Does your dog lunge at the door the second it opens? Jump on guests the moment they walk in? Impulse control training can help! Teaching 'Wait' and 'Settle' helps prevent chaotic moments by reinforcing patience and self-regulation. Whether it's resisting the urge to bolt through an open door or stay calm when guests arrive, impulse control leads to a well-mannered and confident dog.
Why Impulse Control Matters
Impulse control works hand in hand with other foundational commands, such as 'Leave It,' which we covered in our blog post, Why Every Dog Should Learn the ‘Leave It’ Command (and How to Teach It). While 'Leave It' teaches your dog to ignore temptations, 'Wait' and 'Settle' reinforce patience and self-regulation in different scenarios. Mastering all three commands helps create a dog that is more responsive and well-mannered in any environment.
✅ Quick Takeaways:
Helps prevent dangerous behaviors like bolting, jumping, or food stealing.
Encourages patience and calm responses in stimulating situations.
Strengthens focus, making training more effective.
Builds a stronger bond between you and your dog by reinforcing trust and communication.
How to Teach 'Wait'
✅ When to Use ‘Wait’ in Real Life:
Before stepping out of the car – Teaches safety when exiting vehicles.
Before getting on furniture – Helps reinforce house rules.
Before playtime starts – Encourages calm behavior before excitement.
Before exiting a crate or kennel – Prevents your dog from rushing out.
At a crosswalk during walks – Reinforces leash manners and safety.
Before greeting other dogs – Helps prevent overly excited interactions.
Teaching 'Wait' helps your dog learn patience and self-control before moving forward. Whether at a doorway, food bowl, or crosswalk, this command prevents impulsive behaviors.
Step-by-Step Training Guide:
Start at a doorway or food bowl. Have your dog on a leash for better control.
Give the 'Wait' command. Say "Wait" while holding up your hand in a stop motion.
Pause and reward. If your dog holds position for even a second, reward them with a treat and praise.
Increase the duration. Gradually extend the waiting time before giving permission to move.
Use a release word. Say "Okay!" or "Free!" to let them know when they can go.
Practice in different situations. Use "Wait" before exiting a car, crossing a street, or eating meals.
🚫 Common Mistake: Releasing too soon or without consistency.
✅ Fix: Ensure your dog holds the wait position reliably before allowing movement.
How to Teach 'Settle'
While 'Wait' is great for preventing impulsive movements, 'Settle' focuses on helping your dog relax in stimulating situations. Both commands work together to build strong impulse control.
✅ When to Use ‘Settle’ in Real Life:
At home: Before guests arrive to prevent jumping.
At the vet: To keep your dog calm in the waiting room.
During mealtime: To reinforce patience before feeding.
Before bed: To signal it’s time to relax.
The "Settle" command teaches your dog to relax and stay calm in different environments. This is great for preventing overexcitement when guests arrive or during stressful moments.
Step-by-Step Training Guide:
Pick a calm environment. Start in a quiet room with minimal distractions.
Encourage a down position. Lure your dog into lying down using a treat.
Introduce the 'Settle' command. Say "Settle" in a calm, soothing tone.
Reward relaxation. If your dog stays in place, reward with praise and a treat.
Increase duration and distractions. Gradually extend the time they stay settled and introduce minor distractions.
Use in real-world situations. Ask for "Settle" when guests arrive or during high-energy moments.
🚫 Common Mistake: Using an excited tone that encourages movement.
✅ Fix: Keep your voice soft and soothing to promote relaxation.
Troubleshooting & Common Training Mistakes
🚫 Expecting immediate results.
✅ Fix: Start with short sessions and gradually build up.
🚫 Inconsistent reinforcement.
✅ Fix: Always reward calm, patient behavior and use the same commands every time.
🚫 Skipping real-life practice.
✅ Fix: Use "Wait" and "Settle" in everyday situations like car rides, feeding times, and greetings.
Impulse control training is a journey—every small success adds up! With consistency and patience, 'Wait' and 'Settle' will help your dog develop better decision-making skills, making daily life more enjoyable for both of you. Just like with 'Leave It,' these commands require consistency and reinforcement to become second nature.
What has been the most challenging part of teaching your dog impulse control? Share your experiences in the comments!
With consistency and patience, 'Wait' and 'Settle' will help your dog develop better decision-making skills, making daily life more enjoyable for both of you. Just like with 'Leave It,' these commands require consistency and reinforcement to become second nature.
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