Pet parents often tell me that they use a “time out” for their dogs to control or eliminate barking, running around the house, jumping on furniture, and generally causing havoc.
So, many frustrated pet parents use the method of “time-out” in an attempt to train their puppy. This method is part of what I call a “trickle-down” from raising children. However, a dog does not learn from human techniques used on other humans. I’m not convinced that time-out works on a child. For argument’s sake, let’s examine a child’s time use in a “time-out.” The best we can hope for is if the child takes advantage of his time in the “time-out” to ponder why he is in a ‘time-out” and concludes that his behavior needs improvement, not to receive another “time-out.”
Pet parents often disagree with me and insist that the “time-out” calms their dog and quiets the disruptive behavior. That part may be true, depending upon the trigger that initiated the unwanted behavior in the first place. However, it is a “band-aid” and does not “cure” the problem because it doesn’t teach your dog not to demonstrate the same unwanted behavior in the future. Depending on the “time-out” location, you may be conditioning your dog to manipulate many situations to receive a “time-out” in the backyard.
Visitors in your home are one example of a behavior that usually initiates a “time-out.”
Practice GREETING GUESTS. Invite a neighbor, friend, or family member to stop by for a dress rehearsal. With your dog on a leash, have your dog sit/stay next to you, away from the door, as the person enters. Use a squeak toy, if necessary, to keep your dog’s attention focused on something other than the person coming in.
