[RachelkimB]

I have a 16 week old Alaskan malamute, male puppy. Overall he’s a very good puppy, he sleeps in his crate, and will go in on command. Behavior wise in the last few days he has started something new where he is whimpering for what seems like no reason, he is fed, he has been outside, gone potty etc but yet cries... I have been asking myself if he’s over stimulated? Just now I made some lunch, while it cooked I went through his training and played a little with him, I went to sit down and eat and the bad behavior starts, jumping up at me, biting me, whining. I took him off the sofa several times, then gave in and gave him something to chew on this kept him quiet for 20 minutes then he starts again, jumping up, biting so I have put him in his crate now. I don’t like that idea though, that he has to be crated to settle.. maybe it’s okay? He doesn’t whimper once in the crate so I don’t think anything is physically wrong with him. We recently moved so his routine has changed but it’s really like if I’m sitting down or laying in my bed and he’s freely walking around he’s whining and jumping up and biting as before he could just fall asleep on the floor. I’m currently working from home so he doesn’t have much crate time in the day but I have kept some crate time in place say 2-3 hours even if I’m home as that’s what he has when I’m at work. Any advice welcome! Thank you!

 

[Lafluh43]

My understanding is that malamutes are very vocal dogs. Personally I’d try to curb it earlier rather than later, trying to figure out what he wants every time he whines could reinforce the behavior. If all other needs are met I’d ignore it, or give him something to do or as you said, crate him.


The best solution I’ve found for begging, is to get him a bed, put it near by but far enough that he’s not hovering near your food. If he’s in the bed, he gets a treat (while you’re eating) if he’s not in the bed, he gets nothing. The goal here is to have a pup in his bed in a relaxed state, that way you can eat in peace.

 

[steph1]

Hes a puppy. Never use the crate as punishment as that is his safe place. I would just ignore it or like the other person said give him something to occupy his little brain like a kong toy filled with peanut butter (sugar free) [Moderator edit. No! See next post.] These are very smart dogs and working dogs so I would also give him puzzles where he will have to work for his treat.

 

[RonE]

give him something to occupy his little brain like a kong toy filled with peanut butter (sugar free).

Sugar free peanut butter, like sugar free gum, is highly toxic to dogs. It contain xylitol. Even a small amount can be deadly.

Regular peanut butter is safe.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Whining is usually an indication of stress. Stress can be wanting something you have and the dog cannot have, it can be wanting interaction, it can be boredom.. fear.. pain.. the list goes on. Whining and being vocal can also be a genetic trait.

Don't reward the dog ever when the dog is making noise. Only reward when there is silence. Give the dog something to do. I like Whole Milk Plain Yogut stuffed in a Kong and then frozen. That frozen treat can keep a puppy busy for awhile. I also give puppies raw neck bones (not too small) and those can help them to teethe and keep them busy. I also freeze those first.

 

[steph1]

Sorry RonE I guess I did not make myself clear. Peanut butter is full of sugar and I did not mean to replace with a product that contains xylitol, I meant a Peanut butter with no sugar. Let me rephrase-A Peanut butter that is 100% natural with no sugar or sweeteners of any kind added. Thanks for correcting my misuse of words because you are exactly right. A small amount of xylitol can be deadly.