibit calm behavior with reserved reserve as their signature trait and a lazily leisurely pace that defines them.

Low stimulus threshold dogs (dogs with low stimulus threshold) require additional stimulation in order to reach full stimulation threshold levels.

Dogs with high stimulus thresholds tend to be calm, relaxed creatures. Animals with lower thresholds tend to be nervous, active and boisterous in contrast. Reacting even to minor stimuli quickly excites these animals quickly before remaining excited in this state for some time; Border Collies fall under this category of dog breed.

Problem with stimulus threshold

However, it is important not to generalize when discussing stimulus threshold. A dog may have different thresholds in different situations; for example they may be sensitive to noises but react calmly towards strange dogs.

Further, their life can result in the lowering of their stimulus threshold over time. This applies particularly to dogs exposed to low-stimulus environments and develop muscular imbalance between relaxation and tension.

Dogs that wish to act, but lack sufficient trigger stimuli, can become frustrated. Even the weakest stimuli can elicit an inappropriate reaction such as barking orgies or destructiveness from them; owners must become aware of these needs in order to challenge their pup appropriately.