• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

dogsnet.com

Homeschool For Dogs

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • TRAINING
    • PUPPY GAMES
    • PUPPY PARENTING
    • FOUNDATION SKILLS
    • CORE SKILLS
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • TRAINING
    • SCIENCE
    • BREEDS
    • COMPARE
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • TRAINING
    • PUPPY GAMES
    • PUPPY PARENTING
    • FOUNDATION SKILLS
    • CORE SKILLS
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • TRAINING
    • SCIENCE
    • BREEDS
    • COMPARE

Impulse Control For Dogs

You are here: Home / Training / Impulse Control For Dogs

June 9, 2020 By //  by Pippa Mattinson 45 Comments

impulse control for dogs

It’s common to see lack of impulse control in dogs and small children. We all know an adult or two that suffers from it from time to time, too!

It is lack of impulse control that makes dogs rush headfirst into danger.

Uncontrolled dogs bowl people over in their enthusiasm to say hello, barge through doorways, and snatch food from your fingers. 

All this is perfectly natural, especially with friendly, and greedy dogs. But, it is not a good thing.

Obedience training

One thing we can do is train a dog to respond to specific commands.

We can teach a dog to sit still in the car whilst we open the door by telling him to sit, or stay, or wait.

We can teach, “Leave it,” to tell a dog to back off and ‘not touch’ when you give the command.

And so on.

But this article is about a slightly different approach.

We can also teach dogs to control their impulses in specific situations,  without the use of commands.  We do this by creating default behaviors.

Teaching Default Behaviors

These are learned behaviors that the dog offers in response to specific situations, rather than in response to a signal from a person.

We can teach a dog that the only way to get through a door is to sit politely in front of it.

We can teach him that the only way to get someone to stroke him is to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

He can learn that the only way anyone will clip on his leash is if he stands quite still.

And the only way you will put his dinner bowl on the floor is if he sits and looks at you.

impulse control for dogs

Using His Brain

A nice thing about default behaviors is that the dog is making his own decision,  rather than being told what to do.

He is having to think, and use his brain.  This is good mental exercise and helps him improve his learning skills.

He is learning that choosing calm and polite behaviors is more likely to get him what he wants.

And the more situations in which your dog learned to control his natural impulses,  the easier he will find it to learn new ones.

Impulse control is something that dogs become better at with practice.

I’ll give you some examples below, and you can also find examples of this kind of training in the tips that I send out by email.  Drop your address in the box below if you’d like to receive them

Here is an example of how to teach a default behavior to your dog.

Bad Behavior Before A Walk

Many dogs behave very badly when they think they are going for a walk.

They see the lead come out or hear the jingle of your car keys, and go to pieces.

Some dogs bounce up and down, or race around the house knocking things over.  Others bark repeatedly or spin in silly circles while their owner tries unsuccessfully to get them to sit still.

Does your dog appears to be hysterical with excitement each time you leave the house? 

If you have to wrestle him to the ground in order to clip on his lead,  instead of giving commands he is never going to obey, try this little exercise.

Sit To Be Leashed

This is for owners of dogs that spin and/or bounce when they see their leash.

Do this exercise when you have at least an hour of spare time and know that you will not be interrupted.

Your aim at this point is to hold the leash in one hand and grasp the dog’s collar with the other, without him moving. But don’t touch him yet.

  • Get out your dog’s lead and stand quite still, holding it in your hand.
  • Now wait.

You are waiting for a pause.  He can’t keep up the spinning or bouncing forever.  Don’t talk to him, don’t give him any commands.  Just wait.  As soon as he pauses:

  • Reach your other hand out towards him.

Off he will go, spinning or bouncing again. All you have to do is:

  • Withdraw your hand and wait him out again.

Each time he stops, reach out your hand.  Withdraw it as soon as he starts the behavior you don’t like.

A Warning

Things may get worse before they get better.

Be patient. The first time you do this it will take a while.  In fact,  the spinning and bouncing may be worse than ever for a while.

This is because the dog believes that the spinning and bouncing gets him a walk.

This is a perfectly reasonable assumption on his part.

So when you behave strangely and refuse to put on his lead, he may spin and bounce harder to begin with.

Eureka!

Sooner than you think,  your clever dog will have a “Eureka!” moment.

“This isn’t working,” he will say to himself.

And he will try something different. He might fetch you a shoe. Or his dinner bowl. Just ignore him and wait.

Each time he becomes calm, stretch out your hand. You will soon be able to touch his collar and hold on to him.  When you can do this without him getting excited:

  • Clip the lead on his collar and reward him.

Having the lead on is in itself rewarding.  You can make it more so.  The extra reward can be food or the walk he was hoping for.  He just needs to know that standing still is what works.

When this happens, you have made a major breakthrough.

