whining puppy

Olive · New member Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

Hi all,

My puppy just began an extremely annoying habit. He's 7 months old and has, since we got him at 3.5 months, played well by himself when we were not playing with him. Then just a few days ago the trouble began. I work from home and he's begun coming into my office, sitting down beside me, and gently but persistently whimpering. At first I was worried and tried all the usually things (walking, water, food if it was time) but it didn't help. Now I just find it very annoying and very distracting. He gets lots of attention when I'm free but how can I tell him that when I'm working at my desk I can't play with him?

thanks for your help
Olive

nern · Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 5042 Location: NY

Just ignore him when he does this....don't even glance at him. Any attention you give him while he is doing this will only encourage him to continue whining. Once he has been completely ingnored several times he should get the idea that whining no longer works to get your attention. You can even practice this while your not trying to work so that he won't break your concentration while you are working.
Best of luck.

4Dogsihave · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:39 pm Post subject:

This might make him worse but maybe not allowing him in that room when you are working. Like I said this may make his whinning worse or it may let him know you are unable to play with him at this time.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

I agree with Nern. Totally ignore him - and whatever you do, do NOT give up and give in!! That is the WORST thing you could do, because you just taught him that persistence pays off and he will keep it up for a VERY long time the next time.

Amazing that they can learn bad habits in one repetition but it takes hundreds for everything else...

Jamiya

Laura05 · Member Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 144 Location: USA

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Your pup is also rapidly approaching the "teenage" months. You should expect him to regress in some of his behavior and test you - just like a human teenager! When you know it is coming, it's not so much of a shock and you can nip it in the bud when you see it starting to happen.

Jamiya