Whining
Also I feel that if she whines and then I go in to see her I'm only encouraging that behaviour. Any tips for how to get her used to being on her own for a hour or two? Thanks! |
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| You are right - if she whines and you respond, you just rewarded and reinforced the behavior. Catch her being quiet and go see her. Lots of hugs and attention. Even as adults, mine know if they are crated and whine, they don't get let out. Quiet dogs get let out! Our 12 year old foster is having a REAL hard time w/ this - apparently he whined or barked and got his way before.....  And it may be an uphill battle with him - 11 1/2 years of a behavior is a LOT to cancel out! We are down to not barking, only quieter whines after 6 months - so not too bad.  Give her plety of things to keep her busy alone. Start w/ short periods, then increase. After she has played or had exercise is a good time to start this - as she will be more tired and content, more likely to relax and nap or play quietly. And by all means try and go to her and reward her BEFORE she starts barking - that is the best way to make progress! If she does bark or whine, and you know all her needs are met, you can let her figure it out. They need to learn to settle and relax on their own (just like a human child), and be content with their own company.  |
| I think it's just a part of puppyhood. Remember, your puppy spent the first few weeks with siblings and mom, now your puppy is in a new environment with you. Asterisk was very, very whiny and super clingy as a puppy. So much so, that once I closed the office door just to get a few minutes to myself on the computer. Asterisk was crying and pawing at the door. She sounded like she was being stabbed! I opened the door and my poor puppy had wet the floor because she was so upset. I remember her being more clingy when she was younger. Now that she is nearly two, she just follows me around but doesn't necessarily have to be touching me. Bumble will grow out of the whiny phase, she's still just a baby after all. Besides, you are her shepherd, it's her job to know where you are. |
| As Erin said - they are separated from their puppy family now. Mine are lucky, they are joining another established and stable group of dogs. That is so much less stressful for a puppy leaving home. They still need to learn to be alone at times and be happy - so even with other dogs in the home, it is important that they learn how to be content by themselves. If you are a previously dogless home, your puppy is really lost! No siblings, strange environment, no other dogs to hang out with - quite the shock. Bonding with you is good, but you need to still set the limits you want for your dog for the future. Mix up time together, time alone and do it so that there is trust. Nothing worse than a neurotic grown dog who has little coping skills and separation anxiety or something similar, because they didn't get a good start in your home.  |
| Thanks for the advice guys! I'm all cuddles at the minute, I don't mind it one bit! It's just I know that I have to be out for 4 hours twice a week in about 5 weeks so I'm hoping to have her wheened off my company a little. In good news I left her asleep today to go and do some grocery shopping and when I came back she was awake but was really chilled out, so she must have been okay with me being gone for an hour or so which is brilliant for her age. She got a knuckle bone for being such a good girl and doesn't even want to cuddle now! |
| Ps: I'm taking her back home soon to see my mum who has two six year old dogs and a much bigger garden than me! So hopefully she'll enjoy that and maybe get used to being away from me a little bit more under Arwen and Merry's supervision. |
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