From now on, it all gets easier.

New Standards

Repeat this little training session as many times as you can over the next few days, and make a commitment to these  new standards.

From now on, never clip a lead on to your dog until he is standing quietly.  You can wait for him to sit  if you want to, but standing still is fine.

Be patient and practice

It takes more than one session to make permanent changes to your dog’s behavior. So you’ll need to practice this – several times a day is ideal. 

In the meantime, never let anyone else clip a lead on to your dog until he is standing quietly.

You want the dog to have no doubt that standing still is what gets him a walk.

And he needs to know that from now on,  you will not attach a lead to his collar under any other circumstances.

Door barging 

You can use the same exercise for a door-barging dog. Hold your hand on the door and wait for the dog to back away.

Don’t start to turn the handle until the dog has backed away from the door.

If the dog rushes forwards release your grip on the handle and wait. As soon as he backs away, grasp the handle again and slowly start to turn it.

In fact, you can apply these principles to many other behaviors you want to eradicate and replace with a different behavior.

There are no complications, no commands, no talking.  Just wait the dog out.

Control

This kind of learning not only teaches your dog to control himself. It teaches him that he can control some of your actions too. 

If he behaves politely, he can make you give him what he wants.  If he doesn’t behave politely he gets nothing. 

Modern dog training teaches dogs how to figure out the best way to please you. And you’ll find more exercises like these in our online dog training courses.

Teaching your dog good impulse control is brilliant preparation for a great training relationship between the two of you. 

The Extinction Burst

Remember that the dog may escalate the bad behavior before it gets better.  If something, that worked before, stops working most animals will try harder for a while before giving up.

The correct term for this is an ‘extinction burst’ – it’s what happens just before bad behaviors become extinct. 

Pick Your Default

Choose one impulsive behavior that you don’t like in your dog, and plan how you can reward him for choosing a better alternative.

Remember, you are not going to teach him a command, but you’ll control access to what he wants, until you get the behavior from him, that you want.               

You can do it! Give it a go, and let us know how you get on!

‘Impulse Control For Dogs’ was written by Pippa Mattinson, best selling author of Total Recall and The Happy Puppy Handbook, and the founder of the Dogsnet Training Program

Free Training Tips

Get Pippa's free dog training tips delivered to your inbox 

Filed Under: Training

Previous Post: «is a labrador a good family dog Labrador Training Tips
Next Post: When Can I Walk My Puppy Off Leash? when can i walk my puppy off leash»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate Cowan

    June 13, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Hi Pippa,
    Thanks for this 😊 It has successfully worked with Juno for getting her leash on going out the door.
    Can you suggest how I successfully stop her from leash wrangling at the end of an exercise session to come back in to the house please? ( she’s on a long line as my garden is very big) She’s a 4 month GSD and very reactive.
    Thank you!
    Kate

    Reply
    • Paula Kay

      June 18, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Hi Pippa

      Great advise thank you! Will definitely use this on my 4 month Working Cocker!

      Can you offer any advise on how to teach him to settle down (after his long walk & play session) in the evening when we want to just sit & watch TV please? He’s constantly jumping up ar the sofa for attention & nipping clothes or hands.

      Thanks Paula x

      Reply
    • Lonna

      July 6, 2020 at 3:30 am

      Any thoughts on remaining calm when there is someone at the door?

      Reply
      • Anne

        September 4, 2020 at 12:10 am

        This training technique makes great sense. How do I apply it to a dog that excitably jumps on my guests – over and over. She does not jump on my husband or on me. It is the excitement of seeing someone else. She is big and can knock someone over. Thanks

        Reply
        • Eunice Cohrs

          September 15, 2020 at 6:25 am

          I have a Houdini! 70 lbs and keeps finding ways to escape the yard.

          Reply
        • Linda F

          September 15, 2020 at 2:22 pm

          I also need tips on this. We’ve tried ignoring her until she calms down but it has not been successful. I’m afraid she’s going to hurt someone.
          Linda F

          Reply
        • Theresa

          September 19, 2020 at 3:15 am

          I need tips on how to get my pack not to absolutely flip out when we get home

          Reply
        • Debbie

          October 8, 2020 at 9:55 pm

          I need help with this too dog jumps on any one who comes in and she’s 3 yes old now.

          Reply
        • Leslie

          October 9, 2020 at 4:23 am

          Yes I need help with this too
          I try to have guest not give attention until she is calm but she keeps jumping up

          Reply
          • Dolly

            February 18, 2021 at 2:48 pm

            This I need help

        • Claudia

          November 25, 2020 at 12:21 pm

          I have tried everyrhing to get her to stop jumping all over everyone Mixed Lab

          Reply
        • Barb

          April 16, 2021 at 4:14 pm

          My dog does the same thing to the point I do t want to have anyone come over.

