If you’re struggling with a dog who lunges at other dogs, jumps on guests, or pulls relentlessly on the leash, you’re not alone. Many dog owners in North Carolina face challenges with reactive and impulsive behavior—and at Sally Said So Professional Dog Training, we specialize in helping dogs and their owners find real solutions.
What is Reactivity in Dogs?
Reactivity is a dog’s overreaction to certain triggers, like other dogs, strangers, loud noises, or even moving objects. This response often stems from fear, frustration, or excitement, and it can be exhausting for owners trying to navigate walks or social situations. Common signs of reactivity include:
- Barking, lunging, or growling at other dogs or people
- Over-excitement when seeing a trigger (whining, pacing, hyper-fixation)
- Extreme pulling on the leash, trying to get to or away from a trigger
- Sudden “explosive” reactions to specific stimuli, like cars, bikes, or doorbells
If you’ve ever had to cross the street to avoid another dog or felt embarrassed by your dog’s outbursts, you know how stressful reactivity can be. But the good news? It’s highly trainable with the right approach.
What is Impulsive Behavior in Dogs?
Impulse control is your dog’s ability to pause and think before reacting—and without it, dogs often behave in ways that make life challenging. Common impulsive behaviors include:
- Jumping on guests instead of calmly greeting them
- Bolting out the door when it opens
- Snatching food off counters or hands
- Ignoring commands when overstimulated
- Pulling on the leash because they want to go somewhere faster
A lack of impulse control isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous. Imagine your dog slipping through the door and running toward traffic! That’s why teaching self-regulation and patience is so important.
The Stay Command: The Foundation for Impulse Control
One of the most powerful tools in curbing impulsive behavior is the “stay” command. Teaching a dog to hold their position, even when they want to move, builds patience, focus, and control. Here’s how it helps:
✅ Encourages self-control – Your dog learns that waiting leads to rewards.
✅ Reduces overexcitement – A dog that can stay in place is less likely to rush, jump, or react impulsively.
✅ Improves obedience in real-world situations – Whether waiting at a crosswalk in Uptown Charlotte or staying calm when guests arrive, a strong “stay” makes life easier.
At Sally Said So Professional Dog Training, we use positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs master “stay” and apply it in daily situations.
We Understand—And We Have the Answers
Owning a reactive or impulsive dog can feel isolating. You might avoid walks in parks because you don’t want to deal with the stress of encounters. You might dread having visitors because your dog jumps all over them or barks non-stop.
We get it. And we can help.
At Sally Said So Professional Dog Training in North Carolina, we specialize in training dogs to manage their impulses, build confidence, and respond reliably to commands—even in distracting environments. Whether you need help with leash reactivity, impulse control, or general obedience, we create customized training plans that get real results.
Ready to Transform Your Dog’s Behavior?
Let’s get started! Contact us today to set up a consultation and learn how we can help your dog become calmer, more confident, and more obedient.
📍 Serving North Carolina – Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Clayton, New Bern, and Wilmington!
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Dog Training | Puppy Training | Obedience Training
Whether you are seeking a dog trainer, needing a simple dog training tip, or researching various dog training techniques, Sally Said So Professional Dog Training can meet your needs. We have a team of dog trainers across North Carolina ready to come help you in their convenience of your home. We have an active blog geared towards dog training knowledge and tips that you actually want. We offer the leading dog training techniques in our industry – combining the power of positive reinforcement with top notch behavior modification. Our training services are extensive – offering private dog training sessions, group classes, and refresher sessions so you can rest assured knowing that your dog will be covered for life.
Need something more advanced? We offer service dog training and therapy dog training services.
Want your dog to earn its Canine Good Citizen Award? We can do that, too!