Self Control In Dogs

It's happened to all of us at one time or another; a fantastic performance in the ring or at a test ends up being a 'thank you for your donation to the club' day because our dog breaks on a stay or anticipates being sent or called.  And it's not because we haven't trained and proofed properly.  

In what was for me an eye-opening article in Canine Corner in Psychology Today,  "Self Control In Dogs Is A Limited Resource" Stanley Coren Ph.D. not only presents the science behind the concept but also applies it to situations we can all relate to.  One of the things I found most interesting is the question of how to increase/replenish this limited resource.  Bottom line....a meaningful reward. 

Take a moment and use this link to read the article.  I guarantee it will change the way you view and address self-control issues in your training program.  It changed mine.