          Reply
    • Rennae

      September 15, 2020 at 9:17 pm

      I have a 7 month old boxer that weighs 50 lbs. He will pull me every time I walk him. Help!

      Reply
      • Beverly Eaton

        February 20, 2021 at 1:28 am

        My dog is small (12 lbs) and every time we walk on leash she pulls me.
        How do I get her to just walk by my side.
        Thank you,

        Reply
    • Gerry

      October 5, 2020 at 10:40 pm

      How do I get my dog to stop barking at other dogs when we are in the car

      Reply
    • Lissa Gray

      October 19, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      I have a very hyper Rat terrier that does not mind at all. His name is Django & I’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old- March 2021 he will be 3- any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

      Reply
      • Sue

        November 15, 2020 at 5:11 am

        I have the same dog and she dosen’t doesn’t mind any commands. Also she is not potty trained
        She is 1 yrs
        Old

        Reply
  2. Diane Bishop

    June 13, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    Our 11 month labrador likes to lick us when she is near us. Can you suggest anything to stop this. We have tried a lick mat with no effect.

    Reply
    • Theresa Keyser

      September 29, 2020 at 2:29 am

      My standard poodle has started to run to the door and leap on the door when someone comes to the door. He is 5 and started this about a year ago. The only thing that stops him is if I take up the runner in the hall. It seems to be a game with him. He doesn’t jump on people at any time. Other than the leaping he is very well behaved.

      Reply
  3. Dana

    June 22, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    Hi Pippa,
    I have a 2 y old 90lbs rescue. We adopted him when he was 9 weeks old. He goes at an outdoor daycare twice a week and I walk him twice a day,daily. We also play with him, do some tricks training.
    We live in a small community so walking your dog without meeting another dog is close to impossible.
    Tuk reacts to other dogs immediately and he can spot other dog from far.
    When comes to food his leave it is very good but when it comes to other dogs……
    I use treats and double end leash but it is still very difficult.
    Any advice ?
    Thanks a lot !

    Reply
    • Mimi

      July 25, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      I have the same issue. I adopted a dog a month ago that is about a year old. She is learning to walk on leash and does well till we see another dog, then she goes crazy. I finally found the high value treats that will distract her from the other dog but it doesn’t stick.

      Reply
      • Iara

        September 12, 2020 at 4:36 am

        I am hoping to read some tips about dogs going overexcited at the sight of another dog.

        Reply
    • Mimi

      October 11, 2020 at 3:07 am

      When I see something (a trigger) I start talking calmly to them, like”look at her red shit, I like red, her hair is nice too, she must be going to work”……oddly enough this keeps them calm as we pass.

      Reply
  4. Debbie Banach

    July 9, 2020 at 2:53 pm

    My Dog, rushes to door barking her head off when someone knocks , Also when anyone pulls in driveway or myself drives in she runs to the car and won’t listen to stay. What you do?

    Reply
  5. Christine

    July 12, 2020 at 12:35 am

    I would love to be able to walk my 3 year old lab on a leash without her pulling and dragging me along. She’s stronger than I am!! Her nose wanting to sniff everything seems to override her sense and listening ability.

    Reply
    • Nancy DellOsso

      July 14, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      I got a smart collar like a prong collar. It works no pulling no dragging. The one I use is plastic ordered from Amazon. It is called star mark training collar. Walking is no longer a scary adventure.

      Reply
    • Natasha

      July 17, 2020 at 11:49 pm

      My first dog did this- we used a front-lead harness which redirects their ‘pull’. And each time he pulled, I came to a complete stop. Meaning he had to stop and wait to go again.
      I won’t lie- it was challenging and took ages. If she’s treat happy- bring treats and redirect her back to pay attention to you with them too 🙂
      Good luck

      Reply
  6. Terri Vaillancourt

    July 13, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Any suggestions on how I can walk towards our Lakefront with my silver lab jumping & barking again me as he wants me to throw a stick. If I pick up a stick he jumps & barks..

    Reply
    • Paula Streiler

      September 8, 2020 at 7:45 am

      Can you tell me how to get my Golden lab to quit barking when and before people come to the door. I understand her barking to let me know when someone is knocking on the door. The problem is she won’t stop barking when I open the door. Mollie wants to get at the door to be able to sniff them
      And they need to pet her and acknowledge her first. Please help me learn how to make her stop her excessive barking.

      Reply
  7. THeiss

    September 10, 2020 at 12:41 am

    Any advice on my 10 month old GDM who wakes me up at 3 am on my side of the bed barking but doesn’t need to go potty wants me to get up and come sleep on the couch and then shes fine won’t stop barking till I get up and go down there but I get up for work at 6:30 shes been doing this for 3 weeks and I’m so over it

    Reply
  8. Kevin

    September 14, 2020 at 4:03 am

    Any advice on how to stop a 5 month old puppy from digging in the yard?

