Time Out, Good or Bad? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kp&nala · 06-01-2005, 05:34 AM

as some of you know i've posted in the past about how "rowdy" nala is, well it hasn't changed, lol. we've tried alot of things but they don't seem to work. i think one of my biggest problems was getting everyone else in my house trained. nala has gotten to where she get's so wired up that all she wants to do is attack you and i do mean attack she barks, growls and shows her teeth not in a mean way but it isn't acceptable behavior. we use to slightly pop her on the nose (i promise i would never ever "hit" my dog in a mean way, just a simple "tap" or "pop" on the nose to get her attention sometimes that's our only option) but it seemed to make her even more wilder. then i remembered hearing my groomer say never hit a dog b/c their only form of defensive/reaction is to bite. so now i'm wondering if it was me causing the problem all along??

yesterday we started time out. when she got to rowdy and i gave her a couple of chances to calm down and if it didn't work i would put her in the bathroom or my room and shut the door and ignore her for 5-10min. is this "form" of training ok? will it make it worse by shutting her up in a room for 5-10min until she understands? i've tried picking her up and holding her close and talking baby talk or a stern voice but she just wiggles like a wild woman, lol. sorry my post is so long i just want to get some feedback and make sure i'm not making the problem worse.

scrappysmom · 06-01-2005, 05:44 AM

I dont think giving them time out is a bad thing Im finding myself giving scrappydoo time out also .

Julz · 06-01-2005, 06:06 AM

How old is Nala? Yorkies want to be the boss, but you have to stay in control. It honestly sounds to me that professional obedience training may be your only option. I only say this because she has numerous behavioral problems. If she is growling now, she probably will bite later if she is still young. I'm not trying to sound negative in any way. That is the odd thing about typing, no one can hear your tone of voice. I had a male Yorkie some time back and thought it was the cutest thing that he would growl if someone tried to take him off of my lap...it's kind of like a very small child swearing, you know its wrong, but for some strange reason it makes you want to laugh....but then if they do it when they get older, it isn't funny at all and you wonder what on earth those parents were thinking to encourage such behavior. Do you know what I'm trying to say? I did end up catching "our" mistake and correcting it while he was still young. My mom has 3 Yorkies, Angel has always been a little on the misbehaving side kind of like yours, but not quite as aggressive. It doesn't bother her to be punished in any way, she just thinks its all part of the game that she has created and that someone was nice enough to join in. Fortunately she is growing out of most of it. I would suggest obedience training, but here is something else you can try...Positive Reinforcement. Instead of trying to punish Nala for doing something bad, get her to do something you want her to and then reward her with a small dog treat (because those can add up very quickly and become too much food for your dog in one day), play ball with her, take her outside for some fun, and tell her what a good girl she is. EVERY time she does something bad, tell her NO, NO in a deep monotone voice. Then as soon as she listens, try the positive reinforcement ideas. This will be very time consuming in the beginning of your new training, but it will definetly pay off. Good luck! I hope this helps and that I didn't run on and on too much. Oh, EVERYONE in the family has to do the exact same thing with her or she will not catch on. Funny thing about Yorkies, they really are very much like children...you can tell them "no" a hundred times, but then as soon as you slip up "one" time, they think it is acceptable and you have to start all over. We do tend to think of them as human, but always, always keep in mind that they are not and really do not understand every single word we say and when they do something wrong it isn't just to irritate us...I personnally don't think they calm down until they are over 1.5 years old.
Julz

DiOrGiRLy · 06-01-2005, 06:16 AM

When Tiny trys to bite we 'pop' him lightly too. We also hold his moth shut and say "No biting", "Bad Boy"! Then I put him in his little dog house and say "Stay! bad boy!". Then after a few minutes I go and get him and say softy "Tiny no biting ok, be a good boy." Also, he is teething so if he continues after time out then I get his bacon cheeseburger edible nylabone and hold it for him to chew. Usually he can also be easily distracted by throwing one of his toys to fetch or his rope to gnaw on. Sorry I do not have any suggestions about the barking and agression. Good luck with your fur baby

, I hope some of this may help.

DiOrGiRLy · 06-01-2005, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julz

How old is Nala? Yorkies want to be the boss, but you have to stay in control. It honestly sounds to me that professional obedience training may be your only option. I only say this because she has numerous behavioral problems. If she is growling now, she probably will bite later if she is still young. I'm not trying to sound negative in any way. That is the odd thing about typing, no one can hear your tone of voice. I had a male Yorkie some time back and thought it was the cutest thing that he would growl if someone tried to take him off of my lap...it's kind of like a very small child swearing, you know its wrong, but for some strange reason it makes you want to laugh....but then if they do it when they get older, it isn't funny at all and you wonder what on earth those parents were thinking to encourage such behavior. Do you know what I'm trying to say? I did end up catching "our" mistake and correcting it while he was still young. My mom has 3 Yorkies, Angel has always been a little on the misbehaving side kind of like yours, but not quite as aggressive. It doesn't bother her to be punished in any way, she just thinks its all part of the game that she has created and that someone was nice enough to join in. Fortunately she is growing out of most of it. I would suggest obedience training, but here is something else you can try...Positive Reinforcement. Instead of trying to punish Nala for doing something bad, get her to do something you want her to and then reward her with a small dog treat (because those can add up very quickly and become too much food for your dog in one day), play ball with her, take her outside for some fun, and tell her what a good girl she is. EVERY time she does something bad, tell her NO, NO in a deep monotone voice. Then as soon as she listens, try the positive reinforcement ideas. This will be very time consuming in the beginning of your new training, but it will definetly pay off. Good luck! I hope this helps and that I didn't run on and on too much. Oh, EVERYONE in the family has to do the exact same thing with her or she will not catch on. Funny thing about Yorkies, they really are very much like children...you can tell them "no" a hundred times, but then as soon as you slip up "one" time, they think it is acceptable and you have to start all over. We do tend to think of them as human, but always, always keep in mind that they are not and really do not understand every single word we say and when they do something wrong it isn't just to irritate us...I personnally don't think they calm down until they are over 1.5 years old.
Julz

LOL; I love your analogy :

"I had a male Yorkie some time back and thought it was the cutest thing that he would growl if someone tried to take him off of my lap...it's kind of like a very small child swearing, you know its wrong, but for some strange reason it makes you want to laugh....but then if they do it when they get older, it isn't funny at all"
this is so true
-toni

Sydney'sMom · 06-01-2005, 06:57 AM

Julz,

You suggested obedience training. Syd has some biting/growling issues as well. I have considered obedience training...but with my 2 jobs...I just don't have time to take her. If my fiancé does the training...will she only listen to him?

sophiedog · 06-01-2005, 07:07 AM

Hi. I found the best way to handle and out of control puppy is to put it on the floor and ignore it. Make sure it has plenty of assorted toys and chews. If you are holding it and it can't get back up in your lap on it's own and it starts unacceptable behavior, firmly pick it up - look it in the eyes and say 'no,bad dog' then place it on the floor by itself. Puppies (especially yorkies) adore lap time and it hurts their feelings. If it can get back up then stand up yourself and go do something. We had the same problem with our little Cosie (a chi) she was almost uncontrollable once she started. Now, at 1, she's the best little girl, all we have to do is say no and she immediately stops whatever she's doing. Once they calm, pick them up and give them lots of love and attention, they put it together fairly quick. Cosie will come to us now to 'make up' after being told no. She can't stand to think we are mad or disappointed in her. Deprivation of a lap is a big deal to little dogs, I think, I know it sure is one to me! Hope this helps, I'm not an expert but I tend to get rowdy puppies every time.

Julz · 06-01-2005, 07:08 AM

I am going to say "No", EVERYONE has to do it. If you aren't there for long periods of time, just correct Syd the same way your fiance does. I really don't want to keep going back to "children", but if the person who is home all day with the children make them behave one way and the other parent comes home at night and lets them do whatever they want, they will probably end up with confused little monsters (I mean that in the nicest way) on their hands. Don't feel bad for sticking to something that doesn't make you feel good for awhile. You will be able to enjoy your dog a lot more if you get him under control. You must be a little nervous with Syd's behavior around others or small children, right? We have to remember that we are AS responsible for them as we are for our children...if they do something wrong...we have to pay the price (emotionally and financially). I would try placing my thumb in his mouth with your other fingers under his jaw and apply a little pressure and say NO, NO in the deep monotone voice. Too many words won't be learned, just mostly 2-3 word commands at first. If he tries to bite you afterward, don't use that method. But if he just tries to get your thumb out of his mouth, it should work for you eventually. Remember, not too much pressure, just enough to irritate him. Let me know how this works for you.
Julz

Julz · 06-01-2005, 07:13 AM

Hi Sydney's Mom,
I just want to appoligize for referring to Syd as a boy when she is actually a girl!
Sorry,
Julz

Sydney'sMom · 06-01-2005, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julz

I am going to say "No", EVERYONE has to do it. If you aren't there for long periods of time, just correct Syd the same way your fiance does. I really don't want to keep going back to "children", but if the person who is home all day with the children make them behave one way and the other parent comes home at night and lets them do whatever they want, they will probably end up with confused little monsters (I mean that in the nicest way) on their hands. Don't feel bad for sticking to something that doesn't make you feel good for awhile. You will be able to enjoy your dog a lot more if you get him under control. You must be a little nervous with Syd's behavior around others or small children, right? We have to remember that we are AS responsible for them as we are for our children...if they do something wrong...we have to pay the price (emotionally and financially). I would try placing my thumb in his mouth with your other fingers under his jaw and apply a little pressure and say NO, NO in the deep monotone voice. Too many words won't be learned, just mostly 2-3 word commands at first. If he tries to bite you afterward, don't use that method. But if he just tries to get your thumb out of his mouth, it should work for you eventually. Remember, not too much pressure, just enough to irritate him. Let me know how this works for you.
Julz

I will try the thumb thing. She only bites/growls when I (or my fiance) are doing something she doesn't like...for example clipping her toenails. I have been trying something that someone else on here has suggested. When she gets worked up I hold her down on her back and say "no, calm" until she settles. This seems to work momentarily, but as soon as the nail clipping, etc. starts again, so does she. I would love for us both to take her to obedience classes...but I have heard that they only allow one handler anyway. She actually behaves worse for my fiance than me b/c he is more leniant with her (trust me, I've had the "we have to treat her the same" arguement with him many times).

browniesmom622 · 06-01-2005, 07:46 AM

i didnt read all the posts cause there too long and im lazy but time out is great we do it with kayko all the time and it works also he still does the nibbleing like a puppy thanks to my brothers friends anyway i yalp like a hurt dog and he stops works real well good luck

kp&nala · 06-01-2005, 07:54 AM

i'm kinda busy at work so i didn't have time to read everything, but did want to add nala is currently in obedience classes we had our 3rd class last night. it's just the basics of obedience but i have learned that when she want do something I make her do it. we tried and tried forever to "sit" and she just wouldn't do it then the teacher said your going to have to make her and i stopped acting like i was going to break her and she sat!!

klogan · 06-01-2005, 02:24 PM

My dog trainer suggests the time out thing! We just started to do it too when Stomper bites (eventhough it is just play bites) and when he barks. We give him 1-2 warnings...after that, he is in the bathroom for 5 minutes. We sometimes talk loud so he can hear us just to make him jealous. They need to learn!

fasteddie · 06-01-2005, 03:18 PM

Yes, we've done the time out thing a lot (when Yoda was younger) by putting him on a pillow like on the counter. We personally thinks he can associate the time out with bad behavior, though there are some that think dogs can't remember...

chewysmom · 06-01-2005, 03:24 PM

i definitely believe in time out. It works with my son and it works with Chewy. After he comes out he is looking for so much love and is just dying to do things perfectly.

06-01-2005, 05:34 AM	#1
kp&nala Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 972	Time Out, Good or Bad? as some of you know i've posted in the past about how "rowdy" nala is, well it hasn't changed, lol. we've tried alot of things but they don't seem to work. i think one of my biggest problems was getting everyone else in my house trained. nala has gotten to where she get's so wired up that all she wants to do is attack you and i do mean attack she barks, growls and shows her teeth not in a mean way but it isn't acceptable behavior. we use to slightly pop her on the nose (i promise i would never ever "hit" my dog in a mean way, just a simple "tap" or "pop" on the nose to get her attention sometimes that's our only option) but it seemed to make her even more wilder. then i remembered hearing my groomer say never hit a dog b/c their only form of defensive/reaction is to bite. so now i'm wondering if it was me causing the problem all along?? yesterday we started time out. when she got to rowdy and i gave her a couple of chances to calm down and if it didn't work i would put her in the bathroom or my room and shut the door and ignore her for 5-10min. is this "form" of training ok? will it make it worse by shutting her up in a room for 5-10min until she understands? i've tried picking her up and holding her close and talking baby talk or a stern voice but she just wiggles like a wild woman, lol. sorry my post is so long i just want to get some feedback and make sure i'm not making the problem worse.

06-01-2005, 05:44 AM	#2
scrappysmom Mommy's Baby Doo Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: DesMoines ,Ia Posts: 5,318	I dont think giving them time out is a bad thing Im finding myself giving scrappydoo time out also . __________________ mommy to Lizzie, charliegirl Rip Scrappy doo, Rip Sunday.

06-01-2005, 06:16 AM	#4
DiOrGiRLy YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusettes Posts: 547	When Tiny trys to bite we 'pop' him lightly too. We also hold his moth shut and say "No biting", "Bad Boy"! Then I put him in his little dog house and say "Stay! bad boy!". Then after a few minutes I go and get him and say softy "Tiny no biting ok, be a good boy." Also, he is teething so if he continues after time out then I get his bacon cheeseburger edible nylabone and hold it for him to chew. Usually he can also be easily distracted by throwing one of his toys to fetch or his rope to gnaw on. Sorry I do not have any suggestions about the barking and agression. Good luck with your fur baby , I hope some of this may help. __________________ DiOrGiRLy tiny's dogster page Tiny Piccolo Baci's Fotki Album

06-01-2005, 06:57 AM	#6
Sydney'sMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 517	obedience Julz, You suggested obedience training. Syd has some biting/growling issues as well. I have considered obedience training...but with my 2 jobs...I just don't have time to take her. If my fiancé does the training...will she only listen to him?

06-01-2005, 07:07 AM	#7
sophiedog YT Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 496	Rowdy pups Hi. I found the best way to handle and out of control puppy is to put it on the floor and ignore it. Make sure it has plenty of assorted toys and chews. If you are holding it and it can't get back up in your lap on it's own and it starts unacceptable behavior, firmly pick it up - look it in the eyes and say 'no,bad dog' then place it on the floor by itself. Puppies (especially yorkies) adore lap time and it hurts their feelings. If it can get back up then stand up yourself and go do something. We had the same problem with our little Cosie (a chi) she was almost uncontrollable once she started. Now, at 1, she's the best little girl, all we have to do is say no and she immediately stops whatever she's doing. Once they calm, pick them up and give them lots of love and attention, they put it together fairly quick. Cosie will come to us now to 'make up' after being told no. She can't stand to think we are mad or disappointed in her. Deprivation of a lap is a big deal to little dogs, I think, I know it sure is one to me! Hope this helps, I'm not an expert but I tend to get rowdy puppies every time.

06-01-2005, 06:06 AM	#3
Julz Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4,347	How old is Nala? Yorkies want to be the boss, but you have to stay in control. It honestly sounds to me that professional obedience training may be your only option. I only say this because she has numerous behavioral problems. If she is growling now, she probably will bite later if she is still young. I'm not trying to sound negative in any way. That is the odd thing about typing, no one can hear your tone of voice. I had a male Yorkie some time back and thought it was the cutest thing that he would growl if someone tried to take him off of my lap...it's kind of like a very small child swearing, you know its wrong, but for some strange reason it makes you want to laugh....but then if they do it when they get older, it isn't funny at all and you wonder what on earth those parents were thinking to encourage such behavior. Do you know what I'm trying to say? I did end up catching "our" mistake and correcting it while he was still young. My mom has 3 Yorkies, Angel has always been a little on the misbehaving side kind of like yours, but not quite as aggressive. It doesn't bother her to be punished in any way, she just thinks its all part of the game that she has created and that someone was nice enough to join in. Fortunately she is growing out of most of it. I would suggest obedience training, but here is something else you can try...Positive Reinforcement. Instead of trying to punish Nala for doing something bad, get her to do something you want her to and then reward her with a small dog treat (because those can add up very quickly and become too much food for your dog in one day), play ball with her, take her outside for some fun, and tell her what a good girl she is. EVERY time she does something bad, tell her NO, NO in a deep monotone voice. Then as soon as she listens, try the positive reinforcement ideas. This will be very time consuming in the beginning of your new training, but it will definetly pay off. Good luck! I hope this helps and that I didn't run on and on too much. Oh, EVERYONE in the family has to do the exact same thing with her or she will not catch on. Funny thing about Yorkies, they really are very much like children...you can tell them "no" a hundred times, but then as soon as you slip up "one" time, they think it is acceptable and you have to start all over. We do tend to think of them as human, but always, always keep in mind that they are not and really do not understand every single word we say and when they do something wrong it isn't just to irritate us...I personnally don't think they calm down until they are over 1.5 years old. Julz

06-01-2005, 07:08 AM	#8
Julz Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4,347	I am going to say "No", EVERYONE has to do it. If you aren't there for long periods of time, just correct Syd the same way your fiance does. I really don't want to keep going back to "children", but if the person who is home all day with the children make them behave one way and the other parent comes home at night and lets them do whatever they want, they will probably end up with confused little monsters (I mean that in the nicest way) on their hands. Don't feel bad for sticking to something that doesn't make you feel good for awhile. You will be able to enjoy your dog a lot more if you get him under control. You must be a little nervous with Syd's behavior around others or small children, right? We have to remember that we are AS responsible for them as we are for our children...if they do something wrong...we have to pay the price (emotionally and financially). I would try placing my thumb in his mouth with your other fingers under his jaw and apply a little pressure and say NO, NO in the deep monotone voice. Too many words won't be learned, just mostly 2-3 word commands at first. If he tries to bite you afterward, don't use that method. But if he just tries to get your thumb out of his mouth, it should work for you eventually. Remember, not too much pressure, just enough to irritate him. Let me know how this works for you. Julz

06-01-2005, 07:13 AM	#9
Julz Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4,347	Hi Sydney's Mom, I just want to appoligize for referring to Syd as a boy when she is actually a girl! Sorry, Julz

06-01-2005, 07:46 AM	#11
browniesmom622 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ny Posts: 11,253 Blog Entries: 5	i didnt read all the posts cause there too long and im lazy but time out is great we do it with kayko all the time and it works also he still does the nibbleing like a puppy thanks to my brothers friends anyway i yalp like a hurt dog and he stops works real well good luck __________________ We Love our Yt Angel! My Website< > FB page

06-01-2005, 07:54 AM	#12
kp&nala Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 972	i'm kinda busy at work so i didn't have time to read everything, but did want to add nala is currently in obedience classes we had our 3rd class last night. it's just the basics of obedience but i have learned that when she want do something I make her do it. we tried and tried forever to "sit" and she just wouldn't do it then the teacher said your going to have to make her and i stopped acting like i was going to break her and she sat!!

06-01-2005, 02:24 PM	#13
klogan YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 661	My dog trainer suggests the time out thing! We just started to do it too when Stomper bites (eventhough it is just play bites) and when he barks. We give him 1-2 warnings...after that, he is in the bathroom for 5 minutes. We sometimes talk loud so he can hear us just to make him jealous. They need to learn! __________________ Kimberly & Stomper

06-01-2005, 03:18 PM	#14
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	Yes, we've done the time out thing a lot (when Yoda was younger) by putting him on a pillow like on the counter. We personally thinks he can associate the time out with bad behavior, though there are some that think dogs can't remember... __________________ YODA & WINKY R ::: RIP Winky ::: RIP Yoda!

06-01-2005, 03:24 PM	#15
chewysmom My Precious Pup Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,092	i definitely believe in time out. It works with my son and it works with Chewy. After he comes out he is looking for so much love and is just dying to do things perfectly.