June 23, 2011
Joyce Kesling, CDBC, Professional Trainer
Time Out for Behavior Modification
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The use of Time Out (TO) procedures can be useful in management and treatment for some of the most common behavior problems in dogs; especially those related to social interaction. Dogs are social creaturesâ¦preferring the company of their human companions or other dogs. The loss of social contact can be very useful in treating attention seeking and competitive play behavior. However, there are specific procedures necessary to apply TO correctly, thus minimizing any negative affects. Â
J. P. Scottâs research was the first detailed view of how effective âseparation-related distressâ can control dog behavior. âTO is based on the finding that mild separation distress can be contingently applied to control undesirable social excessesâ (Lindsay 2000; p. 310).Â
The contingencies used in the application of this procedure should include appropriate timing, bridging cue, repetition and duration of TO. A richly rewarding training environment will affect the dogâs attitude toward the TO. Reward based training should provide the dog many opportunities to make the correct choice for their behavior.Â
Keep in mind, TO should decrease excessive undesirable behavior, thus the dog learns to employ more acceptable and rewarding behavior. The TO removes the opportunity for rewarding activity and studies reveal that âanimals work hard to escape or avoid TO from positive reinforcementâ (Lindsay 2000, p. 310).Â
Timing and Bridging CueÂ
Timing and the use of a bridging stimulus (cue) are essential. Any delay in removal or bridging the inappropriate behavior could result in the dog misunderstanding the punishment. If for instance, the dog starts biting at the cuff of your pants immediately use the bridging cue (enough) and remove the dog to the designated TO area. The time out area should be decided prior to initiating the TO. According to Lindsay (2000), you should also employ a leash and collar avoiding using your hands for anything other than âdelivery of prompts and affection or other rewards for compliant behavior.âÂ
The TO area suggested could be a lighted bathroom or utility room. Lindsay (2000) suggests placing the leash in the door jam, preventing the dog from doing anything other than sitting or standing. The dog should be quiet and calm before allowing to exit. After TO, you should return the dog to the training environment allowing him reinforcement for any acceptable behavior.Â
 I recommend using the dogâs kennel and/or tethering can be done later. Done correctly, using a cue i.e. âenoughâ while immediately removing the dog to the kennel, this does not cause the dog to view their kennel as a âbad placeâ misunderstood by many dog trainers. You make it clear using an appropriate cue designated and IF youâve trained your dog correctly to love their kennel, using treats, toys, safe chew objects and for naps and sleeping. The dog will associate the difference in contexts.Â
Deciding on how, when and why one should/could use time out should be evaluated by a professional. If youâre having any serious problem between you and your dog, you really need the advice of a behavior specialist, certified in dog behavior.Â
RepetitionÂ
In the beginning the TO procedure should be repeated as often and consistent as necessary. Some behaviors deeply entrenched may take repeated TOs. During the first stage, TO should be implemented on a continuous schedule and when there is sufficient evidence the dog is suppressing the unwanted behavior; the schedule can be more variable. This will prevent the unwanted behavior from recovery.
DurationÂ
It has been noted that most dogs are responsive to short TOs of no more than 2-3 minutes and as short as 30 secondsâ¦for aggressive behavior the TO could be as long as 5-10 minutes, but for the most part this should be avoided. After the TO period, you should return the dog to the same training environment and encourage an acceptable alternative behavior. If the dog repeats the unacceptable behavior he should be returned to the TO area. This TO procedure should be repeated until the dog presents a close approximation to the desired behavior.Â
The time in a reinforcing environment and TO is used to control dogâs natural impulsive behavior. The dog should understand if implemented correctly impulsive behavior gets them TO, where as calm quiet acceptable behaviors gets time in the rewarding environment. This will only work if you are providing a rich and rewarding environment. The downside of punitive training methods may encourage the dog to accept TO as rewarding for escaping the non-rewarding environment of punishment-based training.Â
This is a brief overview of this procedure. Implementing the correct use of time out needs assistance from a professional trainer or behavior consultant well versed in learning theory as further explanation is necessary. Time Out applied incorrectly has the potential for damaging the human-canine bond that is necessary for a cooperative relationship. Â
References
Lindsay, Steven R. ( 2000 ) . Handbook of applied dog behavior and training. Iowa: Iowa State Press.
Responsible Dog & Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box15992
Sarasota,Florida34277
941-966-1188
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
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