Sammy Video 8

🐾Sammy the ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog: Impulse Control.
Today’s lesson?
Impulse control — or as I like to call it, the art of not doing the thing your entire body desperately wants to do. 😅
When dogs use their instincts with us, it’s called working drive.
Think of collies herding sheep: focused, purposeful, chef’s kiss beautiful.
When those same instincts pop out in unhelpful ways — like chasing cats, wildlife, or your neighbour’s Sunday roast — we call it… well… a behavioural issue. Still the same brain, just slightly misguided enthusiasm.
So today Sammy and I introduced a simple game of choice.
Nothing fancy. No pressure. Just learning that waiting, thinking, and checking in with your human actually leads to the good stuff.
And Sammy the Superstar?
Absolutely crushed it again.
You could almost see the cogs turning:
“Impulse… control… means… I get the thing? Ohhhh I can do THAT!”
This new skill is gold.
Once a dog learns how to pause before acting, you can use it everywhere — at the door, around food, near other dogs, meeting people, you name it. It’s the foundation of calm, confident communication.
And with Sammy’s big heart and even bigger brain, he’s picking it up beautifully.
Sammy still needs a forever home.
If you’re looking for a dog who’s equal parts goofball and genius, contact ARAN Rescue and ask about the Superstar himself. 💜
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5676089408