Time Outs
What to expect and how to execute effective time-outs
Time outs are an option to decrease unwanted behavior by identifying and removing the "thing" the dog wants. The "thing" could be attention, toys, or doggie playtime. For a dog that is barking excessively demanding attention or treats, time outs can work too.
Time outs work really well for behaviors like play-biting, jumping up or bullying other dogs. But, they only work if done every time the dog misbehaves. People often try it a few times and then abandon the technique because "it's not working" (phases 1-2). If they stuck with it longer, they'd have had success.
Alternates to Time -Out
A great alternative to time out is teaching the dog what you would like done instead. This is called differential reinforcement of an incompatible or alternate behavior.
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Example:
You dog jumps up on a visitor. The dog wants attention. Prompt (you or your visitor) the dog to "sit" then reinforce the sit with attention. Give the sit cue once, and be a statue until the dog sits.
The Flow
Here is the flow of a time out. Each box with a blue number is a place where you can customize your flow.
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For boxes with numbers 1,2 and 3, you can choose your own words. Pick something you will remember, and be consistent.
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Area 4 takes some thought. Think about what time out means for this behavior and customize accordingly. See "customizing your time out" for things to think about.
Customizing Your Time Out
There are a few things to consider when customizing your box 4 (Put Dog In Time Out). Think about the following categories:
Who
Will you remove yourself or your dog?
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For puppies, sometimes it's easier to remove the human. This can be executed by simply turning away and standing still.
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Ask yourself, what is my dog trying to gain with the behavior? Use the time out to remove this (which is the reinforcement that is maintaining the behavior).
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If the dog is trying to gain your attention, removing yourself can work. If your dog is being a bully to another dog, remove your dog.
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Where
Where will the time out be?
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Get creative if needed for this decision. If you are removing yourself, you can turn your back or simply walk away. For your dog,choose a location that is easy enough for you to be consistent.
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Examples:
Crate
Another room
On leash
Exercise pen
Tethered
Behind barrier
Outside of dog park
In your car
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Tools
What do you need to execute the time out?
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This decision relies on your first two. If the location requires a crate, tether or ex-pen, have your choice set up and ready to go.
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You may also need a short grab tab. This is a very short leash that stays attached to your dog's collar. It provides a little help if you need to move your dog to the location.
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Time
How long is the time out?
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This depends on the behavior. Many time outs require a slow count to 10 or 30, others require a big magnitude for impact.
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For instance, if a puppy bites too hard, getting up and walking away for a few seconds should suffice. However, if your dog is bullying a dog at the park, the time out cue can mean pack it up and go home.
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Phases of Training
It takes several repetitions for your dog to put it all together. Below are the phases to anticipate.
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Phase 1 - No Association
Trials 1-4: Your dog has made no connections between the elements in the flow chart.
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Phase 2 - Resisting Arrest
Trials 4-12: Your dog has made the connection between the time out and the time-out cue and may try to avoid being caught. At this stage, there is still no connection yet between the warning cue, behavior and punishment. It may be helpful to put a small, lightweight leash on your dog's collar to let her drag it around the home. For some dogs, this is the only way to catch a dog resisting arrest.
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Phase 3 - Hit and Miss
Trials 12-20: You dog is beginning to put it all together and may be engaging in the unwanted behavior less and/or heeding the warning cue (i.e. stops the behavior when warned), but this is not consistent.
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Phase 4 - Success
Somewhere between trials 12-20: The rate of the unwanted behavior crashes. Your dog has put it all together and refrains from the unwanted behavior and/or consistently heeds the warning cue. There are only occasional lapses for which you will still time out.
Need Help?
If you're struggling with making the time out choices or implementing your time out, reach out. We can help.