Impulse Control Training

Impulse control is an essential skill for dogs to learn. It helps them manage their immediate desires and impulses, ensuring safety and better behavior at home and in public. Below, we’ve outlined a step-by-step guide to teach your dog impulse control through engaging exercises and training techniques. Dogs, like young children, don’t naturally understand that they can’t always get what they want right away. Without training, they might jump on visitors, snatch food off counters, or dash through open doors. Teaching impulse control will help your dog develop self-restraint and make life easier for both of you.

Exercise 1: Leave It

This training technique is designed to help your dog learn to resist the powerful urge to grab something enticing, cultivating self-restraint and improving focus in various situations.

Start by holding a treat in your hand and showing it to your dog.

  1. Close your hand into a fist and say, "Leave it."

  2. Your dog might sniff, lick, or paw at your hand to get the treat. Be patient and wait for them to stop trying.

  3. The moment your dog pulls back or stops focusing on your hand, say, "Yes!" or "Good!" and give them a different treat from your other hand. (Never reward them with the treat you asked them to "leave.")

  4. Repeat several times, gradually increasing the duration your dog must "leave it" before earning a reward.

  5. Once your dog is consistent, place the treat on the floor, cover it with your hand, and repeat the process.

Exercise 2: Wait at Doors

Teaching your dog to wait patiently at doors not only prevents dangerous behaviors like bolting outside but also fosters discipline, respect, and mutual trust between you and your pet.

  1. Start with your dog on a leash near a door.

  2. Command them to "sit" and "wait."

  3. Slowly begin to open the door. If your dog gets up, gently close the door and ask them to "sit" and "wait" again.

  4. Only open the door fully when your dog remains seated and calm.

  5. Use a release word, like "Okay," to let them know they can move after you’ve opened the door.

  6. Practice this at every door and gradually introduce more distractions, such as visitors or outdoor noises.

Exercise 3: Settle

This helps your dog remain calm in situations where they’d usually get overly excited, like during dinner or when guests arrive, creating a more relaxed environment for everyone and reducing stress in challenging moments.

  1. Choose a specific spot like a mat, rug, or dog bed and place it in a quiet area.

  2. Lead your dog to the spot and say, "Go to your spot."

  3. When your dog steps onto the mat, say "Yes!" or "Good!" and reward them.

  4. Next, ask your dog to "down" (lie down) and "stay" while on the mat.

  5. Gradually increase the duration of the "stay," starting with just a few seconds and working up to several minutes.

  6. Practice this daily, rewarding calm behavior, and use the command whenever you need your dog to relax in one place.

Exercise 4: Fetch with Wait

Adding impulse control to a game like fetch teaches your dog patience even during high-energy activities, enhancing their ability to remain calm and focused while also reinforcing the bond between you and your dog through structured playtime.

Start with your dog on a leash or in a controlled off-leash space. Have their favorite toy ready.

  1. Ask them to "sit" and "wait" while you hold the toy.

  2. Throw the toy, but do not release your dog immediately. Instead, wait a second or two and then say, "Get it!" to release them.

  3. Gradually increase the duration of the "wait" command before allowing them to chase the toy.

  4. If your dog struggles to wait, gently redirect their focus to you and try again.

Exercise 5: Watch Me

This exercise reinforces your dog’s ability to focus on you instead of distractions, sharpening their attentiveness to your commands and strengthening the trust and bond between you and your pet over time.

Hold a treat at your dog’s eye level and say, "Watch me."

  1. The moment your dog looks at you, say, "Yes!" and reward them.

  2. Gradually increase the duration your dog must hold eye contact before receiving the treat.

  3. Practice in different environments with increasing distractions, like at the park or during walks.

Exercise 6: Ready-Set-Down

This fun exercise trains your dog to follow commands even when they’re excited, helping them manage their energy in high-stimulation situations while reinforcing their ability to focus on you as a trusted guide and respond quickly to your instructions..

  1. Start with your dog in a "sit" or "down" position.

  2. Use an excited voice to say, "Ready, set, GO!" and encourage them to run alongside you for a few steps.

  3. Suddenly stop and say, "Down!"

  4. Reward your dog for lying down quickly.

  5. Repeat the sequence, alternating commands like "sit," "stay," or "roll over."

  6. Over time, this game will help your dog transition from excitement to calmness on cue.

Consistency is Key

Training your dog to control their impulses takes time and patience. Practice these exercises daily, and remember to reward good behavior consistently. With persistence and love, you’ll not only help your dog develop self-control but also strengthen your bond, leading to a happier, more harmonious life together.