She's Not Doing It Because I'm Asking | Mindfulness4Dogs
Module 4 · Weeks 11–14 · Wrap-up

She's not doing it
because I'm asking.
She figured out it works.

The impulse control game that taught Luna to choose calm — not because she was told to, but because she discovered it pays better than demanding. Three sessions. That's all it took.

This week's insight

Self-control that belongs to her is worth more than obedience that depends on a cue.

A treat in a closed hand. Luna tries everything. Nothing works. She stops — pulls back — looks at Sarah. That moment of choice is when she gets the treat. Within three sessions she's offering it almost immediately. Slightly smug about it.

🧠
Choice, not compliance A puppy who waits because you said wait is dependent on the cue. A puppy who discovered that pausing pays better has genuine self-regulation.
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How to play the game Treat in closed hand. Wait. The moment Luna disengages — not sits, not waits on cue, just stops pushing — mark and open your hand. Three sessions.
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Connects the whole module How puppies learn, the marker, capturing — impulse control is where all of it comes together. Module 4 ends with Luna's best skill yet.
D
From Darran · Postgraduate Canine Behaviourist

Why teaching self-regulation beats teaching compliance every time

The impulse control module closes out Module 4 and connects everything since week 11. Watch it today and play the game immediately after. The version without a cue is the one that builds genuine self-control — Darran explains exactly why in the module.

Go to Module 4 · Impulse Control through Food
"Day three she was sitting back and looking at me almost immediately. Slightly smug about it."
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Module 5 — Outside World Skills. Lead walking, recall, other dogs. The skills that make going out feel like a pleasure. 🐾

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