“Welcome back to the Dog Parentology Podcast! I’m Sparky, a Canine Psychologist and Expert in Systems Thinking. Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical aspects of your dog’s well-being—impulse control. This isn’t about outdated obedience training; it’s about helping your dog develop emotional and neurological balance, especially if they’ve faced trauma in the past.”

“For dogs who’ve experienced fear or uncertainty, building impulse control is like giving them the tools they need to process the world calmly. Stick with us to the end, and I’ll share how you can download a free guide to strengthen your bond with your dog through better impulse control. Let’s dig in!

“Let’s talk about the ‘Something Better’ exercise—a sophisticated approach designed to help both you and your dog master impulse control. Unlike traditional commands like ‘Leave It,’ this method teaches your dog that whatever they’re focused on isn’t as good as what you have to offer.”

“To start, hold a treat in your closed fist near your dog’s nose. Calmly say ‘Something Better’ with a smile. Let your dog sniff and try to get to the treat, then patiently wait. The moment they stop trying and look away, say ‘Yes!’ and reward them with a treat from your pocket. This simple action begins a progressive process that creates a calm, soothing guidance cue that builds trust.”

“It’s important to note that this exercise is different from the traditional ‘Leave It’ or ‘Wait’ commands. With ‘Leave It,’ the dog is often trained to resist the urge momentarily but might still expect to get the treat eventually. ‘Wait’ usually involves asking the dog to hold off until you give them the signal to go ahead. In contrast, ‘Something Better’ is all about guiding your dog away from what’s in front of them to come to you instead, trusting that your offer will always be more rewarding. It’s not about denial—it’s about creating a sense of delight and anticipation in choosing you over the distraction.”

“But this is just the beginning. Our comprehensive step-by-step guide, available on our website, will take you through all the stages to proof your dog’s mastery of impulse control. For our patrons, we offer even more resources and personalized check-ins to guide your journey.


What does it mean to master impulse control? Think about this future vision: You’re out for a walk with your dog.  Another dog is seen and rather than react as they have always done, they pause, and in that moment, we call the White Pathway,  you say “something better.” Hearing a well-known memorable process that you both enjoy, helps them to choose you to feel better, calmer and less fearful. In short, when your dog becomes reactive towards other dogs, mastering ‘Something Better’ means you’ll be able to step in and interrupt that reactivity.  Another quick example of many ways its help dog parents we’ve work with, If your dog loves to gobble up garbage on the street, the ‘Something Better’ exercise will allow you to help them choose you and not the half-eaten sandwich.” 

There is some important advice when starting to develop impulse control. Here are the top five:

1.	It is important that you first teach the dog to the level of mastery before using the “Something Better” in order to set them and you up for success. 
2.	Start Simple: Use the ‘Something Better’ exercise as part of your daily routine to build your dog’s ability to pause and consider their actions.
3.	Consistency is Key: Reinforce these exercises with calm praise and steady cues. Your dog’s trust in your guidance will grow with each positive experience.
4.	Stay Calm: Remember, your dog mirrors your energy. Practicing self-regulation techniques like deep breathing can help both of you stay in control.
5.	Engage in Positive Experiences: Replace negative commands to try and control your dog, with accountability to teach your dog, using positive experiences, and focusing on building a stronger bond through nurturing experiences.
6.	Understand what is happening inside your dog, their brain and body, that they cannot control, and level up your compassion – that’s next up. A quick review of what is happening inside your dog.

Understanding Impulse Control in Dogs

“Impulse control in dogs relies on two key processes: Bottom-Up and Top-Down processing. Bottom-Up, led by the emotional center Tom, drives those reactive, instinctual responses. It’s like your dog’s foot is stuck on the gas pedal, reacting before thinking. Top-Down processing, guided by Conrad, is all about decision-making and control, allowing your dog to pause, think, and choose a better action.”

“When a dog has faced trauma, the connection between Tom and Conrad can weaken, making it hard for them to tap into that Top-Down processing. This is why you often see impulsive reactions in dogs who’ve been through tough experiences.”

“Let me tell you about Jersey, a dog who came into my care with severe impulse control issues due to past trauma. Jersey’s immediate reactions were to bark and lunge without any thought to any dogs who walked by his home. His dog parents told me that he preferred to stay outdoors during the day, in the backyard with a fence. The boards were just spaced enough that Jersey could watch for any threats walking by. But through exercises like “Something Better,” combined with Sensory-Based Positive Experiences and Balance Exercises, and getting him use to relaxing more deeply, in a less stimulating environment,  Jersey started to shift towards more controlled reactions. He began moving from the Red and Blue Pathways (fight, flight or freeze responses), to the White Pathway (the flux response), which launched him into the Green Pathway (engagement and connection).  Over time, with his dog parent embracing the accountability to develop his executive function and specifically his impulsive control, they saw a significant change, and his bond with his dog parent change dramatically into one of deep affection and trust.”

Practical Advice for Developing Impulse Control

“Here are some quick tips to help you and your dog start mastering impulse control:”

	1.	Teach to the Level of Mastery: Before relying on ‘Something Better’ in challenging situations, make sure your dog understands the cue fully.
	2.	Start Simple: Use the exercise daily to build your dog’s ability to pause and consider their actions.
	3.	Consistency is Key: Reinforce the exercises with calm praise and steady cues to build trust.
	4.	Stay Calm: Practice self-regulation techniques like deep breathing to keep both you and your dog in control.
	5.	Focus on Positive Experiences: Replace harsh commands with nurturing interactions that strengthen your bond.


“How much of your dog’s impulse control is really a reflection of your own behavior? In our next episode, we’ll dive into how your attachment style affects your dog’s actions—a groundbreaking concept you won’t want to miss. Make sure to subscribe!”


“Thank you for joining us on this journey into impulse control and emotional well-being for your dog. Accountability in developing your dog’s impulse control is about creating experiences that build trust. Keep learning, improving, and striving to be the best dog parent you can be.”

“Check out our website, dogparentology.com, for the free downloadable guide on ‘Something Better,’ and remember—practicing this exercise is about guiding your dog with calm, consistent cues. True partnership with your dog is built on trust, patience, and understanding. Until next time, stay connected and keep practicing.