Comments on: Using time-outs for dog training

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:21:56 +0000

They are a good way to teach a dog some self-control.

By: Christina

Christina — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:29:08 +0000

This was a good re-read, especially after the “desk incident” the other day.

But also, we need to do these kinds of time-outs more often, since Tarski’s been having trouble calming down during training session and such.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:11:55 +0000

Thanks, Christina!

I agree with you, Marie, it’s always good for the dog to still be able to respond to commands while playing!

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:22:42 +0000

I guess I’ve never thought of it as a time out really, but we do something like what you mentioned about playing catch around Ace. For us, it’s ideal to be able to play fetch or tug as a reward when training, but it’s important that the dog can still think and respond to requests like to “give” the toy, or to “sit” or “down” before we resume play. So, I guess in a way, that’s a short time out.

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 05:30:53 +0000

Lindsay, that’s a beautiful picture of Ace! Thanks for another “so true” post. Yours, Christina

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:59:38 +0000

Ty, I am also surprised when “professional” trainers use time-outs as some kind of punishment.

Jan, Ignoring the dog often works pretty well, doesn’t it?

By: Jan

Jan — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:26:35 +0000

The worse thing I can do to my dogs is to bore them. A short time out usually gets my point across then we can go back to the fun parts.

By: Ty Brown

Ty Brown — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:57:24 +0000

I like your version of a time out. I can see that as an effective tool.

I am consistently surprised when ‘professional’ dog trainers advocate using a time out as some sort of disciplinary method as if the dog understands the purpose of the time out.