What Is Impulse Control? Impulse control is your dog's ability to pause, think, and make the right choice instead of reacting immediately to excitement or distraction. It's what helps a dog

• Avoid lunging at other dogs
• Wait patiently instead of bolting through the door
• Stay calm when food drops to the floor
• Keep composure around guests or loud noises

Without it, even well-taught commands fall apart. Teaching impulse control builds patience, improves focus, and helps your dog succeed in real-world situations. https://bignsmallpaws317.com/separation-anxiety-dog-training-in-indianapolis-helping-your-pup/

How to Train It: Here are four powerful ways to build your dog's impulse control:

1. "Wait" at the Doors. Ask your dog to sit or wait before exiting the doors. This prevents door-dashing and builds calmness under anticipation.

2. "Leave It" Command Use treats or objects to teach your dog to look away and resist grabbing. Start simple and increase difficulty as your dog improves.

3. Place Command: Teach your dog to go to a specific spot (like a mat or cot) and stay there until released. This builds stillness and patience over time.

4. Reward Calmness Don't just reward tricks—reward quiet sitting, relaxed body language, and focused eye contact.

Daily Impulse Control Drills:

• Practice waiting before meals.

• Ask for a calm behavior before leash walks.

• Do "leave it" challenges with toys, food, or distractions in the home.

Why It Matters: Impulse control isn't just for obedience—it helps prevent:

• Jumping on guests
• Excessive barking
• Leash pulling
• Reactive outbursts

It's the skill that ties everything together in your dog's training journey. Check out our blog on How to Train Your Dog to Stay Calm Around Other Dogs to expand this skill set.

Wrap-Up: A calm, focused dog starts with teaching impulse control. At Big N' Small Paws 317, we incorporate these techniques into every training session to create well-mannered dogs who thrive in any environment. Ready to help your dog make better choices? Contact us today to get started. https://bignsmallpaws317.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-in-indianapolis-tips-and-tricks-for-a-well-trained-pup/