Tip of the week 12/18-Impulse Control

Many dog owner that we meet likes to mention all the thing that they have taught their dogs.

One of the things typically listed as a skill they have taught is making their their dog wait 5-20 seconds to eat before being relaeased.

You're practicing impulse control when doing this. And this is a good skill for dogs to learn. But, 5-10 seconds of impulse control once or twice a day doesn't really transfer into real life.

5-10 seconds of impulse control over food maybe will translate to 5-10 seconds of impulse control before they attack the rabbit or chase a child or run out the front door.

5-10 seconds really doesn't but is all of time before things happen.

What's better is to increase the duration and frequency we ask for impulse control from our dogs.

Even in play you can practice this. Have once dog play while the other is asked to down. And swap off.

Another great way is to be out in public and just watch thing happen. Watch kids play at the park, watch people go in and out of doors at stores, watch people pass by while having your dog down at a coffee shop patio.

You're teaching "Time and Place", "not always and now".