'I'm a dog trainer and this easy method will give your pet insane impulse control'
A dog trainer has shared the seemingly simple method which will instil dogs with an impressive level of impulse control.
Dogs are wonderful, phenomenally popular pets who quickly become vitally important members of the family. Despite their many charming traits - like their loyalty and affection - some dogs can develop a few bad habits.
Many also have one struggle in common - impulse control. For dogs, training them to be responsive to commands is important, especially if they’re going to accompany you to public spaces where members of the public will be.
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It’s vital dog owners can control their pets and ensure they’re not a nuisance or a bother to those with phobias, allergies, or who may just not be keen on animals. For some people, a dog bounding over to jump up and greet them is heavenly while for others, it’s the exact opposite.
With that in mind, canine behaviourist Will Atherton shared his guidance to help establish strong impulse control in your dog. The expert has garnered a devoted online following on social media, thanks to his consistent uploads where he shares his opinions and advice based on his years of experience.
He’s become a reliable source for many pet lovers, keen to implement his top tips on how to rectify and solve unwanted behavioural issues within some dogs. Of course, Will’s videos are based entirely on his own opinions and beliefs and it’s important to do your own research outside social media when implementing new practices or training patterns with your pets.
In a popular Instagram video, Will is standing in a loud park area on a “game day” with his dog, Uncle Sully, by his side. Shots can be heard in the background but Uncle Sully, while clearly interested in the noises, remains by his side.
The expert asked: “So how do you get absolutely insane impulse control just like this?” He then pointed out the loud, stimulating surroundings and Uncle Sully’s trembling desperation to go and investigate. He said “every dog owner around the world can achieve this level of impulse control” and explained: “The reality is that it’s both simple in principle and to do, but requires extreme levels of commitment and dedication on your part.
“It’s literally just teaching a sit command but then it’s about spending years, which we’ve been doing, of ensuring that any time I ask him to do a command like ‘sit’ and every other command, that he does that until I tell him otherwise.”
Will explained if his dog deviates from a command or chooses to go off before being told, he goes and gets him, puts him back into position and makes him complete the command again until he says otherwise.
Noting his and Uncle Sully’s “extreme” surroundings, Will said this technique could be applied in the home, perhaps by asking your dog to get in their bed until you tell them to come out and repeating the instruction until they learn to obey with consistency. Will added he “truly believes” every dog is capable of achieving the same levels of impulse control.
Before getting a dog, it’s important to do your research. Training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.
If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.
