When dogs get highly aroused/go “over threshold,” they’re often unable to release that arousal when the trigger is out of sight, even if they outwardly appear “normal.” It takes time to recover. How much time depends on the dog and the level of arousal.
Dogs who’ve gone over threshold need time to decompress before we expose them to more distractions/potential arousal. Otherwise, the next distraction or trigger will impact them many times more than it might have if they weren’t aroused/triggered.
We call this “trigger stacking.”
I expect a dog to be aroused for a minimum of 1 hour after an intense reaction. If it’s a reaction combined with a car ride, 3-4 hours. If it’s a reaction combined with a vet visit, I recommend sequestration until the next day at least. They need a full night’s rest to even begin to recover.
Some dogs under certain circumstances might need a week of avoiding triggers before they’re back to normal. It depends on the circumstances and the dog’s reaction.
This isn’t limited to negative experiences. When a dog has a super stimulating experience like a hike or a run on the beach, they’re likely going to struggle with walking on a loose-leash and other tasks that require a lot of mental focus for at least a few hours.
Whenever possible, I recommend loose-leash walking in the afternoon after a mega event in the morning, for example. I also recommend walking in a familiar environment when walking them the same day a dog.
Dee Green has been a professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant for more than 20 years. She specializes in puppies up to 18 months, and fearful, anxious and reactive dogs of all ages.
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