Impulse Control

Games & Tricks to Turn Your Dog from
Turbo‑Charged to Zen Master

Hello, fabulous floof aficionados! Biscuit here—your resident four‑paw philosopher with sass to spare. We’re diving into impulse control today, because let’s be real: being as turbo‑charged as we pups are doesn’t always get us invited to polite society events (ahem, door sprints, jumping greetings, stealing kibble off the counter…). It’s time to get Zen.

Stick around: I’ll walk you through how to teach “Wait,” why it matters, sprinkle in some games, and end with your new status once you nail this. Grab a pen and paper, settle in, and let’s get serious about self‑control—sheltie style.

What’s the Big Deal About Impulse Control?

Impulse control is basically self‑discipline: resisting the urge to pounce on treats, bolt through doors, or chase that squirrel. Trainers call it “self‑regulation” or “inhibitory control”. It’s not innate—puppies (and toddlers) need to learn it. If we don’t, we end up doing all the embarrassing things humans hate. Teaching commands like “Wait,” “Leave it,” “Settle” helps build patience, safety, and let’s face it—makes humans like us a lot more. 

Teaching “Wait” the Biscuit Way

Wait means staying put temporarily until released (like a polite pause before attacking the lunch bowl). It’s not the same as “Stay”—“Wait” is shorter and keeps us tuned to human cues. 

Step‑by‑Step:

1. Sit your pup in front of her kibble bowl. Cover the bowl or hold a treat. Say “Wait” with a raised hand.

2. As soon as she doesn’t lunge (even for just one second), say “Okay!” (Or use my favourite tool the clicker!) and reward with praise or a treat.

3. Repeat daily, building up time from 1 second → 5 seconds → 30 seconds.

4. Try other contexts: doors, car exits, before meals—generalize everywhere.

5. Always use the release word consistently—mine is “Okay!”—so your pup learns exactly when the rules are lifted.

Be patient; some high-drive dogs (like us shelties)  might need extra repetition. But trust me—this command is golden for real‑world manners.

Games to Build Impulse Skills (and Fun!)

Find It

Hide treats while your dog waits. Release with “Find it!” Then she goes sniffing. Game time and impulse training in one go. This game is tons of fun!

Leave It

Place a treat in front of your pup but don’t let her grab it. Say “Leave it,” reward only when she disengages. Bonus: keeps her from grabbing dangerous items too.

Red Light, Green Light

Tell Biscuit “Green light” to move forward, then “Red light”—she must freeze. Build impulse control with fun timing game. (Just no Squid Game that’s too scary for me!).

Tug of War with Rules

Play tug—but only when Biscuit hears “Take it”. Then “Drop it” means she releases. This reinforces listening even when super excited (a very important skill if Grandma comes home with a steak from the supermarket!).

Puzzle Toys

Food‑dispensing puzzles slow things down and teach dogs patience to work for their reward. We use one regularly for Kevin because he eats so FAST!

Why It Works

Training “Wait” first with food, then doors, then movement, teaches context-specific impulse control. Research shows impulse control in one task doesn’t guarantee impulse control in another—context matters. So we build each scenario gently and purposefully.

Reward‑based training (treats, praise) reinforces calm behaviour, without harsh punishment. That keeps your pup motivated to play ball with rules.

A Day in Biscuit’s Life: From Chaos to Chill

Morning: Your dog waits at the door while humans get the leash.

Snack time: Your pup holds “Wait” before grabbing her treat.

Guest alert: Your dog does a calm sit instead of greeting with 4‑paw fireworks.

Bedtime: And finally, your brainy little canine settles on her mat instead of zooming around.

Nice, right?

Final Words from Biscuit

Impulse control doesn’t mean boring. It means smarter, calmer, more reliable fun. And yes—I still zoom occasionally (well actually quite a bit!). I’m a sheltie, after all. But with games and consistent practice, I can hit Zen levels even humans envy.

So ditch the chaos, grab the games, practice daily, and remember: “Wait” is magic. Let’s show the world what control looks like—one polite pause at a time.

Yours sassily,
Biscuit 🐾

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A Final Note

Until next time,

The Dad, the Mom and all the Pups!