WHAT IS IMPULSE CONTROL?
Impulse Control is when your dog can resist the temptation to perform an unwanted behavior (chewing, nipping, jumping) that would give them access to a desired reinforcer.
Impulse control is like a muscle. Using it requires energy, so you can only enlist so much of it at any given time. But also like a muscle, you can make it stronger by exercising it! These are several games you can play with your dog which will help them to gain impulse control.
TUG-OF-WAR WITH RULES!
Prepare tasty treats your dog loves. Cue or lure your dog into a sit.
Say a verbal cue to start the game; example: “take it.” Present the toy to your dog. You may need to animate the toy to encourage your dog to play.
Engage in tugging on the toy with your dog. Play for 5 seconds before moving to step 4.
Say a verbal cue to end the game; example: “drop it.”
Present a treat to your dog, right in front of their nose so they can smell it. When they let go, praise them and release the treat.
Wait until your dog sits before offering the toy again, as in Step 1.
Continue playing the game using the above steps on a loop. Over time, your dog will let go of the toy sooner and offer a sit sooner.
Increase difficulty by asking your dog to remain seated for longer before the game begins. You can incorporate the cue “wait” to this part of the game.
Start with your dog in a seated position.
Tell your dog “stay”.
Hold a treat in your hand, high over your dogs head.
Steadily lower your hand towards your dog.
If your dog remains seated, deliver the treat to their mouth.
If your dog stands, or lifts his front paws off the ground, reset the treat to the very top.
Begin again at step 1.
Training Tip: As your dog gets good at remaining seated and waiting for the cookie, you can make the game slightly harder by slowing the rate that the cookie falls. Once they do well with a slow-moving cookie, you can try taking a longer route to your dog’s mouth.
Training Tip: If your dog keeps jumping up, it means you need to make the game easier! Move your hand slower, and/or more directly to your dog’s mouth so they have some successful repetitions.
Training Tip: Do not play this game if your dog has a history of resource guarding.
Start with your dog sitting or lying down, whichever is easier for them
Tell your dog “stay”
Take one step back
If your dog remains seated, click your clicker, or use a verbal marker such as “YES”
Take a step forward to return to your starting position and give your dog a treat
Repeat steps 1-5 at least 5 times
Training Tip: Move back toward your dog immediately, as if you were attached to them by a bungee cord.
Training Tip: Once your dog is successful at least 4 out of 5 times, move on to taking 2 steps back before you click and return to your dog to treat them.
Training Tip: Increasing difficulty may involve adding distance, distraction, or longer durations. Increase difficulty in only one way at a time, and do so gradually so that your dog remains successful.
Training Tip: If your dog follows you when you take even one full step back, reduce the difficulty by only taking a half step and returning immediately! Once you find success, you’ll be able to advance from there.