GAME
OVER, DUDE!
Time-outs:
when and how to use them.
When we talk about being the "pack leader" we are talking about being
the very important person in your dog's life that he looks to and relies
on for everything he needs to be safe and survive. The person who gives
him security and makes important decisions for him. We grant privileges,
set limits and rules, have specific expectations and control the consequences
in his life, favorable and unfavorable.
Time-outs
can be as effective with dogs and puppies as they are with children.
They
are far more effective than physical or verbal punishment. Attention fuels
behavior, so yelling and scolding and getting up out of your chair could
actually be a reward to your dog. Most dogs, at one time or another in
their lives, do something "bad" just to get us to notice them
and stop staring at the moving picture box in our living rooms! Anything
that works will be repeated!
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Photo courtesy of Amanda at
"A day in the life of our pugs"
A
baby gate can be a marvelous management tool and time-out barrier.
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A time-out removes all possible rewards. All
you need is a plan and a time-out place.
Since
the "punishment" part of time-out is losing the opportunity to continue a game
that got out of hand or some other self-reinforcing behavior, the time-out place
must not be fun. Simply putting the dog outside is not a time-out - he may be
pleased to be out in his own personal park. It must be boring. A settle down
zone. Think of it as sending an unruly child to his room, or putting him down
for a nap.
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Possible
time-out places:
his crate or bed
a short tether attached to a heavy piece of furniture or eye-bolt
in the laundry room or kitchen
you could remove yourself, the toy - the interaction ends abruptly
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But won't he hate his crate if I use it for punishment?
If
your dog otherwise likes his crate, it won't change how he feels about it. (My
mom sent me to my room a lot as a kid, I never hated my room!) The key is to
be matter-of-fact -neuteral not angry- when you put him in there. You are taking
away the privilege of your company. And no, he doesn't get his favorite bone
when he's in time-out!
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To
use the time-out you must establish:
a clear "speed limit" - consistent black and white house rules
a warning phrase like "ah-ah!" or "that's enough!"
a predictable and consistent consequence, every time an infraction occurs
the ability to steel yourself against protest or tantrums
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Example:
The
dog is playing a cooperative game of fetch but starts to get worked up. You
ask him to "sit" before you will throw the toy and instead, he launches on you
and tries to grab the toy from your hand or barks AT you. "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Game
over, Dude! All play ends. You can simply leave and take the toy with you, or,
for more serious infractions, take him by the collar and march him silently
to his time-out place and walk away, totally ignoring him. How long? It doesn't
have to be too long. The count of 5 if he looks shocked or sheepish. If he's
complaining, you must wait until he resigns himself to being there. When he
gives you the big sigh and accepts his fate, quietly go release him with no
fanfare.
If
you are consistent and predictable, soon the dog will monitor his own behavior
in order to continue the privilege of your company. He will choose a desireable
behavior, because it works!
What
if he takes off running?
Don't
chase him! Nothing about the moment should be rewarding - many adolescent dogs
revel in a good game of catch me if you can' - dodging and dashing should not
be possible. Plan ahead. Leave a trailing lead on your dog so you can step on
it and end his fun with the least amount of effort. Don't leave a lead on your
dog when you can't be there to supervise. Confine instead.
What
if his meltdown is directed at you?
You
are playing a nice game and your pup gets overstimulated and begins biting at
your arms or clothing. Give your time-out cue and hold him at arm's length by
his collar until he stops flailing. Say nothing, remain calm, go still and look
away. When he relaxes, you relax and re-engage.
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Close
your hand around his collar with your knuckles against his cheek and
push away.
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Stabilize
your elbow on your knee.
Go still and look away. Wait for him to relax.
Reward calmness calmly! |
Excellent
article on using a station or tether
And
another from the East Bay SPCA
Pet
tethers.com
This handout may
be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and with full credit
given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com
