What Is dog impulse control?
Dog impulse control is effectively a way of teaching your puppy that calm behavior results in them getting what they want, be it treats, toys or your attention. Building impulse control takes time and patience but it can also be a really fun way to spend time and bond with your puppy.
Impulse control dog training can be more challenging for some dogs than others and so it’s important that the training is mixed with plenty of uninhibited fun too. A good formula is to balance every minute of impulse control games for dogs with five minutes of expressive play. This way, the training isn’t solely about self-containment. By mixing things up, your dog will stay engaged with you for longer and you can make sure that the calm, focused behavior you are looking for actually keeps the fun and rewards coming!
Here are some steps and tips on how to teach puppy impulse control:
Start impulse control dog training early:
- Impulse control training should begin as early as possible, ideally when your puppy is a few months old. Puppies are more receptive to learning during their early developmental stages.
Our Recommendation: The Puppy Training Line offers a 5m and 10m option, allowing you to train your pup while giving them room to explore safely.
Basic Obedience Training:
- Before you can work on impulse control, your puppy should have a basic understanding of commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” These commands provide the foundation for impulse control exercises.
Use Positive Reinforcement:
- Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a puppy. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your puppy for good behavior. This motivates them to repeat the desired actions.
Teach “Leave It”:
- The “leave it” command is essential for impulse control. Start by holding a treat in your closed hand and letting your puppy sniff it. When they stop trying to get the treat, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat from your other hand. Gradually increase the difficulty by using more tempting items.
Our Recommendation: Pair the “leave it” command with Coachi’s Two-Tone Whistle for effective communication during training.
Practise “Stay”:
- Teaching your puppy to stay is another valuable exercise for impulse control. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time your puppy needs to stay in place. Reward them when they successfully stay in the designated spot.
Our Recommendation: Use Coachi’s Professional Whistle to provide clear signals during “stay” training sessions.
Gradual Challenges:
- As your puppy becomes more proficient at “leave it” and “stay,” introduce more challenging situations. For example, practice “leave it” with toys or food on the ground and “stay” with distractions like other dogs or people around.
Our Recommendation: The Chase & Treat toy adds an element of challenge to training, encouraging your pup to focus.
Play Impulse Control Games For Dogs:
- Incorporate impulse control into games. For example, during fetch, make your puppy sit and wait before throwing the ball. This teaches them to control their excitement and wait for your command.
Impulse Control During Feeding:
- Use mealtime as an opportunity to practice impulse control. Make your puppy sit and wait before you put their food bowl down. Only allow them to eat when you give the command.
Our Recommendation: Teach your pup to signal when they need to go outside with Coachi’s Toilet Training Bells.
Consistency:
- Consistency is key in teaching impulse control. Use the same commands and rewards consistently, and ensure all family members are on the same page with training.
Patience:
- Be patient and understanding of your puppy’s learning process. Puppies may make mistakes, but it’s essential to remain calm and consistent in your training efforts.
Gradual Progression:
- As your puppy becomes more skilled at impulse control, continue to challenge them with increasingly difficult scenarios. This helps them generalize the behavior to various situations.
Our Recommendation: Use Coachi’s Target Stick to refine your pup’s impulse control in specific training exercises.
Seek Professional Help:
- If you’re struggling with impulse control training or your puppy shows signs of behavioral issues, consider enrolling in a puppy training class or consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
Remember that impulse control training is an ongoing process, and it may take time for your puppy to fully develop this skill. Stay patient, positive, and consistent in your efforts, and you’ll see progress over time.
Impulse control training is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. With Coachi’s Learn range, you have products like the Puppy Training Line, Two-Tone Whistle, Professional Whistle, and Toilet Training Bells to support your training efforts. Combine these with the playful options from Coachi’s Play range and the specialized tools from the Fun & Tricks range, like the Target Stick, to make your training sessions both effective and enjoyable. Remember, with dedication and the right resources, your dog can master impulse control and become a well-behaved and obedient companion.