Hello,

i'm after some advise on time out, is it okay to use the crate as a time out? We're just looking for somewhere to put him, we were using the dining room but it leads on from the front room and usually has toys in it so his time out is still fun for him. Any advice?

What is it you're hoping to achieve with this 'time out'??? It sounds like 'punishment' which a crate certainly shouldn't be used for. time out is time away from you because puppy is biting, rather than a bare cell perhaps, and should only be for a short time. This is so that the puppy doesn't get into the habit of not actually wanting to be with you and is happier on his own.

Time out can be behind the door for a few seconds, a minute, rather than banishment. A crate and a safe place are where puppy can go to avoid getting into mischief or hurting himself. Or it can just be a turning away from him.

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Penny
Funfastquick Agility Dogs

We don't want to use it as punishment, its in the front room which is where we will be, but if we stand up and ignore him he continues to nip at our heels and jeans. When we put him into the dining room he just goes off happily to play with toys that are in there or to chew the table legs. Removing the toys from the dining room is not an option as the room goes on from the front room into the kitchenso he plays in and out both throughout the day. We just want somewhere that we can put him in for a minute to chill out and bring him out again when he's calmed down as it feels like he doesn't know when he's done bad

I think continuing with the turning and ignoring would be better than anything - or just put him behind a door. A crate isn't a good idea as you actually have to give more attention to the pup. Why not re-direct him to toys or hold him still? With biting I tend to put something in their mouths other than bits of me - play a game with a tug or chew.

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Penny
Funfastquick Agility Dogs