🧠 Impulse Control for Dogs: How to Train Calm in a World Full of Squirrels (and Other Distractions)

lewis | Dogs Galore
May 13
3 min read

By Dogs Galore London – Professional Dog Walking & Behaviour Support

Does your dog lose their mind at the sound of a doorbell? Lunge at squirrels like they’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: Canine Drift? Or maybe they just can’t resist snatching that biscuit from your hand like a hungry velociraptor?

If so, you’re not alone. And no, your dog isn’t “bad”—they might just need help developing one very important life skill: impulse control.

🐾 What Is Impulse Control?

Impulse control is your dog’s ability to pause and think before reacting. In other words, it’s the difference between:

“Oh look, a cat—CHARGE!”
and
“Oh look, a cat. I’ll just sit here like a civilised pup.”

Dogs aren't born with impulse control (especially puppies), but the good news is—it can be taught, just like recall, sit, or leave it.

🧒 Why Dogs Struggle With Self-Control

Most dogs were bred for action: chasing, herding, retrieving, guarding. Waiting politely isn’t in their DNA.

Combine that with a distracting world of smells, sounds, and squirrels, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos unless you put some foundations in place.

📋 5 Ways to Start Building Impulse Control Today

Here are five simple, positive ways to help your dog learn patience:

1. The “Wait” Game

Ask your dog to wait before going through doors, jumping out of the car, or eating their dinner. Start small, reward often.

2. “Leave It” Like a Pro

Teach your dog that ignoring something (even food!) earns them something better. You’ll be surprised how quickly they learn this one when bacon is involved.

3. Settle on a Mat

Train your dog to relax on a blanket or mat. Perfect for when guests arrive or you’re trying to drink a cuppa in peace.

4. Play “It’s Your Choice”

Hold treats in a closed hand. Your dog only gets the treat when they stop trying to snatch it. It teaches them: “calm = reward.”

5. Use Enrichment Toys

Kongs, lick mats, and puzzle toys help your dog engage their brain and slow down. It’s like Sudoku for spaniels.

🧘‍♀️ Calm Owner, Calm Dog

Your energy affects your dog more than you think. If you're shouting and waving your arms like you're conducting an orchestra, your dog is unlikely to be calm and collected.

So breathe, speak softly, and channel your inner dog Zen master.

⚠️ What If It All Goes Wrong?

Dogs are dogs—they’ll mess up. (So do we.) The key is consistency, not perfection.

If your dog can’t focus in the park, take it back a step. Train at home, then work your way up. And if you’re stuck, that’s what professional trainers and behaviourists are for.

🎉 Final Thought: Celebrate the Small Wins

Impulse control isn’t about turning your lively lab into a lifeless robot. It’s about helping them think before acting—so you can both enjoy calmer walks, better greetings, and fewer stolen sandwiches.

And remember, even a 3-second wait today is progress from yesterday’s chaos.

Now, go give your dog a cuddle. Unless they’re currently nose-deep in your laundry basket—in which case, maybe do the “leave it” exercise first.

📚 Want to Dive Deeper? Check Out Our eBook Range

If you found this blog helpful, you’ll love our growing range of affordable, easy-to-follow dog training and behaviour eBooks. Written by a qualified behaviourist, they’re packed with real-life tips, humour, and practical advice you can start using right away.

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