What's the one single issue I see most lacking with dogs (and what keeps me in constant business as a dog trainer)? Well, technically it's two issues: anxiety and impulse control. Every single negative behavior your dog is giving you is rooted in anxiety or impulse control, but most likely both.
Last month we explored all the different ways to identify anxiety in your dog, how to alleviate your dog's symptoms and work towards a calmer, trust-based bond with your pup.
This month, our focus is on impulse control. Or rather, your dog's lack thereof.
This single ability can address a wide range of behavioral issues, make daily life smoother, and even strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Impulse Control: What it Means for Your Dog
Impulse control is the ability for your dog to think before they act. It’s that crucial moment when your dog resists the urge to dart after a squirrel, jump on guests, or snatch food from your hand.
Just like humans, most dogs, impulse control is something is gradually learned as they grow to adulthood. And just like children, not learning impulse control can lead to unbalanced adult behavior with your dog. Jumping, leash pulling, and even aggression can all be traced back to impulse control issues.
How Your Dog Benefits From Learning Impulse Control
1. Enhanced Safety
A dog with poor impulse control might dart into traffic at the sight of a cat, or bolt out the front door as you are entering the house. Teaching impulse control can prevent dangerous situations and keep your pup safe.
2. Improved Social Interactions
A dog that jumps on guests or barks nonstop can be a handful. Helping to increase your dog's impulse control can make your dog more pleasant to be around, allowing you to take them to social gatherings, parks, and even dog-friendly stores without worry.
3. Stronger Bond with Your Dog
When your dog listens and responds to your guidance, the bond between you strengthens. You become more than just a provider; you become a trusted leader, guide and friend.
4. Better Manners
From sitting patiently for treats to walking calmly on a leash, impulse control is the foundation of good manners.
Trust Based Dog Training Methods
I always emphasize communication over harsh methods (such as e-collars or prong collars). This approach not only makes training enjoyable but also fosters a trusting and loving relationship between you and your dog.
1. Catch Your Dog's Positive Behaviors: Start Small
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for good behavior. This could be in the form of treats, praise, or play. The key is timing and the amount of stimuli presented. Rather than taking your hyper dog to a dog park and hoping they show some sanity, start with slowly adding small amounts of stimuli, and giving a positive for calm(er) behaviors.
2. Help Your Dog Manage Expectations
Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Learning to be clear and concise with your dog will help them understand what is expected of them more quickly. Use gentle, immediate negatives when your dog isn't displaying impulse control, and plenty of positives to "catch their behavior" when they do show impulse control (especially in difficult situations).
3. Work Towards Progress, Not Perfection
Celebrate small victories with your dog and understand that setbacks are part of the journey. I always remind myself that I get to tell my dog what the goal is, be it walking calmly on a leash, learning a new trick, or learning car manners. My dog will tell me how long it takes to achieve that goal. In other words, I'm not going to force my dog to hit arbitrary milestones.
By taking into account their personal thresholds and current abilities, I can help guide and shape their behaviors, rather than just blundering through their boundaries and betraying their trust.
Why Teach Your Dog Impulse Control
1. Leash Pulling
Dogs often pull on the leash because they’re excited. Teaching impulse control can help them learn to walk calmly beside you.
2. Jumping on People
This is a common issue, especially with puppies. Impulse control training can teach your dog to greet people politely.
3. Resource Guarding
Some dogs become aggressive when guarding food or toys. Impulse control can mitigate this behavior, making meal times and play sessions more enjoyable.
4. Excessive Barking
Teaching your dog to remain calm in various situations can significantly reduce unnecessary barking.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog impulse control is one of the most rewarding investments you can make as a first-time dog owner. It enhances safety, improves social interactions, and fosters a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Dog Training Based on Communication: The Piloting Method
Focusing on guiding your dog's behaviors, rather than dominating or placating your dog, will strengthen your bond. Communication is key in achieving that goal, and the Piloting Method is the pathway to that goal.
Whether you are starting at the beginning with your dog's current behavior problems, or you are ready to advance to dog training, have specific goals in mind. Make sure they fit your lifestyle as well as your dog's personality, and encompasses both your strengths and weaknesses.
Because every dog deserves to be the Best Dog Ever.
Discover more about our Piloting Method of dog training
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