Self-control for a dog

One of the foundations of discipline for a dog is self-control. What is it and how to teach a dog self-control?

Why do dogs need self-control and how does it manifest itself?

Self-control is necessary for both dogs and people. Without it, a comfortable existence in society is simply impossible. Now it’s May day, the weather is not bad, and I’m sitting at my laptop and typing this article. Though I might have enjoyed something else. But I can control myself and focus on the task. Despite the fact that I will not receive a reward right now. And even the feeling of moral satisfaction from the achieved goal will come only after I complete this work. But I’m at the very beginning, and this moment is still far away.

It is even more difficult for dogs, because they cannot connect some distant bonus with something boring and, in their opinion, perhaps useless, but we need it. However, they, like us, are quite capable of understanding the concept of “do what I need and I will give you what you want.”

If a dog cannot control itself, life with it is not easy. At any moment she can take off after a pigeon or snatch ice cream from the hands of a passing child. So the task of the owner is to teach the pet to restrain himself. And do not do even what you really like without permission.

Of course, if you immediately begin to demand unquestioning obedience from the dog, then you are unlikely to succeed in this. You need to start with the smallest steps and build on tiny successes. And gradually raise the bar of requirements. Then the dog learns to restrain his impulses even in difficult situations. Because she will know that a lot of pleasant things await her as a result.

What exercises help develop self-control in a dog?

All exercises that help develop dog self-control can be reduced to one idea. It says: “Give up what you want to get it!” And if you explain to the dog that it is easier to earn what you want if you keep yourself in your paws, it will very quickly begin to do just that. But it is also important to prove that this is a permanent rule with no exceptions.

The main exercises that allow you to teach your dog self-control are as follows:

1. Zen. This exercise teaches your four-legged friend to hold his paws at the sight of food or toys. And not just keep yourself in the paws, but concentrate on the desired object, but do not take it without a permissive command.
2. Slow approach. This exercise is a little more difficult than Zen, because here the desired object is not stationary, but approaches the dog! But she needs to hold back until the permissive command.
3. Hunter. Through this exercise, the dog learns to focus on the owner, but at the same time control himself in a state of high arousal. Of course, we increase the level of excitement gradually. For this exercise, the dog must have developed play motivation.

It is very important that during these exercises the dog does not bark or whine. If this happens, then you made a mistake somewhere.

If you can’t teach your dog self-control on your own, you can always seek help from a specialist who works with positive reinforcement methods (in person or online).