time outs for dogs?

So, I have a crate for my dog but I only really use it to feel him in it because I didnt really like crating him.
So, sometimes he gets all nuts and chases the cat and barks and goes crazy and would like to give him a time out. Since I never use the crate could I still use it to give him a time out?

Re: time outs for dogs?

I have given Brooklyn a time out in the crate. At first I was nervous that he might get traumatized and associate the crate with being bad. But that isnt the case cause he will go in there on his own when he wants to lay down or even go in there when he has done something bad and knows he is in trouble

Right now he has time out on my lap.

Re: time outs for dogs?

when we were crating our dog, she had time outs in her crate too when she was bad... it did help a little.. then when she stopped whining and crying we would let her out then.. not while she was being bad in the crate too..

our dog likes to play games with mommy and daddy ..

Re: time outs for dogs?

we were told SEVERAL times not to use the crate as punishment. Our vet told us not to even if we don't normally crate (pretty much how you guys are) bc it could make it difficult if they ever needed to be in a cage. And he was right! We only used the cage as his 'time out' a few times but he grew to HATE it and one time he had to have minor surgery at the vets office and they could not get him to calm down when they needed to put him in a cage. Luckly, our vet is aewsome and we have been going to him for years... he was kind enough to let our dog stay out with the girls working the back, lol. Good Luck!

Message edited 5/11/2009 4:26:26 PM.

Re: time outs for dogs?

When my little one gets on the middle one (constant running, barking, biting, etc) I put him in the bathroom for 5 min and shut the door. Usually he comes back and won't start anything again. If he does, he goes back in the bathroom.

I wouldnt associate the crate with time outs. When they have to be boarded or while at the groomers, they are kept in crates.

Message edited 5/11/2009 5:11:35 PM.

Re: time outs for dogs?

yea that makes sense. The bathroom might be a better option.

Re: time outs for dogs?

Re: time outs for dogs?

I would never use a crate for a time out. Just in case you would ever have to put him in a crate or even board him somewhere, you wouldn't want him thinking he's being punished. They say the crate should be a safe-haven and should NEVER be used as a punishment, even if you do not use one regularly.
Maybe you can put him in the bathroom, so he has room and is still isolated. If it is warm you can at least open the window for him. You can even put him in your bedroom and shut the door....aywhere BUT the crate will work if you consistently show it is a place for a time out and not sleepy time or play time.

Re: time outs for dogs?

hey I used the bathroom for his time out today and it worked he stopped being bad

Re: time outs for dogs?

Posted by Heinznywd

hey I used the bathroom for his time out today and it worked he stopped being bad