Games to Improve Your Dog’s Impulse Control
If you’ve ever had a dog that pulls on the leash, jumps on guests, grabs food off the counter, or struggles to wait their turn — you’ve seen what a lack of impulse control looks like. I’ve been there myself! What really helped me was learning that you can actually teach impulse control — and one of the best ways to do it is through games.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite games to improve your dog’s impulse control — and how you can use them to build calmer, more polite behavior. If you want the full brain training program that worked wonders for my dog, here’s my personal link:
Brain Training for Dogs — Click here to check it out
Table of Contents
Why Impulse Control Matters
A dog with good impulse control can:
- Wait patiently instead of rushing ahead
- Stay calm when excited
- Make better choices (like not jumping or grabbing things)
- Listen more consistently
- Handle distractions without losing focus
Dogs aren’t born with impulse control — it’s a skill we have to help them build, just like focus or obedience.
The Changes I Saw
When I started playing impulse control games regularly:
- My dog stopped lunging on the leash
- Jumping on people decreased
- She became more patient and calm
- Her ability to listen — even when excited — improved
- Overall behavior became much more polite and balanced
This is the exact program that taught me step-by-step how to build that kind of control:
Brain Training for Dogs — Full Program Here
My Favorite Games for Impulse Control
1. Wait at the Door
Practice having your dog wait calmly before going out the door — great for teaching patience.
2. Leave It
Teach your dog to leave tempting items (treats, toys, food) until given permission.
3. Sit-Stay With Distractions
Gradually build your dog’s ability to stay calm and focused, even when there are exciting things happening around them.
4. Treat Toss “Wait”
Toss a treat and ask your dog to wait before going for it — builds self-control around exciting movement.
5. Puzzle Games
Working through puzzle toys or scent games encourages problem-solving and patience.
Final Thoughts
If your dog struggles with impulse control, the right games can work wonders — helping them learn to pause, think, and make better choices.
For us, this was the program that made all the difference:
Brain Training for Dogs — Click here to check it out
You’ll be amazed how quickly your dog’s patience, focus, and calm behavior will improve — when you start adding these fun impulse control games to your daily routine!
Before I really understood impulse control, I thought my dog was just “too energetic” or “stubborn.” But what I realized is that she simply hadn’t learned how to manage her own excitement — and that’s exactly what these games taught her.
One of the first things I noticed was that when we played impulse control games regularly, her overall behavior became so much calmer — not just during the games, but in everyday life.
If you want a full plan that shows you exactly how to build this skill, this is the program that worked for us:
Brain Training for Dogs — Full Program Here
Another benefit I saw? Patience. My dog used to get frustrated so easily — whining, barking, or jumping when things weren’t happening fast enough. The more we worked on impulse control, the more patient and balanced she became.
And because these games were built around positive reinforcement, they actually improved her trust and bond with me — she learned that being calm and polite got her what she wanted.
Even short sessions — just 5–10 minutes of these games each day — made a noticeable difference in how she behaved.
For dogs that are naturally excitable or high-energy, impulse control games are one of the best ways to help them channel that energy in a positive way.
And because these games are fun and rewarding, your dog will WANT to participate — which makes the learning process faster and more enjoyable.
This is the exact program that showed me how to structure it all step-by-step:
Brain Training for Dogs — Full Program Here
Another thing that surprised me? Once my dog’s impulse control improved, her focus during training also got so much better — she could actually listen even when distractions were present.
And because she learned how to pause and think first, her behavior became much more predictable — which made walks, greetings, and daily life so much easier.
Now when guests come over, instead of jumping, my dog offers a calm sit — because she’s learned that waiting brings rewards.
For anyone struggling with a dog who is pushy, hyper, or just lacking in patience — adding these kinds of games could be the breakthrough you’re looking for.
And this program will guide you through exactly how to do it — even if your dog is super excitable right now:
Brain Training for Dogs — Click here to check it out
You’ll be amazed how quickly your dog’s calmness, focus, and ability to control their excitement will improve — when you start adding these simple, effective impulse control games into your routine!
Another thing I really loved? As my dog’s impulse control improved, her behavior out in the real world improved too — she became much calmer at the vet, more polite around other dogs, and better at handling new environments.
If you want to give your dog that same kind of calm confidence, this is the exact program that helped us:
Brain Training for Dogs — Full Program Here
And the best part? It’s fun for both of you. Instead of constant corrections or frustration, you’re building skills together — and that makes such a positive difference in your bond.
You’ll be amazed how adding just a few of these impulse control games can change the way your dog responds to the world — and how much easier life with your dog can be!