Over Threshold: When Your Dog’s Brain Is Full
Ever had one of those days where everything feels like too much? Dogs have those days too.
And just like us, when a dog’s brain is overloaded, learning shuts down, focus disappears, and all the usual rules go out the window. If you’ve ever said, “He knows this—he’s just not doing it,” chances are your dog wasn’t being stubborn… he was overwhelmed.
Let’s talk about what that looks like—and what to do about it.
What Does “Over Threshold” Mean?
In dog training, “threshold” is the line between can handle it and can’t cope. When your dog is under threshold, they’re able to learn, focus, and respond to cues. Once they go over threshold, their thinking brain checks out and their survival brain takes over.
This is when you might see:
Barking or lunging
Shutting down or freezing
Ignoring cues they usually know
Zoomies or frantic energy
Panting, whining, pacing
Overreactions to minor triggers
These aren’t signs of disobedience. They’re signs your dog’s nervous system is on overload.
The Quiet Clues That Come First
Before your dog goes fully over threshold, there are often subtle signs they’re starting to feel uncomfortable. These can include:
Lip licking
Yawning when not tired
Turning their head or body away
Lifting a paw
Shaking off like they’re wet
Sniffing the ground out of context
These small signals are gold. They’re your early warning system. If you catch these signs and respond early, you can help your dog stay in a good headspace.
Eating and Playing: Your Two Best Barometers
Here’s something simple and super useful:
Is your dog still eating? Are they still willing to play?
If they won’t take a treat they normally love, or they ignore a favorite toy or game, that’s a huge red flag that they’re too stressed to function.
Food and play are tied directly to how safe your dog feels. When those disappear, learning and communication start to break down too.
What to Do When Your Dog Is Overwhelmed
Back Off
Increase distance from whatever’s stressing them out. More space = more safety.Reduce Demands
Don’t ask for cues or behaviors when your dog’s over threshold. Give them time to decompress instead.Offer Comfort and Control
Let them sniff, move, or retreat. Give them choices where possible.Try Again Later—Simpler and Slower
Break it down into smaller steps. Make it easier next time and rebuild confidence gradually.
Final Thoughts
If your dog seems like they’re “blowing you off,” consider this: they might not be choosing to ignore you—they might be in survival mode.
Understanding when your dog is over threshold is one of the most powerful things you can learn as a trainer, guardian, or teammate. It helps you avoid pushing too hard, too fast—and builds trust that lasts a lifetime.
Your dog’s not giving you a hard time.
They’re having a hard time.
And the more we listen to that, the better training gets for both of you.
