You love your dog. You trust your dog. But would you bet their life on that trust? What happens when the gate’s left open? A coyote crosses your path? Or a piece of chocolate lying on the sidewalk?
Impulse control isn’t something dogs are born with—it’s something we teach. Left to their own instincts, most dogs will bolt toward excitement, inhale anything that smells remotely edible, or ignore your voice when it matters most. And if you’ve ever had a vet pump your dog’s stomach after they ate something toxic, you already know: one bad decision can turn into a long recovery, a hefty bill, and a dog who now flinches every time you open a pill bottle.
Impulse control isn’t just about manners—it’s about getting your dog to pause before reacting. That split second of hesitation? It’s the difference between a dog who checks in with you and one who ends up lost, injured, or worse.
As a trainer, I see it all the time. One session goes well, and suddenly owners trust their dog with full freedom. It’s like giving your teenager a credit card because they put one dish in the sink. Dogs aren’t trying to be “bad.” They’re animals with strong instincts—and sometimes, your kibble isn’t more exciting than the bunny across the street.
That’s why we train. And more importantly, why we practice. Impulse control is a muscle. If you don’t work it, don’t expect it to work for you.
- Start at home. Keep it simple.
- Threshold training is a great place to begin.
- Put your dog on leash
- Walk them to a door (any door—not just the front one) and ask them to wait.
- No bolting, no dragging you. Just wait for permission.
- If they rush ahead, guide them back and try again.
- Calm = Reward
- Chaos = Reset
Five to 15 minutes a day is all it takes. Any more and your dog might start charging you for overtime.
When it counts most, you want a dog that stops and looks to you for guidance. If you’re unsure where to start, Paws And Reflect can help. Because impulse control isn’t optional. It’s lifesaving.
949.761.2404 / PawsAndReflectDogTraining.com
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