Does your dog lose their mind whenever someone delivers a package?
Every time that box hits the floor, it’s like your dog completely forgets their manners.
Boxes are torn open. Items get spilt everywhere.
If this sounds familiar…
Don’t worry! Here’s how to fix the problem.
You don’t need specialised equipment or years of training experience to teach your dog patience and impulse control. All it takes is some diligence and know-how.
Read on to learn…
- Why do dogs tear into packages
- How impulse control prevents excited behaviour
- How to train your dog to be patient with packages
- Environment management techniques
Understanding Excitable Dogs
First things first, let’s address why dogs even care about packages to begin with.
Part of it is curiosity. Dogs explore the world by sniffing and biting things. So when something new appears at their door, this instinct is amplified.
…but it’s not the only reason.
Dogs also love excitement. Deliveries are exciting! The doorbell rings. Someone new is at the door. Something they’ve never seen before is now in their house.
For dogs who don’t know how to control these impulses, it’s too much stimulation.
As the MSPCA says, destructive chewing is one of the top reported dog behaviour problems. Dogs aren’t trying to drive you insane on purpose. They simply lack the training that teaches them how to hold in excitement.
Dog training helps dogs learn how to contain that excitement. With the right dog training tips, your dog can go from rowdy delivery greeter to chill patient observer.
Why Impulse Control Matters
Dog ripping through cardboard boxes? Impulse control issues.
Does your dog run through doors as soon as they open? Impulse control.
Dogs jumping on guests to say hello? Impulse control.
Pulling on the leash while walking? You guessed it…
Dog behaviours all connect back to impulse control. See an object or person they want to go to? They go for it immediately without thinking.
Your dog doesn’t know any better.
Training your dog to improve impulse control will help you solve multiple problems at once. Improve your dog’s reaction to packages and you might see other problem behaviours improve too!
It’s not just a guess either. Studies have shown that dogs with higher impulsivity also displayed increased overall dog behaviour problems.
Rewarding dogs when they wait improves their ability to hold in excitement. Punishing dogs for ripping into boxes doesn’t teach them what you want them to do instead.
Training Your Dog To Wait
If your dog waits for you, they learn that good things happen when they are patient.
Let’s walk through the exact training steps to teach your dog impulse control with packages.
Train Basic “Wait” Command
You want to start basic before introducing distractions like packages.
Have your dog sit and hold a treat in your hand closed so they can smell it but can’t access it. Let them lick your hand and paw at your hand until they stop.
As soon as they stop licking/scratching, reward and mark the behaviour.
Practice this exercise daily for about five minutes. Once they have this down you can introduce packages.
Training Package Delivery
Now it’s time to get some cardboard boxes.
Grab an empty box and walk toward your front door while your dog follows you.
If they continue to follow you calmly with no signs of excitement…
Give them the reward.
Does your pup start jumping around and dancing like they never be seen that box before?
Put the box down and walk away. Wait 10 minutes. Try again. No punishment or dog talks needed.
Gradually add more excitement as your dog improves:
- Make someone else bring the box to your door.
- Ring the doorbell right before bringing in the box.
- Leave the box sitting out longer before giving it to your dog.
Using “Place” Command
Place commands are your best friend when it comes to deliveries.
Once your dog knows how to go to a specific spot (bed, mat, crate) and lie down, you can use this behaviour to your advantage.
Every time someone brings your dog a package, have them go to their place before allowing them to greet at the door.
Teaching Place Command
Place command is simple!
Start by pointing to where you want them to go. Then lure them over with a treat. As they land gently in their spot, say “Place.”
Reward them for staying.
Start by having them stay a few seconds. Then work your way up to longer periods.
Before you know it, your dog will learn that when package time comes, place time comes too!
Control Your Dog’s Environment
We mentioned it before, but training takes time. Until your dog has reliably learned impulse control, do your best to prevent problems before they start.
Place baby gates at the entrance of your front door so your dog can’t get down to greet as soon as you open it. Take your dog to another room while you grab packages off your front porch. Get a delivery locker that people can drop packages into at your door.
You’re not being lazy. You’re taking the necessary steps to ensure your dog does not develop bad habits.
Avoid These Mistakes
It’s easy to accidentally undermine your own dog training. Avoid these all-too-common mistakes…
Changing the rules. One day, you may allow your dog to get excited over packages. The next time you don’t? Dogs thrive on consistency. Every person in your household should react to the problem the same way.
Going too fast. You want to see results now. But who doesn’t? Do not rush the training process. Your dog will get frustrated if they can’t keep up. Ensure your dog has mastered a step before moving on to the next.
Punishing bad behaviour. Yelling at your dog for ripping through a box doesn’t teach them to be patient. Dogs need to know what to do as well as what not to do. Positive reinforcement works way better than doggy timeouts!
A recent study by Pet Palace found that only 8% of dog owners ever take their dogs to obedience classes. That doesn’t mean you can’t train them yourself!
Improving your dog’s patience and impulse control starts with you! Don’t worry if you feel like you’re not making progress…
Keep At It!
Dog training is a process. Don’t be discouraged if you experience a setback.
Just don’t give up.
Make sure to practice your patience exercises every day. Keep training sessions short (5-10 min) and reward your dog often when they do something right.
You should notice a drastic change in your dog’s behaviour within a few weeks. Pack raider transforms into Mr Patience, waiting for you to open those boxes.
Who knows? You may even start to enjoy getting deliveries again.
Conclusion
Stopping your dog from ripping into boxes is simple…
Train them to be patient.
Not only will your dog learn to be better behaved when you get packages. They’ll be better behaved in other situations, too!
Your dog will learn how to greet you at the door without jumping up. Teaching impulse control will make walks so much more enjoyable.
Here’s a quick training patience with packages cheat sheet:
- Know why dogs love boxes
- Train wait and place commands
- Add in packages
- Manage your dog’s environment
- Avoid inconsistent training
This training technique works on puppies and older dogs. Just remember to be patient with your pup!
