Introduction
Whining
can be annoying whether or not it's a child or a
dog! Some people do choose to allow a dog to whine
at the door and ask to go outside to eliminate. Make
sure that whining only works when it is in your best
interest such as the dog reminding you that it has
been all day and you have forgotten to provide a pit
stop. If you allow your dog to whine at the door,
make sure this does not turn in to the way your dog
Instructions you to get up, to let them out, any time
they feel like a change of scenery!
If
your dog is whining for
unexplained reasons it is
best to have your dog
thoroughly examined and
tested by a veterinarian to
rule out physical pain or
medical danger.
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Unintentional reinforcement
of excess
whining
Once it has been determined that
there is not a valid reason for the whining (that
is, the dog is not in pain, danger, or needs to do
outside to eliminate), the whining should be
passively ignored.
No attention is more effective than negative
attention!
If your dog whines, turn your back and walk
away. Do NOT punish or scold
whining because it usually makes it worse. Whining
is considered an anxiety-related behavior.
Therefore, any punishment, including scolding,
increases anxiety which increased the whining. It
is better to passively ignore it or simply move away
from the dog.
As soon as the
dog is quiet, call him or her to
you, and then praise the
response to the "come" and
"quiet" requests.
If you cater
to the dog, talk to him or her
and give attention to the
whining, it will increase. This
is the natural law of positive
reinforcement.
Dogs often learn
exactly what pitch and intensity
to whine in order to coerce
humans to do their will. This is
unhealthy, undesirable, and
unpleasant for guests and owners
alike.
Make good things happen when
your dog is NOT whining such
as play, toys and treats.
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