Trigger stacking: Understanding the build-up before the blow-up

Trigger Stacking: Understanding the Build-up Before the Blow-up

With thoughtful management, we can help our dogs stay under threshold and live calmer, more balanced lives.

Have you ever had one of those days where everything just piles up? You spill your coffee, you’re late for work, and then when your pen runs out of ink—you lose it and toss it across the room. It’s not really about the pen,

it’s about all the little frustrations that built up until you couldn’t take one more thing.

The same thing happens with dogs, and it’s called trigger stacking. Trigger stacking occurs when multiple stressors accumulate over time. Each event adds a bit more pressure until the dog can no longer cope. Once that threshold is crossed, even something minor can cause an intense reaction such as growling, air-snapping or biting.

Imagine a dog named Max, who’s already a bit anxious. One morning, Max wakes up to the sound of construction. The banging and strange voices immediately raise his stress levels.

Author's summary: Trigger stacking affects dogs' behavior.

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Cloverdale Reporter Cloverdale Reporter — 2025-10-16

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