    Reply
  9. Becca

    September 16, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    I have 3 dogs. Two are manic when time to walk one at a time. Mild 3rd dog is becoming more excited by other 2-. It’s very stressful when time to walk. Any Suggestions. BTW, first 2-dogs received 50 hours of training. The 3rd dog is hyper manic.

    Reply
  10. Janet

    September 29, 2020 at 6:18 am

    We adopted a two year old terrier mix that we adore!! But when people visit he gets so excited that he urinates. We take him out ahead when we know people are coming over but he won’t always need to go. We started putting a diaper on him before they arrive. After he settles down over the original excitement he tends to “usually” not do it

    Reply
  11. Jane

    October 3, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Hi Pippa, My 10 year old shepherd is very well trained…he will heel, stay, wait, place, etc. The only time he’s out if control is at bath time. He loves getting a bath and thinks it’s a game…He will attack the hose as he goes ballistic at the sight of water. He’s been this way all his life. Bath time is so exhausting for me to the point that I dread it. And going to a groomer is out of the question. Do you have any advice as to how to calm him down during a bath? He also goes after the vacuum cleaner and ripped a hole in the hose, so now I just kick him out onto the lanai until I’m done. But I can’t do that for his bath!

    Reply
    • Sue

      November 25, 2020 at 5:18 am

      I’ve seen lick mats that attach to walls around tubs with suction cups. Smear peanut butter in them and whie they lick the pb out of yhe crevices, you can wash your dog. I got one I use on the floor to keep my golden busy so I can brush her.

      Reply
  12. Laura

    October 6, 2020 at 4:26 am

    I have a 11 month GS and he has started biting on things my wall my barstool a blinds and now left in back yard and he chewed on a tree that we are growing well we was how to stop them from doing this

    Reply
  13. Doris Parrott

    October 7, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    How do you stop a puppy from bitting you ?
    He’s 7 weeks old and bites until you are bleeding ! He even attacks when I get in the bed , HE IS RELENTLESS ! Until. He wares himself out !
    Is he too young to train?

    Reply
  14. Cindy Viveiros

    October 7, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    How do I get my 1 year old Essie to stop biting my feet and slacks while walking

    Reply
  15. Susie

    October 14, 2020 at 11:11 pm

    Before I do this, is it free?

    Reply
  16. S

    November 8, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Needing advice on how to stop our 10 mos shepherd from going crazy when the doorbell rings or a knock on the door

    Reply
  17. Jan schaefer

    November 9, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    I need advice on how to keep my two labs from charging through the door whenever someone comes over. They never do this when just the three of us. They always wait until I give them the ok.

    Reply
    • CLaire Sickler

      November 20, 2020 at 2:53 am

      What do I do about a counter surfer? He can even open cabinets, a little floor freezer & a microwave.

      Reply
  18. Suzanne Elshult

    November 17, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    This is good stuff

    Reply
  19. Barb

    November 22, 2020 at 1:04 am

    How do I get my 98 lb lab from charging the door and people when they come in?

    Reply
  20. Rhonda jones

    November 24, 2020 at 5:58 am

    How do i stop my GS from barking and barking

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

Foundation Skills

Be Your Dog's Best Teacher!

ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

Puppy Parenting

Raise Your Puppy Right!

chihuahua barking

Why Do Chihuahuas Bark So Much?

puppy agility training

Puppy Agility Training

How To Train A Puppy To Pee

3 month old puppy potty training

3 Month Old Puppy Potty Training

how long does it take to train a puppy

How Long Does It Take To Train A Puppy?

puppy training for kids

Puppy Training For Kids

puppy pad training spray

Puppy Pad Training Spray

what is a pinch collar for dogs

What Is A Pinch Collar For Dogs?

My Puppy Hates Me. Sad lab

My Puppy Hates Me

I Hate My Boyfriend's Dog DN long

I Hate My Boyfriend’s Dog

what is a dog training collar

What Is A Dog Training Collar?

when to start potty training a puppy

When To Start Potty Training A Puppy

introducing a second dog

Introducing A Second Dog

puppy and stressed woman

What To Do When Your Puppy Pees In The House

red fox lab

How Do You Potty Train A 4 Month Old Puppy

teaching a puppy bite inhibition

How To Stop Your Puppy Biting Leash Handles, Attachments And Straps

when can i walk my puppy off leash

Why Does My Puppy Hate Walks

happy puppy on a leash

What To Do When Your Puppy Hates Leash Walking

Dogsnet is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk Dogsnet is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
View Privacy Policy