What is trigger stacking?

If you are interested in dog behaviour, or your dog shows problem behaviours you may have read about ‘Trigger Stacking’. Trigger stacking might also be called stress stacking, situation stacking, or stressor stacking. Trigger stacking is a more stressful situation than a dog (or human!) can cope with without an opportunity to relax which leads to negative feelings and unwanted behaviours.

People suffer from trigger stacking too and understanding a human example can help us understand our dogs.

Human trigger stacking

Scenario 1: You are leaving for work. It is a nice day. Your keys aren’t in the right place but you find them and make it to work on time. You start your shift in a good mood.

Scenario 2: You are leaving for work. It is raining. It takes 5 minutes to find your keys, the rain means heavier traffic. You just get to work on time and feel a little stress but your colleague makes you a coffee and you are soon back in a good mood.

Scenario 3: You are leaving for work and it takes 5 minutes to find your keys. It is raining and you step in a puddle soaking your foot but there isn’t time to change your shoes. The traffic is heavy and a bin lorry delays you further. You are 5 minutes late for work and someone takes the last parking space. You swear a lot in your car and start your shift in a very bad mood and snap at your colleagues.

In the last scenario, you have suffered from trigger stacking. You can cope with any one stressor, maybe even two or three, but at some point, there will be enough negative events to make you feel unhappy, and you might take that out on others around you.

In the same way for dogs multiple triggers in a short space of time which raise their arousal and stress levels can lead to them going ‘over threshold’ and no longer able to regulate their emotions. Once a dog is over threshold they might show behaviours such as barking, aggressive behaviour, lunging out, becoming destructive, or in extreme cases shutting down.

Dog trigger stacking

Scenario 1: You are out for a walk. A motorbike goes past, which your dog doesn’t like. They give a shake once it has gone and your continue your walk.

Scenario 2: You are out for a walk. A motorbike zooms past startling your dog. Round the next corner there is a large barking dog, your dog in now walking stiffly and is on alert. You get to the park and play with his frisbee together then have an uneventful walk home.

Scenario 3: You are out for a walk. A motorbike upsets your dog, followed closely by a large barking dog. You get to the park but it is closed for grass cutting, your dog can’t run and play now you are in a bad mood. You have to walk past the busy school gate to get home and the children are shouting. A lady reaches to pat your dog without asking and your dog lunges at her with a growl.

In the last scenario, there were multiple negative events, triggers, in a short space of time, the dog was pushed over threshold and ended up growling.

What is a trigger? Identifying what ‘triggers’ your dog

A trigger is something that causes a reaction in your dog. Triggers can include smells, noises, things your dog sees, movements, people, animals, and even places. Every dog will have different triggers based on their life experiences. Dogs may be able to tolerate fewer stressors if they are tired or in pain.

Examples of triggers:

• The environments: places with negative associations such as the vets, new places, loud or busy places.
• People: children, strangers, people that look or act differently to those the dog trusts.
• Traffic: both the noise and the vibrations from traffic can be triggers.
• Noises: Continual loud noise and unexpected noises can both be triggers.
• Animals: Other dogs as well as other pets and livestock.
• Restraint: Dogs on the lead, in a crate, or being restrained for the vet or grooming can feel stress.
• Transport: Fear of travel and travel sickness can be triggers.
• Changes that happen too fast
• Handler’s emotional state: Some dogs are sensitive to the emotional state of those around them.
• Being tired: All dogs need plenty of rest in the day, young and old dogs need even more.
• Pain: Any dog showing reduced ability to cope with triggers should be thoroughly assessed for pain.

How do I spot stress in my dog?

Trigger stacking often happens because signs that a dog is becoming stressed are missed. Signs of stress include:

Yawning, walking stiffly or standing still, showing the whites of the eye (if this is not normal for your dog), panting (when not hot), whining, lip licking, turning their head away from the stressor, dilated pupils, tail clamped down, ears pinned back.

Your dog may also show displacement behaviour such as digging, sniffing, pawing at you, or chewing or licking objects or themselves. Read more about signs of stress here

If your dog shows signs of stress remove them from the situation they are in and give them time to relax and come out of their aroused state. Relaxed dogs are able to eat, sniff, and play and these activities can also help them relax. Your dog is ready to continue when their body language becomes relaxed again, a ‘dry shake’ is also a good sign that your dog has had a stressful incident but has now processed it.

Managing triggers and preventing trigger stacking

If you dog starts showing unwanted behaviours take time to consider all the possible triggers that lead to your dog being over threshold. Observe your dog’s body language at home and on walks and keep a diary of their behaviour and anything that may have happened leading up to it.

Minimise triggers to reduce the risk of your dog going over the threshold and behaving in a way you don’t want. For example, if you identify children and other dogs as significant triggers for your dog avoid walking near to a school at drop off time. If your dog finds vet visits stressful, avoid taking them to a busy café afterwards.

If your dog suffers from trigger stacking at home, ensure they have a safe place to relax where they won’t be disturbed. This is particularly important if you have children or visitors who may not be able to read your dog’s body language and may continue to add triggers.

Breakthrough StartUp can be useful for dogs that struggle to cope with triggers as it helps dogs balance their emotions and supports learning. In addition to Breakthrough StartUp consider products in the Beaphar CaniComfort® Calming Range.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to avoid triggers! If your dog is exposed to a stressor, stay calm yourself, move them away from the trigger if possible, and give rewards and praise. Breakthrough TrainUp treats are an ideal high food reward as they are 70% delicious venison and suitable for dogs on Breakthrough StartUp. Eating is a relaxing activity for dogs which will help lower their stress levels before you continue your walk. Scattering food for your dog to snuffle for is even more relaxing, and some dogs may enjoy relieving their stress with a game of tug.

Triggers can’t be avoided forever, so once your dog is more relaxed you can start desensitisation and counter conditioning for some of their triggers. Desensitisation and counter conditioning is covered in detail on the following pages:

• Desensitisation and Counterconditioning Blog
• Using Desensitisation and Counterconditioning to Help with Dogs with Behaviour Problems Vlog

Any dog can suffer from trigger stacking leading to unwanted behaviours. If there is a sudden change in your dog’s ability to cope with triggers please visit your vet to rule out pain and other medical problems. If you are struggling to identify or avoid triggers, or need support with desensitisation and counter conditions consult a qualified behaviourist.

Does Your Dog Exhibit Signs of Anxiety, Stress, Reactivity or Another Behaviour Related Problem?

Contact the Breakthrough team on our freephone number 0808 168 3344 or email hello@breakthroughdog.co.uk for further advice.