Training Puppies

Lesson 4: Behavior Problems

Whining, Barking

Whining

Just as human babies cry, puppies cry or whine when they need something. It's their way of letting you know they are hungry or cold or need to go potty or even just feeling lonely and wanting to play. Your puppy may whine the first few nights in his new home. Tuck him into his bed or crate near your bed where he can see you so he won’t feel abandoned. Reach down from your bed and pet him or let him cuddle up to your hand so that he feels the warmth and smells your scent. You may provide him with a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel and sometimes a low volume of soft music will soothe lonely puppies. It's best to control whining early so that it does not become a habit.

If your puppy is confined and whining, make sure nothing is wrong and that he is not cold or hot or hungry or thirsty, make sure he doesn't need to go potty, and then do not give in to his whining. If he is whining from loneliness or boredom, you may not be spending enough time playing with him and tiring him out. Allow him to spend lots of time with you in order to feel a part of the family, and then provide chew toys, with your scent on them, to occupy him when he you can't be with him. If he has had several days to settle into your home and if he doesn't stop whining when you tell him, then try squirting him with a squirt bottle. When he stops for even a few seconds, praise him.

Your puppy needs to know that being alone is nothing to get upset about. Show him that when you leave, you always return. First, play with him in the area where he will be left alone so that he's comfortable in that place. Then you can begin by leaving him for five minutes and then ten and so on, until he's comfortable being left alone for longer periods.

And remember that you must be prepared to tolerate a certain amount of whining for awhile. Puppies will occasionally whine just as babies cry.

Excessive Barking
Excessive barking is another habit that is easier prevented than cured. If your puppy barks, allow him two or three barks and praise him. Then if he barks again, tell him “Enough!” Distract him with a treat and praise him when he stops barking. After several seconds, allow him to have the treat. If he barks again, repeat the process, making sure to praise him as soon as he stops. Practice this for awhile, gradually withholding the treat for longer periods until he is quiet for one or two minutes. If you can keep him quiet that long, he will probably forget what he was barking at. Never yell when he is barking as he will believe that you are upset about the same thing he is upset about and are barking along with him. If he doesn’t stop barking when you tell him, “That’s enough!” the use of a squirt bottle with one part vinegar to six parts water may be appropriate. He will not like the taste squirted in his mouth.

If your puppy is barking (or chewing) when he is left alone, he may need a small, secure area with something to occupy his time. Enrichment toys filled with treats that work much like a gumball machine will keep him busy. As they are rolled and tumbled, the occasional treat falls out. He will spend hours playing and concentrating on getting at those treats. Toys with your scent on them are comforting to your puppy and there are some toys available that allow you to record a message to your dog in your own voice. You can also leave the TV or radio on low volume to keep him company and, if he is an outside dog, a digging pit may alleviate boredom. If your puppy spends hours alone, be sure to provide plenty of exercise and play time that he can look forward to spending with you each day.

When he’s old enough, perhaps around 6 months, obedience classes will not only teach him commands but socialize him and help him mature and grow out of many annoying puppy ways.

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