Trigger Stacking

Perhaps you've noticed your usually calm dog suddenly acting out, showing signs of stress, or even aggression, without any apparent reason. This might be something called 'trigger stacking', a term that has increasingly been used within the canine behaviour community. Understanding trigger stacking is crucial for anyone with a dog or working with dogs, as it helps prevent situations that could potentially harm your dog or others. 

The phrase 'trigger stacking' is used to describe the build up of stressful or frightening events over a short period. These events, or triggers, may individually be manageable for a dog, but when they occur close together, they can overwhelm the dog, leading to reactive or aggressive behaviour. 

It can occur in both humans and animals. For example, if you have a series of stressful events in the morning, such as waking up late, dealing with a sick pet, and car troubles, it can eventually lead to an explosive reaction when faced with another stressful encounter, like being late for work and having to explain to your boss. This is because all the previous stressors have built up and reached a tipping point.

Here is an example of a situation where a dog might experience trigger stacking: While on a walk, a child comes up and tries to pet the dog without warning, causing anxiety. Moments later, an off lead dog comes bounding over and it catches the dog by surprise. Then, a cyclist passes by too close and too fast, startling the dog.

In this situation, the dog has to deal with the stress of the unexpected approach of a child, dog and the sudden fright from the fast-moving cyclist. Each of these events might cause a minor reaction individually, but when a few scary situations happen one after the other it may cause the dog to snap, bark aggressively, or try to run away due to the trigger stacking.

Trigger stacking is unpleasant for everyone involved and can take a while to recover from emotionally and hormonally. The stress hormones released during trigger stacking can linger in the system, making it more likely to have an impact in future stressful situations. This is why managing environmental stress is crucial.

Research by animal behaviourists, such as Dr. Karen Overall (Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats), has shown that dogs have a 'stress threshold', and when the stressors or triggers exceed that limit, the result is a stress response. 

Helping Your Dog:

1. Learn to Identify Stress Signals: Dogs communicate their stress in various ways. Common signs include panting, yawning, pacing, avoidance behaviours, and more intense signals like growling or snapping. The earlier you can identify these signs, the better you can intervene.

2. Create a Safe Space: Every dog should have a safe, quiet place they can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. This could be a crate, a separate room, or a quiet corner with their favourite blanket or bed. Create a safe space: a quiet space with their bed such as a crate, separate room or corner where they can retreat to when overwhelmed

3. Practice Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning: If you know what triggers your dog, you can work on desensitisation (gradual exposure to the stressor) and counter-conditioning (associating the stressor with positive experiences). Patricia McConnell’s book, "The Other End of the Leash," is an invaluable resource for understanding and implementing these methods.

Avoiding Trigger Stacking:

1. Control the Environment: If possible, manage your dog's environment to limit their exposure to known triggers. This might mean changing your walking route or time to avoid other dogs.

2. Provide Adequate Exercise and Enrichment: Regular physical exercise and mental stimulation can help lower your dog’s overall stress levels. 

3. Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular vet visits can rule out any medical issues that might be contributing to increased stress levels.

In the case of dogs with behaviour issues, trigger stacking is particularly important to address. Every stressor a dog encounters throughout the day can stimulate the production of more stress hormones, making the dog more likely to reach their threshold faster and take longer to return to their baseline. This is why it is necessary to manage and modify the dog's behaviour not just during walks, but also inside the home where they may be exposed to stressors through windows or doors.

To offset environmental stressors, it is important to identify which triggers are avoidable and which are unavoidable. People often develop their own scale to prioritise which triggers can be managed and which need modification. This helps in creating a plan to minimise the impact of trigger stacking.

Understanding and managing trigger stacking can significantly improve the quality of life for both you and your dog. By recognising the signs of stress and knowing how to respond, we can help our canine friends navigate the world in a way that is less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Remember, when dealing with behaviour issues, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviourist. They can provide personalised guidance and support based on your dog's specific needs.

(Photo by Michelle Tresemer on Unsplash)

References:

1. Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. McConnell, P. (2002). The Other End of the Leash. Ballantine Books.
3. Allie Bender, CDBC & Emily Strong, CDBC (2019) Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing.