06/18/2024
Let’s talk about behavioral modification methods.
The Use Of Consequences As An Effective Teaching Method For Dogs (Negative Punishment)
How to effectively utilize consequences involves letting the learner, figure out how to get what he wants, when we set consistent criteria.
If your dog is behaving in an unacceptable way it is permissible to use a time out (consequence) to help them learn that they need to change their behavior. Containment, by crate or exercise pen, or the the use of tethering are some options. Some people think using the crate as a time out their dogs will not go in the crate, I have not found that to be true. Think of it as being sent to your room, as a child, to think about it. You are going to be firm and fair with the rules that will earn him the ability to be free.
Say your puppy is really being mouthy, and will not stop jumping and grabbing at you after you’ve tried to distract him with a toy. You can first try to interrupt this behavior by asking him for an incompatible behavior, such as a sit. If he isn't complying with your request the next step is to implement the use of a consequence. In this case we are going to use containment to keep him from practicing further mouthy and jumping behaviors. We put him in the crate, saying “in crate” and walk away, leaving him in for one minute. Do not look at him or engage with him during this time. If he is quiet, and only then, will we return to crate and ask for a “sit”. If he complies we will open the door and invite him back out. If he continues the behavior he was previously practicing (or any unacceptable behavior), he will immediately be returned to the “crate”. The next time out will be 2 minutes in length. Same rules as before: Do not look at him or engage with him during this time. If he is quiet, and complies with a sit, we will open the door and invite him back out. If he has changed his behavior he will not be returned. If not, he will receive a 3 minute time out with the same protocol on earning his way out of the crate. After 3 tries, it’s like baseball, you are out, and he will remain in the crate for 30 minutes to think about things and give his people a break. Once this consequence has been practiced enough, you will be able to offer him the option of “do you want to go in your crate?”, to challenge him to change his unacceptable behavior, before having to implement the full consequence.
The containment consequence can be used for many things. At times it might involve being made to come back "in the house" for too much barking out side. If he's quiet a minute, he gets invited to go back out. Having him on a leash at this time is helpful as you can quickly catch him up to bring him back "in the house", if he continues his unacceptable behavior. Using again the sequence of consequences of 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 3rd time you are out for 30 minutes.
You can also use a consequence of removal of the good things. Regarding your dog jumping up and grabbing things from you, waiting until he offers a sit to get the item is an effective plan. If he doesn’t sit, and continues to jump for the item, the item goes away (consequence). In a minute try again, if he sits, reward him with the item by either tossing, and saying "go get it!", or using the word “take” to teach him he may put it in his mouth. This same plan works for dogs jumping to get petted. Jumping gets nothing, (consequence) only 4 paws on the floor does.
Our dogs are smart and the consequence method is extremely effective if used properly and consistently. No monkey business is allowed, and we are clear, consistent and fair about our use of consequences implementing them immediately.
Using consequences helps him learn to make better choices and view us as a benevolent and effective leader.
