How to Stop Hyperarousal and Improve Impulse Control in Your Dog

Understanding Hyperarousal in Dogs

Hyperarousal is a state of heightened response in dogs to cues from their environment or their humans. This complex interaction between the brain and other parts of the body, particularly areas involved in hormone production, affects how your dog responds to various stimuli. The same event, such as a dog barking, can mean a different emotional and behavioural responses depending on your dog's arousal level at the time of the event. Recognising signs of hyperarousal in your dog can help you manage their reactions better.

Why Impulse Control is Important

Teaching your dog impulse control is essential in their training, I teach lots of impulse control games in classes. Just as humans need to learn delayed gratification, dogs too need to understand that they need to sometimes wait patiently for something rewarding or enjoyable. Consistency and practice through fun games can help your dog develop good impulse control skills.

Without impulse control, dogs may run out an open door or steal food from the worktops. Since dogs lack forethought or self-reflection like humans, they tend to do what seems best in the moment. However, we can teach our dogs to be patient and wait in certain situations.

Recognising Signs Your Dog Needs to Work on Impulse Control

Some dogs might need it more than others. If your dog jumps on people, chases other animals, charges the front door, rushes to exit the car as soon as the door opens, pulls on the lead, or puts everything they see in their mouth, it may be time to introduce some impulse control games.

Impulse Control Games

Here are some games you can play to help your dog improve their hyperarousal and impulse control:

1. The Sharing Platter

This game helps your dog learn patience and tolerate some frustration. All you need are small pieces of food and a snuffle mat. The goal is to gradually build your dog's self-control and focus by alternating between giving them food and leaving some on the mat.

2. Take Your Time

With this game, you teach your dog to wait for a reward. You will need a quiet area and some high-value rewards. The goal is to gradually increase the duration your dog needs to wait before getting the reward.

3. Ready, Set, Go

This game helps your dog learn to think even when they're excited. The goal is to get your dog amped up and then ask them to perform a basic cue like 'sit' or 'down'. This teaches them to stop playing and respond to a cue as quickly as possible.

4. SMART x 50

SMART stands for See, Mark, And Reward Training. The “x50” means that you do it 50 times per day. This method helps your dog learn to channel their energy on their own, rather than being constantly corrected or instructed on their next move. The goal is to catch your dog behaving well and then reward them, encouraging them to repeat these good behaviours.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. With these games and techniques, your dog will learn to manage their arousal and improve their impulse control

For more information or to schedule a training session to help with your pup, contact 07476 903840 or email us at info@lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk.