We have a whiny dog, how do we get him to stop whining and barking? He is a black lab/blood hound mix and almost 2 (in January), he was mostly an inside dog due to living in Chicago weather, we are now in San Diego and he's been loving being outside. The downside is there is no fence, so I built a descent sized cage for when we are not around, keeping him inside is not an option now. He is mostly tied up with a long cord where he is able to run all over the back yard where ever he wants. Plenty of shade and toys where he doesn't get bored. There is a big double glass door where he sees us inside, my wife is usually at home and always had time to play with him and take him to the dog park. She was taking mostly online college courses and now has to go to the campus a few times a week.
This is where the whining and barking has begun getting out of control. He goes crazy for hours whenever he is alone. He would only whine whenever he would see another dog because he wanted to play or wanted our attention. Today I came home and found a note on the door from “our several concerned neighborsâ€.
It read:
“Your dog has been barking and whining for hours. Leaving your dog out in the hot sun is down right cruelty. If this situation continues, animal control will be called and you will lose your dog.â€
Ok, the hot sun comment is bull, like I said before there is plenty of shade and was 76 today and his big cage has a cover also. I've even went the extra step and measured the temperature inside the cage at summers peak using an IR gun, it was ambient. The weather has been a lot worse and he did fine. We always leave plenty of water and ice for him to chew on and he is always fed at the same time. So I know that wasn't the problem. The cord nor the cage is a problem for him either and does not whine/bark at those, he usually just wants us to play with him or give him attention. We are working on getting a house with fenced in backyard.
His whining has bothered us but had always got him to stop with a pat on the head or treat. Apparently it is getting out of hand and disturbing the neighbors, now they think we are torturing him.
Ok, long winded but I know how much you guys love animals and felt I needed to explain every detail before you come down on me.
Any advice? We'd hate to give him up for this.
I would suggest contacting a dog trainer/animal behaviorist.
Sounds like he is suffering from separation anxiety. It is a common problem for labs.
Look at it from your dog's stand point:
His home has changed.
The weather has changed.
Change from inside to outside dog.
Sounds like his daily routine has changed as a result of the move. (wife use to be home, now gone more)
The world as he use to know has been turned upside down and he doesn't know why.
Toys and shade are not going to make up for the affection he use to get from your wife.
Does he still go the dog park? Why is it that is no longer an option for him to be inside?
Reinstating some things that were familiar to him, walks, play time, being inside, should help relieve some of his anxiety. Is it possible for him to go to doggy day care on the days your wife has to be at school?
Create a routine and stick to it. His anxiety should start to subside.
too many changes. your dog is crying out for attention. +1 on the behaviorist recommendation. another option is to find a neighborhood kid that loves dog, pay the kid to play with your dog. think of it as "doggy day care". see if you cannot accomodate your dog to be inside more, if possible. does it sleep inside the house at night?
Hopefully Paula will chime in, being an excellent dog trainer, but personally, I'd imagine that you're reinforcing negative behaviour if you give the dog a treat/affection when it whines.
Quote from: someguy on October 07, 2008, 06:01:56 PM
Hopefully Paula will chime in, being an excellent dog trainer, but personally, I'd imagine that you're reinforcing negative behaviour if you give the dog a treat/affection when it whines.
+11ty billion
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736 (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736)
got one of these for the backyard.
our newest rescue would not stop barking, and that just got all the other dogs, including the neighbors dog go'n.
It be quite outside now.
wow, never thought about the changes affecting him. it's been 8 months now, i'd figured he'd be use to it now.
he still goes to the park, for longer time now. keeping him inside is no longer an option due to not having the room and this is my parents house, well- my dads, my mom recently passed away and she didn't want the dog inside, so we are keeping it that way. we did try keeping him in the garage but kept getting at the stuff in there and scratching at the door wanting to go outside. he is definitely happier outside. even sleeping in the garage is uncomfortable for him, its small and it might be too hot.
unfortunately routine will not work for me due to my work, my wife is better at it. i'd figured the treat thing was a bad idea, but my wife is a softie. but she still spends a lot of time with him, even when she is doing schoolwork on her laptop she sits outside with him. i personally think she has him spoiled.
another thing he does that i don't understand is he whines like crazy when he sees a new dog outside of the gate coming into the dog park. once it is in he ignores it, along with all the other dogs already inside. he does his own thing and just runs around by himself sometimes plays a bit with other dogs and definitely peeing at other dogs spots. is that some pack leader thing? we don't see the other dogs doing it.
this is the first dog for both of us, we picked him up from a couple that lost their house in a flood last year.
i think he just hates to be alone and needs more discipline. we'll look into the dog sitter thing. thanks for all the input!
Like others have said, it seems the dog just needs some more attention. Dogs are pack animals and don't do well by themselves. Is he allowed inside when you're home? (sounds like yes) ??? If not, then that is part of the problem.
I also agree that the dog needs a routine, so if it were me I would set up a walk schedule. Walk him every morning before work, then every afternoon when you get home. I'm not sure of his energy level, but at 2 years old and with lab in him I would expect it to be fairly high...although the blood hound may temper that a bit (I'm not too familiar with blood hounds). Because of this I'd suggest that neither walk be shorter than 45 minutes...with one of them being an hour or more. It's a pain at times...but you have good weather year round there (unlike me) and an exercised dog is a happy dog. If he isn't good on a leash, then it's time to train him.
If you can afford it I would also consider getting a dog walker to come by during the day, around lunch, for a 30 minute walk and/or some play time. This makes a huge difference...and you may be able to make your AM walk around 30 minutes then.
I have a 4 y/o lab/pit mix (very high energy), and a 6 y/o Dane (lower energy). This routine has kept both of them happy for the most part. The difference being mine have a dog door and are free to come inside whenever (with limited house space...we block off a couple rooms for them when we're not home). We only did the dog walker until the lab was 3...mainly because she moved, but by then their routine was set and they did OK without the mid day walk.
On the weekends, or days when you have time, a high energy activity would help. I take mine to the dog park and play ball with them...their usually wiped out after that, which helps with their overall mood.
Another option is a dog daycare, which are great for energetic dogs...but also $$$...too much for us to afford on a continued basis.
Basically an exercised dog is a happy dog. It can be a pain, but dog ownership takes some effort as I'm sure you know.
If the barking continues, they make anti-bark collars which spray citronella in the dogs face. I've never had to use one, but they are effective and don't cause pain like the shock bark collars.
Anyway, that's my opinion. Good luck. :)
I wouldn't worry about the outdoor thing and neighbor's threat. If the dog has shelter, water, toys, and can move around freely on the lead, then all should be OK. The lead is a real bummer, but just make sure he has plenty of movement and there isn't a risk of tangling.
Quote from: silvy1200 on October 07, 2008, 08:08:46 PM
we did try keeping him in the garage but kept getting at the stuff in there and scratching at the door wanting to go outside. he is definitely happier outside. even sleeping in the garage is uncomfortable for him, its small and it might be too hot.
Isolating him from everyone at bedtime can cause behavioral problems. Like I said, dogs are pack animals. He can't sleep in your room with you on a dog bed?
Also, sitting with him outside isn't enough. He needs exercise. My dogs get whiney and intrusive if I don't exercise them.
he is always outside, either in the cage or tied up to those in ground screw delios that allow him to move all over without tangling. he isn't allowed inside, he's doesn't even try to get in.
some days he is super energetic and others just really chill, but he is a little moody sucker! he usually wants things his way, obedient in only sit, stay, down and paw. thats it, to him "come here" means run from me.
i'm think the before work/school walks and runs are going to have to be more frequent.
he does come back beat from the dog park and wants to sleep all day after that, but is more energetic at night. i'm thinking routine is the key here.
would getting another dog help or worsen the situation?
Quote from: bobspapa on October 07, 2008, 08:04:29 PM
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736 (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736)
got one of these for the backyard.
our newest rescue would not stop barking, and that just got all the other dogs, including the neighbors dog go'n.
It be quite outside now.
i think i'm going to give that a try for now until we get a routine going! thanks [thumbsup]
Quote from: Triple J on October 07, 2008, 08:17:11 PM
I also agree that the dog needs a routine, so if it were me I would set up a walk schedule. Walk him every morning before work, then every afternoon when you get home. I'm not sure of his energy level, but at 2 years old and with lab in him I would expect it to be fairly high...although the blood hound may temper that a bit (I'm not too familiar with blood hounds). Because of this I'd suggest that neither walk be shorter than 45 minutes...with one of them being an hour or more. It's a pain at times...but you have good weather year round there (unlike me) and an exercised dog is a happy dog. If he isn't good on a leash, then it's time to train him.
+1! Walk your dog lots. Read "Caesar's Way" by Caesar Millan. Great book.
Playing in the dog park is not the same as walking.
Good luck!
Quote from: silvy1200 on October 07, 2008, 05:20:08 PM
We have a whiny dog, how do we get him to stop whining and barking? He is a black lab/blood hound mix and almost 2 (in January),
Good luck on keeping a blood hound or half blood hound quiet. I had a blood and a bassett growing up. Those two together..in town..not good! Especially when the full moon was out!
Leaving your dog in the Hot sun?? 76* [roll] Just a reason to scare you. I lived in AZ for years.
THAT'S HOT SUN!! Yet, people still keep dogs outside there. I don't like it but I have seen dogs survive outside there for years!! My dad's dog is 12 and never been inside.
There are a few things you have to keep in mind. One, even if you dog is two, he has the mentality of about a 24 year old. Now imagine if you would taking a 24 yr old human and made them stay in the confines of a yard. Give a fridge full of beer and some video games and movies. Sure while that might be fun for a bit, it will get old fast. That person is going to want to go out and play with others. People walk by and that person would say something along the lines of:
"Hey come and play with me, I've got beer and video games" (your dog barking for attention.)
So even though it sounds like a good set up to you I bet your dog is getting bored with his surroundings. What can you do about that? Well one it sounds like he needs a lot more exercise. Like someone has mentioned play and going for a walk are different things. Is there anyway you could take him for a run? Might be a good way for you and him to get into shape. If not you could get a dog backpack and put something in it so that when he is walking it's more work. They like the extra work from what I understand, so give him a job. The more tired he is the more mellow he is going to be.
I feel a good routine is also very important thing for a dog. I know you have said that isn't possible, but I bet with a bit of work you could make one. If you can't (this is going to come out much harsher than I mean it) then maybe a dog isn't right for you. As a pet owner it is your responsibility to give than animal what it needs, not just what is convenient for you. I know that when I am in my normal routine my dog does much better than when things get crazy. It's hard to leave work, the party or whatever just to go let the dog out, but as a owner I feel it is my responsibility to do so. Again I'm not judging you as a owner in any way, but I feel it is important to mention this. You happen to have a dog with a rather high energy level with I'm guessing a strong "work" drive. I bet he wants to get out there and take can of things. If you can't meet those requirements maybe there is someone else that can.
Is he fixed? If he isn't not only is it a good way to battle the pet population it may mellow him out just a tad.
Get yourself a few books on dogs. Once you start reading about how they interpret our actions things will start to make more sense. Ceasar's books aren't bad. There are two books written by the Monks of New Skete that are pretty good. I'm reading How Dogs Think by Stanley Coren right now. Read a bunch because people all have different views on how to tackle problems. If you have netfix you can get a bunch of different shows on dogs.
Like with people there are many different things that can make a dog happy. Each one's a bit different and each person's way of dealing with issues is a bit different. Research as much as you can and once you've picked what you feel is the right direction stick with it. It might take a few month if not years to work out the kinks. If you don't have consistency you are wasting your time. Good luck
+1 on the book. Specifically, this one served me well: The Monks of New Skete, The Art of Raising a Puppy. I realize that 2 y.o. isn't exactly a puppy, but it's not far off. It's a light read and really teaches you to view life through the eyes of your dog.
My thoughts:
-That product for the barking dog isn't going to work for a whining dog.
-I have a JRT. I also have a dog walker come on the days I work. Cost me about $180 a month. She (the dog :)) also has access to the fenced backyard, and the house. She likes to hang out in the rising sun in the AM, skulk around the bushes here and there, or sleep in the cool house when it gets hot. Halfway through the day she gets taken out for an hour by the dog walker then she just sleeps until we get home. Tire them out and they don't whine..they snore.
-A second dog might help.
-I would never leave a "working" dog in a cage for an extended period of time. Fence the yard, move, or find the dog a home that is more suited to the breed.
Quote from: r_ciao on October 08, 2008, 11:38:18 AM
It's a light read and really teaches you to view life through the eyes of your dog.
chase cat
sleep
eat cat poop
sleep
bark
bark
sleep
poop
Quote from: hbliam on October 08, 2008, 11:42:00 AM
My thoughts:
-That product for the barking dog isn't going to work for a whining dog.
as a direct result.... yes.... it does not stop the whining, but, now that the barking has ceased, so too has the whining.
(our barking dog.... also was a whinier)
Quote from: bobspapa on October 08, 2008, 11:42:27 AM
chase cat
*snip*
reminds me of:
Excerpts from a Dog's diary:
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 PM - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 PM - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 PM - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Excerpts from a Cat's diary
DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre
little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh
meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only
thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and
the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the
occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat
another house plant.
DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by
weaving around their feet while they were walking
almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the
stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these
vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit
on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.
DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the
headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I
am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their
hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a
good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to
plan.
DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are.
For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture.
This time however it included a burning foamy chemical
called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a
liquid? My only consolation is the piece of thumb
still stuck between my teeth.
DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their
accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the
event. However, I could hear the noise. More
importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to
MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and
how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are
flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely
released and seems more than happy to return. He is
obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has
got to be an informant, and speaks with them
regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due
to his current placement in the metal room his safety
is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of
time......
Looks like you have gotten some excellent advice already. [thumbsup]
Just some additional thoughts.
- Your dog is lonely. They are pack animals. You need to spend time with him.
- Being on a tie-out is stressful for dogs. If other dogs (or other animals) come by, he has no option to keep himself safe. Please re-consider this situation. Could he be in the house in a large crate with someone taking him out for a walk or two during the day while you are gone?
- He needs more physical exercise than playing at the dog park. Runs or walks are great.
- He also needs more mental exercise. Please think about signing up for a basic obedience course with him. You will both benefit greatly, and you will find that the mental exercise will tire him out just as much, if not more, than lots of running.
- My favorite book is Don't Shoot the Dog (http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Dog-Karen-Pryor/dp/1860542387/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223524187&sr=8-10) by Karen Pryor. It's actually not exclusively about dog training, and is not a how-to manual, but it does a wonderful job on explaining behavioral modification and the most effective methods to use.
- Instead of negative reinforcement (the anti-bark ultrasonic thing), I'd recommend looking in ways to reward him at those times when he is being quiet.
- Another way to mentally exercise him and keep him from getting bored is to use a Kong and/or a Buster Cube to feed him while you are gone.
This site (http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/kongstuffing.php) describes how to stuff a Kong, which you can buy at any pet supply store.
- Again, your dog is lonely and wants to be with his pack. Please keep investigating options to bring him inside.
I've had similar problems with my huskies. I have a different take on the problem than most of the above comments. It seems to me there is nothing wrong with what you are presently doing. Your dog needs to adopt to your/his lifestyle. You don't need to hire a dog walker or dog trainer what you need is a no-bark dog collar. I know that some think it is cruel but I disagree. Your dog will very quickly learn not to bark or whine while the collar is on. Here are some examples http://www.petstreetmall.com/bark-collars/ If you can't bring yourself to use a collar you could try the ultra sonic method mentioned above http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736 I had a friend that tried one of those. The dog learned that if he went inside his doghouse the sonic sound was muffled and he continued to bark all day. The dog was a lab mix. I have found that I don't have to use the collar for long and my neighbors now love my dogs almost as much as I do.
Quote from: akmnstr on October 09, 2008, 09:23:25 AM
I've had similar problems with my huskies. I have a different take on the problem than most of the above comments. It seems to me there is nothing wrong with what you are presently doing. Your dog needs to adopt to your/his lifestyle. You don't need to hire a dog walker or dog trainer what you need is a no-bark dog collar. I know that some think it is cruel but I disagree. Your dog will very quickly learn not to bark or whine while the collar is on. Here are some examples http://www.petstreetmall.com/bark-collars/ If you can't bring yourself to use a collar you could try the ultra sonic method mentioned above http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3006736 I had a friend that tried one of those. The dog learned that if he went inside his doghouse the sonic sound was muffled and he continued to bark all day. The dog was a lab mix. I have found that I don't have to use the collar for long and my neighbors now love my dogs almost as much as I do.
You have several dogs which are kept in a pen (easier movement), not on a lead though, right? Also, aren't they Huskies? Those issues make quite a difference.
Quote from: Triple J on October 09, 2008, 10:11:27 AM
You have several dogs which are kept in a pen (easier movement), not on a lead though, right? Also, aren't they Huskies? Those issues make quite a difference.
Yes, what you say is true. My particular Huskies are quiet but most dog yards here are rather noisy places. In the beginning I had just one dog and as a pup he barked a lot at night and kept me awake (he also howled like a wolf, but that is another issue). The collar worked for him and as I added dogs I had to do the same for each of them. My nephew keeps Weimaraners and had neighbors complaining about his barking dogs. The collars worked for him.
Quote from: akmnstr on October 09, 2008, 11:48:08 AM
Yes, what you say is true. My particular Huskies are quiet but most dog yards here are rather noisy places. In the beginning I had just one dog and as a pup he barked a lot at night and kept me awake (he also howled like a wolf, but that is another issue). The collar worked for him and as I added dogs I had to do the same for each of them. My nephew keeps Weimaraners and had neighbors complaining about his barking dogs. The collars worked for him.
I was talking more about the statement that the OP isn't doing anything wrong. I agree the collars are effective. I'd personally try a non-shock one first, but I have no real problem with shock ones if needed. I have a good friend that took very good care of his dogs, but had to use a shock collar to get his lab mix to stop barking constantly...it worked well and the dog survived just fine.
If I remember correctly you do quite a bit of activities with your dogs? Plus there are more than one, so they have their own pack. I just think the OP needs to walk his dog more. Getting a dog, then putting it on a lead outside and forgetting about it, save an ocassional pet or visit, isn't fair to the dog.
Quote from: Triple J on October 09, 2008, 12:02:14 PM
I was talking more about the statement that the OP isn't doing anything wrong. I agree the collars are effective. I'd personally try a non-shock one first, but I have no real problem with shock ones if needed. I have a good friend that took very good care of his dogs, but had to use a shock collar to get his lab mix to stop barking constantly...it worked well and the dog survived just fine.
If I remember correctly you do quite a bit of activities with your dogs? Plus there are more than one, so they have their own pack. I just think the OP needs to walk his dog more. Getting a dog, then putting it on a lead outside and forgetting about it, save an ocassional pet or visit, isn't fair to the dog.
Okay then, we have no argument. The collars will work and I agree dogs do need social contact, exercise, and a pack leader. It does sound like Silvy has other issues that he needs to work on and in my previous posts I was only addressing the barking. Barking is easy to fix. Training the dog and being the pack leader takes some effort and changes in Silvy's behavior.
Quote from: Triple J on October 09, 2008, 12:02:14 PM
I just think the OP needs to walk his dog more. Getting a dog, then putting it on a lead outside and forgetting about it, save an ocassional pet or visit, isn't fair to the dog.
he does go on walks about every day, maybe missing once or twice a week. but does get plenty of excercise. and we don't forget about him, this happens when somebody leaves the house to go to work or school. that is when the he's been bothering the neighbors. either way, looks like we are finally closing escrow within a couple weeks. it will be a different story then, maybe even get him a girlfriend :-*
Kinda weird to ask for advice tailored to your situation when you knew all along the situation would change. :-\ Whatever. [coffee]
Quote from: hbliam on October 09, 2008, 06:22:46 PM
Kinda weird to ask for advice tailored to your situation when you knew all along the situation would change. :-\ Whatever. [coffee]
we didn't know all along, i recently posted another thread about how we were going to fall out of escrow. still a possibility, the lender hasn't 100% confirmed yet.
i still don't think the new house will change his whining or barking, that is what i wanted to know how to make him stop. he is going to remain an outside dog though. thanks for everybodys advice/input! we feel like we understand him a little bit better now.