What is the best way to give my dog a time out?

Question

I've been told that I can crate her for a short amount of time (5 min or so) when she does something wrong. I do not use this on her potty training but a few other things. However, she is crated during the day while I'm at work and I do not want her to associate that with doing something wrong as her going in her crate is a good thing. Any suggestions? I have another area in my house that I can gate off for her time out spot so she doesn't see her crate as punishment but I want to avoid that causing issues either. Serious training responses only please - no shysical hitting or tapping of the nose techniques. Thank you.

Answer 1

I have never used a crate as a form of punishment, it was purchased to house my b*tch at shows so I wanted her to be happy and confident in it.

Time outs were designed for children who can appreciate the difference between right and wrong after or during the unwanted behaviour. A canine on the other hand needs to be corrected instantly the unwanted behaviour occurs to have any effect.

I never use physical punishment, the tone of voice is usually enough for my Dobes.

As Crysti mentioned, Greekmans advice is excellent on matters related to training dogs.

Answer 2

Instead of your crate, put her in a room where she can't get into anything or destroy anything (laundry? bathroom?)

Maybe outside if you have a secure backyard.

Answer 3

Don't give your dog a "time out" in her crate! It will really confuse her crate training. You don't want to make her crate a bad place, like a punishment zone.

Second, time out doesn't work on dogs like it does on toddlers. :) When she does something wrong, you could alternatively get up and ignore her. A sharp "NO" and positive reinforcement always worked for me when I was training my puppy. :)

Answer 4

the crate should only be used as a safe secure place for your pup. Never use it as punishment. Your pup will not understand time outs. Any behavior that is inappropriate should be reprimanded right away. Firm tone of voice is the best way for them to understand. Use single syllable words. No, Off, Down... whatever you choose, but be consistent.

Answer 5

  I think the best way to give her a time out is to put her in a place she doesn't like , say the back yard on a short leash.  

Answer 6

You are confusing a dog for a human...dogs have no idea what time out is, nor do they care. These are techniques created for those of us with a frontal lobe and critical thinking abilities...not dogs!!

When your dog does something wrong, the correction must be instantaneous and swift enough to make her think twice about repeating that behavior again.

Do not be cruel and under-correct a dog, fueling her drive to continue doing what you do not want her to do..one wrong, one good enough correction with the leash and collar.

There is no need to hit or tap anyone's nose either, that is what the collar is for!!

Hope I helped!

Answer 7

I have found that the use of the dog's name + a firm "NO" and then if the behavior warrants, an added timeout works.  The kinds of behavior are things like a growl at a person.  I like to use the 1/2 bathroom located on our main floor.  I know there is nothing that he can get himself into trouble with.

Keep in mind that dogs do not have a sense of time so the "timeout" should be really no more than a few minutes.  When you do let the dog out, ignore for a little while until she comes to you to really "apologize" and win back your favor.  The "timeout" is to make her feel isolated from the "pack".  This is actually similar behavior to what a mother would do as discipline for her pups.

Answer 8

You should never use a crate for punishment. I've never heard of using a time out for training a dog. Your punishment/correction should be done while the dog is doing the act. I'm not sure how much a dog will be able to associate being in "time out" with ripping your shoe apart.

But, I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination.

Add: Greekman worded it very well.