Ep 9. Impulse Control: Deepening Obedience

In Dog Training 101 season 1 episode 9 titled "Impulse Control: Deepening Obedience," viewers will learn about the importance of teaching their dogs impulse control. Impulse control is a skill that can help dogs lead better lives and prevent them from engaging in dangerous or undesirable behavior. As Zack George, the host and dog trainer explains in the episode, "impulse control means that your dog can control its impulses, even when it's excited, scared, or in unfamiliar situations."

The episode begins with Zack teaching a basic obedience command: "stay." He emphasizes that the "stay" command is not just about holding a position, but about teaching the dog to control its impulses. He then moves on to more advanced commands, such as "leave it" and "wait," which teach the dog to resist temptation and stay put, even when faced with distractions or tempting objects.

To help viewers understand the importance of impulse control, Zack provides examples of dogs that lack this skill. For instance, he shows a clip of a dog jumping up on the counter to steal food while the owner is away. He explains that dogs with poor impulse control have a hard time resisting their urges, which can lead to problems like destructive chewing, excessive barking, or aggression.

Throughout the episode, Zack demonstrates various training techniques that are designed to build impulse control. These include using positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors, gradually increasing the difficulty of training exercises, and using distractions to test the dog's ability to stay focused.

One notable aspect of this episode is Zack's emphasis on building the bond between dog and owner. He explains that dogs are more likely to obey commands and display good impulse control when they feel safe, happy, and connected to their owners. To achieve this, he demonstrates techniques like massage, playtime, and positive reinforcement, which can help owners build a stronger relationship with their dogs.

Overall, "Impulse Control: Deepening Obedience" is a valuable episode for anyone looking to improve their dog's behavior and deepen their bond with their pet. With clear, step-by-step instructions and plenty of practical demonstrations, viewers will come away with a better understanding of what it takes to teach their dogs this important skill.