Bite Threshold

Dogs rarely bite "out of the blue". When multiple triggers occur close together, or at the same time, they can have a cumulative effect (trigger stacking).

 A dog with a fear of skateboards, who is uncomfortable around large dogs and really dislikes being patted on the head, may hold it together when presented with only one of his triggers. However, being patted on his head with a large dog close to him at the moment that a skateboarder goes by, may cause him to bite. Three triggers at once would put him over his bite threshold.

 Know your dog's triggers and do your best to avoid putting him in a situation that might push him too far.