Effective Time-Outs

      Every dog can be naughty sometimes! Effective time outs are a great way to redirect bad behavior and give the dog a “mental break” so that they can calm down and try a more appropriate behavior later. Effective time-outs and warnings can also communicate expectations for good behavior and give dogs the chance to make “better choices.”

"Naughty? Who, Me? Never! I am always perfect!"

            A time-out can be given in any neutral space with fun things (like treats and toys) removed. A small room such as a bathroom is a perfect place for a time-out spot. Just make sure that any item that could be chewed or played with (such as toilet paper) is safely out of the dog’s reach. An exercise pen is another great option for a time-out spot. Crates can also be used for time-outs, as long as the dog has more positive experiences in the crate than bad experiences. Note: it is especially important to remain calm when placing your dog in a time-out, especially if you are going to use a crate as a time-out spot! A leash tied to a door or post can also be used as a time-out spot. Just be aware that some dogs may chew on the leash. Bitter apple can be sprayed on the leash to discourage chewing. Be creative. You may not have your usual time-out spot available if you aren't at home. This doesn't mean you can't use time-outs! The back of a car on a cool day or a leash tied to a tree or post can make perfect time-out spots. Just make sure your dog is safe (don't leave them in a hot car please!). It is the removal from the situation and the removal of attention that is the key to a success time-out! 

            Time-outs can be used for two different types of behaviors: annoying behaviors and serious behaviors. Annoying behaviors are generally repeated in a short time frame, and pose little danger to the dog or others. Barking, jumping up, and mouthing too rough are all examples of annoying behaviors. Serious behaviors generally pose a danger to the dog or others. Biting, stealing food, knocking people over, and fighting are examples of serious behaviors. Note: in cases of aggression, it is important to remember that we are not punishing the dog, but rather giving them some personal space and a chance to calm down. Never yell at or use physical punishment with a dog that is showing signs of aggression!

Time-out procedure for annoying behaviors:

1.    Give the dog a firm verbal warning for the bad behavior (“Rover, QUIET”). Remember to praise for good behavior!
2. Give a second firm verbal warning if the behavior continues (“Rover, quiet. LAST WARNING”).
3.   If the behavior continues, use a phrase that means the dog is going to time-out (“Rover, that’s it!” or “Rover, you lose!”)
4.  Calmly lead the dog by the collar to their time-out spot. Do not yell or physically punish the dog. Do not chase the dog. Chase can turn into a rewarding game. Instead, if your dog tries to run or avoid you, approach calmly until you can grab them. Sometimes it is easier to gently grab their back hips.
5.  It is VERY important that you follow through with your last warning and time-out phrase! These commands will hold power if used consistently! After a few time-outs, many dogs will start to hear the phrase “LAST WARNING” and stop the behavior because they have learned that if they continue, they will get a time-out! This type of training helps communicate expectations for good behavior and allows the dog to “make good choices!”
6.   A time-out for an annoying behavior lasts for about 5 minutes. If the dog barks, whines, scratches, or tries to escape their time-out, then the time starts over. DO NOT RELEASE YOUR DOG FROM A TIME-OUT UNTIL THEY ARE CALM! This is very important! If you release your dog from a time-out when they are fussing, then they will learn that is how to get out of a time-out. Remember that being released from a time-out is a reward! Reward calm behavior!
7.  When the dog is calm, release them from the time-out.

Time-out procedure for serious behaviors:  Skip the first two warnings, use the time-out phrase, and take them straight to a time-out. Remember to remain calm. Follow steps 4-7. Increase the time in step 6 if needed. For aggressive behaviors, the dog may need more than five minutes to calm down. For serious but less dangerous behaviors, such as stealing food, a 5 minute time-out should be sufficient.

Tips: Use specific phrases to let your dog know what they are doing wrong. For example, use “quiet” when your dog is barking and “off” when your dog jumps up. Try to avoid simply saying no for every bad behavior!

Remember to be consistent. Use the same amount of warnings for each time for annoying behaviors. If you use a different number of warnings each time, the dog will go for the higher number of warnings. Again, it is VERY important that you follow through with your last warning and time-out phrase! These commands will hold power if used consistently! After a few time-outs, many dogs will start to hear the phrase “LAST WARNING” and stop the behavior because they have learned that if they continue, they will get a time-out! 

When paired with positive reinforcement for good behaviors, effective time-outs can help communicate expectations for good behavior and allow the dog to “make good choices!”