Time-outs should last for no more than 2 minutes maximum but always start with 30 seconds. If the dog is ignored for too lengthy a period of time, he will simply forget what behavior caused this consequence and you will have taught him nothing. Your timing is VERY important when doing a time-out.
A dog Time Out (TO) can be used to train your dog to stop "rude" behaviors like playing too rough, and non-fearful barking. The most important thing to remember about the TO is that it should be used sparingly. Removing your dog from his people is a punishment to him and punishments can have negative side-effects.
Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy (on a leash) to that spot.
Dogs may actually need to go out or come in, but most often it is just a game to them. They need a change of pace or something to do, and getting you to let them in and out is fun. They may want to go out to play, get out there and then miss you so they want back in, and over and over it goes.
Don't Use Crates for Puppy Time Outs
Dog crates should not be used for punishment if a dog misbehaves.
Putting your dog in his crate (if he already LOVES his crate) or behind a baby gate or closed door. Putting your dog on a leash or a tether.
My preference is to allow your dog to sleep out of a crate around 4-5 months and to be free completely before a year. Your dog should be housetrained; which means you know how long your dog can hold his bladder and he knows how to ask to go outside to go.
There are many different reasons why dogs develop attention-seeking behaviours, even if all of their needs have been met. They could be bored or have too much energy due to a lack of exercise. Or they just do them for the hell of it. After all, it's not surprising to catch a dog digging or nicking your leftovers.
Like much of their body, a puppy's bladder isn't yet fully developed. Many puppies can only hold their urine for short periods. Frequent accidents could be the result of an overly full bladder, especially if your puppy doesn't yet recognize the importance of going potty in a designated spot or area.
Many experts agree that a minimum of 2-3 hours of active interaction and engagement is appropriate for puppies. That may not really sound like a lot given it's only 8-12% of the total hours in a day. But keep a couple of things in mind: Puppies need between 18-20 hours of sleep which accounts for majority of the day.
Generally, dogs need to relieve themselves 8–12 hours after digesting their previous meal. Dogs often (but not always) poop shortly after waking or roughly half an hour after eating. If you're feeding your dog two meals a day, they may defecate twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.
Feeding an hour or so before your walk means your pup will be full of healthy nutrients and won't be starving before walkies, helping them feel energized and ready to take on the park!
Time-outs should last for no more than 2 minutes maximum but always start with 30 seconds. If the dog is ignored for too lengthy a period of time, he will simply forget what behavior caused this consequence and you will have taught him nothing. Your timing is VERY important when doing a time-out.
The instant you feel your puppy's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
Don't reward your puppy with attention
So the simplest thing you can do if your puppy bites and hurts you, or if you want to stop your puppy jumping up on you, is to turn around immediately and stop giving them attention.
Puppyhood is an important stage of development for dogs, so you need to keep puppy entertained — whether you are indoors or out. Keeping your furry buddy working is also important for training and keeping damage to a minimum. A bored puppy is absolutely a puppy who's getting into trouble!
In general, if a dog is seeking your attention at the wrong time, it is because you are not giving them enough of it at the right time. Once you are sure your dog does not have every right to expect more attention from you, if they do something you do not want them to do, totally ignore them (if it is safe to do so).
Like an errant child, an errant dog is also likely to be acting out because of a lack of attention. If they're behaving out of character, tearing up sheets, chewing up shoes, pooping where they're not meant to, barking or being hyper, they're doing all this to get your attention. Don't react.
Scolding or praising at this point will only reinforce your dog's belief that he needs to submit to you by peeing. Praise him for good peeing behavior. This goes for all types of inappropriate urinating behavior. Clicker training.
Repeat cue words like 'wee wees' and 'poo poos' or 'be busy' and 'be clean' while the puppy is actually urinating or defecating. Use different words for each action so that you will be able to prompt the puppy later on.
So to put it another way, your puppy should only have as much freedom as you're willing to allow destruction and other problem behaviors to occur. Giving your dog free roam of the house will likely result in problems.
When your dog is first being expected to hold it throughout the day, don't let him roam freely throughout the house. Instead, start with very brief absences and keep him confined to one room that is as dog-proofed as possible. This way any potential mistakes are confined to one area.
While walking your dog does provide them with exercise, a fenced-in backyard can, too. “The backyard is the safest option to let the dog run full tilt and burn off some steam, so both activities should be incorporated into a happy dog's lifestyle,” says Dr. Reid.