[hernameisblue]

My 6-month-old puppy has become whinier than usual. She’ll whine when she’s bored, wants to play, and wants to go outside. I know it’s not because I’m not giving her enough attention. She goes with me everywhere, whether it’s grocery shopping or just hanging out in new parks since we both like to explore. I take her to cafes, restaurants, bars, small music venues, everywhere, so it’s not that she isn’t mentally stimulated enough. She goes to the dog park and has a blast every two days. I’ve been taking her out since she was a baby so she’s accustomed to having this life where she’s always outside and engaging in new things. Then she’ll come home and pass out. I live in a real dog-friendly city so I’ve been able to do this. I also play with her and her toys a lot, which I enjoy, but sometimes I just don't want to engage. Lately, when I just want to stay at home for a few hours or have to work on my stuff and plan to give her a walk later, she will whine out of boredom. And I'm with her 24/7) and she starts whining. I used to give her attention when she whined in the past because it was usually when she needed something. I’m wondering if it’s because I removed the bell system to go potty and now she has to talk to me to go outside, so she knows whining gets her attention. Sometimes she’ll whine by the door and I take her out because I give her the benefit of the doubt but she’ll just want to go outside. it's only 10 in the morning and she's being whiny. as of now, I’ve given her another bully stick so she’s keeping herself occupied while I'm just trying to get some peace for a few hours. Is it not normal for dogs to be okay with staying at home for a few hours? And not being engaged the whole time?

 

[Lillith]

Sometimes dogs, especially puppies and young adults, need to learn that they will not be doing something 100% of the time. The whining is normal, but annoying, I know. Because she has got attention before by whining, she's thinking that it will work again. I had a whiner/demand barker, and the only thing that worked was completely ignoring him when I couldn't engage. If the whining bothers you, I would suggest ear plugs so you can hold out.

Also, it is a good idea to reward dogs for chilling out. If you notice she's chilling on her bed and leaving you in peace, quietly drop a treat near her, but don't otherwise engage. This teaches them that not doing anything can be rewarding, too. Here is a great video I liked by Kikopup about Capturing Calmness.

Dogs are absolutely fine having to stay home. Many do it for an entire work day, alone. And dogs absolutely do not have to be engaged 100% of the time. Don't feel like you have to spend her entire life entertaining her! This is just a phase where she's learning what works to get her what she wants, and it can be infuriating, haha!

 

[LeoRose]

Is she intact? If so, she could be coming into season. Bitches can be clingier and whinier when in season.

 

[hernameisblue]

Is she intact? If so, she could be coming into season. Bitches can be clingier and whinier when in season.

She's went through her first heat already, and man she was whiny but back then i was able to understand where she was coming from. she's back to normal now, just whiny.

 

[hernameisblue]

Sometimes dogs, especially puppies and young adults, need to learn that they will not be doing something 100% of the time. The whining is normal, but annoying, I know. Because she has got attention before by whining, she's thinking that it will work again. I had a whiner/demand barker, and the only thing that worked was completely ignoring him when I couldn't engage. If the whining bothers you, I would suggest ear plugs so you can hold out.

Also, it is a good idea to reward dogs for chilling out. If you notice she's chilling on her bed and leaving you in peace, quietly drop a treat near her, but don't otherwise engage. This teaches them that not doing anything can be rewarding, too. Here is a great video I liked by Kikopup about Capturing Calmness.

Dogs are absolutely fine having to stay home. Many do it for an entire work day, alone. And dogs absolutely do not have to be engaged 100% of the time. Don't feel like you have to spend her entire life entertaining her! This is just a phase where she's learning what works to get her what she wants, and it can be infuriating, haha!

thanks for the advice!