What is a sensory processing disorder in dogs?
Vita Adams
2025-07-23 02:13:45
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Sensory overload in dogs occurs when they are exposed to excessive stimuli. Socialization is crucial for dogs who get overstimulated around other pets. However, pet parents should be cautious when socializing a dog prone to sensory overload — especially if the dog becomes reactive when they feel overwhelmed. Mental and physical stimulation help dogs relax and may make them less likely to become overstimulated when exposed to external stimuli. Many behaviorists suggest counterconditioning, a form of behavior modification, to address overstimulation in dogs. The idea behind counterconditioning is to create new mental associations that encourage the dog to respond positively to their triggers. Dogs with severe reactivity or very low thresholds for external stimuli may benefit from Behavioral Adjustment Training (BAT), a more advanced behavior modification method. BAT encourages dogs to ignore sensory information that typically elicits a negative response.
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