How Can You Stop The Positive Reinforcement
The first thing to do is to stop reacting to the whining. This doesnt mean you shouldnt check on your dog when they whine. After all, it could be due to an illness or injury. Once you have made sure that your dog is fine, walk away without any rewards.
If you follow through on this every time and instruct other family members to do so as well, the whining will lose its appeal. After a while, your German Shepherd will drop the charade altogether.
Your German Shepherd Is Happy
Because the German Shepherd is such a vocal dog breed, you can expect your dog to vocalize in all kinds of situations.
Where another dog might simply relax while being petted, your GSD is as likely to groan or moan as a sign of pleasure.
Unfortunately, you may not have any way of knowing this is why your dog is groaning when you first bring your puppy home.
It can take time before you start to notice that every time you rub your dogs belly, they groan, and then you make that connection.
Can German Shepherds Be Trained Not To Cry
As Orca German Shepherd Dog Rescue charity explains, one key to at least minimize the vocalization of a German Shepherd dog is to be sure to spend enough time with your dog.
The German Shepherd is actually not known to be a barker, but barking will increase if your dog becomes lonely or bored.
In the same way, German Shepherd crying, whimpering and whining can turn from simply attempts to talk to you into pleas for attention, time and affection if not enough of that is readily available.
There is really no way to train your German Shepherd dog to be a different type of dog than the GSD breed is known to be.
But there are some ways to keep the natural vocalizations of your German Shepherd from turning into real problem behaviors of the type that may get you into hot water with neighbors or housemates or even the local community.
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Tips To Reduce Problem Barking In A Dutch Shepherd Dog
As Journey Dog Training points out, there are a number of effective ways to reduce problem barking in a Dutch Shepherd.
The first tip is simply to understand the history and background of the Dutch Shepherd dog breed, a breed with a naturally high prey drive and strong instinct to guard and protect.
The next tip is to engage in lots of exercise and activity so your dog isnt tempted to burn off extra energy by barking.
Another tip is to use games to reward your dog for not barking when something that would normally set them off is presented.
Still another tip is to train your dog to look to you first for a cue rather than acting on their own to decide barking is the right strategy.
Your German Shepherd Just Likes To Be Around You And Wants Attention
You might find your German Shepherds clinginess to be a bit annoying. But, how would you feel if we told you that your German Shepherd wont leave you alone purely because he loves you and craves your attention? After all, a German Shepherd cant have two masters and he has chosen you!
Well, why wouldnt he? Youre the one that feeds him, pets him, cuddles him, takes him for long walks, gets him his favorite toys, and spends hours a week playing with him!
When German Shepherds feel that theyre not getting enough attention, they tend to do whatever it takes to get that attention from you as found in a recent study.
During this study of three dog breeds, researchers found German Shepherds as one of the breeds to have become needier during a feeding experiment. They displayed high levels of human-gazing defined as where a dog looks to its owner for encouragement, comfort, and support, which is connected with dependency and clinginess.
You might find it a little extreme that your German Shepherd wont even give you a few minutes alone, but hes not necessarily doing it to be annoying. He just wants to spend more time with you as thats just his nature.
Tip! Never let your German Shepherd sleep on your bed with you, as this may encourage even more clingy behavior! Heres my thought-proving article on whether you should let your German Shepherd sleep with you.
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Why Does My Puppy Keep Whining
The most obvious reason your dog may be whining is that he needs or wants something from you, like food, water, or a walk. Additionally, if your dog is whining for another walk after you just took him out, this could indicate a bladder problem or a digestive problem.
Do Dutch Shepherds Bark A Lot: An Honest Answer To A Great Question
After listening and watching the short video in the previous section here, you may be understandably concerned that your Dutch Shepherd is going to bark all day and all night!
But there is good news here if you are concerned about barking problems with a Dutch Shepherd.
While these dogs are by no means recommended for inexperienced dog owners or trainers, the issues you may face likely wont revolve around too much barking.
In fact, the Dutch Shepherd isnt known as a barking dog, especially when well trained and socialized by their owners. Instead, they will use vocalizations as they have been trained to do when performing different actions or working specific jobs.
There is one exception to this, however, and that is when a Dutch Shepherd is not well socialized or trained. A neglected, abused, poorly trained or untrained Dutch Shepherd will bark just like any other dog in difficult circumstances.
This is especially the case if a Dutch Shepherd gets bored. Dutch Shepherd dogs are among the most intelligent of all canines and they are working dogs through and through.
If a Dutch Shepherd is allowed to get bored, you can expect your dog to act out by barking, howling, remodeling your homes interior and your yard, escaping from the yard, and possibly becoming aggressive.
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They Are Feeling Anxious
Have you moved to a new city? Have you introduced a new family member? Or have storms been tormenting your place all day? These things can cause stress and anxiety to your pooch, so he may start whining as a coping mechanism. German Shepherds are sensitive dogs and can react to a lot of stimuli. Thus, they tend to whine when something is making them uneasy and anxious.
Teaching Your German Shepherd Hand Targetting
Hand targetting is where you get your german shepherd to focus most of their attention on your hand. Rather than whining. Its most effective in german shepherds that cant control themselves and get excited or scared when they meet new people.
Heres how you should train your dog to hand target.
Step 1
First of all, hold your hand out in front of your german shepherd. Every time they touch their nose to your palm give them a treat.
However, when youre doing this dont say anything. Just keep your palm outstretched to them and let them touch it with their nose.
And make sure you dont bring your hand to them if they arent going for your hand. Instead, try moving it from side to side in front of them.
If they still dont move towards it, then rub a treat on it so they can smell it. That will definitely get them to bring their nose to it.
Give them a treat and congratulate them every time they do this successfully.
Step 2
Once your german shepherd realizes they get a treat every time they touch your hand with their nose, its time to kick it up a notch.
Start putting your hand to the left and right of your dog, or a few inches back. Every time they touch it with their nose, give them another treat.
Do this 20-30 times.
Step 3
Now things are getting interesting. Each time you hold your hand out say a command, like calmly or hello and then proceed to let them touch your hand.
Once again, every time they do this give them the treat to let it sink in.
Step 4
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How To Make A German Shepherd Bark At Strangers
Its a known fact that intruders are less likely to invade a home if there is a dog barking inside. So, if you want to teach your German Shepherd to bark to protect your home, make sure youve taught your dog the basic bark or speak command. Then, ask a friend to come over and make sure your dog sees them coming.
When they see the friend, say your command and reward them when they bark. Make sure you say it in a playful way so that your Shep doesnt think they are a threat, and introduce them afterward to discourage aggression. Keep doing this until your Shep understands the association between barking and people entering your property.
To Please Or Apologize To You:
When your doggy knows he has done something wrong, he will often whine as a way of apologizing. This is most likely to happen when you scold them or catch them performing the action
German Shepherds are willing to do whatever it takes to get back your attention.
Dogs can whine excessively when interacting with people and other dogs, usually while in a submissive posture.
If your doggys tail is tucked, body lowered, head down, gaze averted and he is whining, then he is apologizing for something he has done.
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Your German Shepherd Is Asking For Your Attention
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, which is one of many reasons these dogs are so popular for military, police, service, therapy, and search and rescue work. They learn very quickly!
So it wont take your German Shepherd long at all to learn that making groaning sounds is a fast and easy way to get your attention.
Your dog may be bored or simply want some attention. If groaning will get your pup what they want, you can bet they wont hesitate to do it!
Why German Shepherds Are Not Good Pets
German Shepherds, like any large breed, are prone to canine hip dysplasia, a crippling and potentially fatal disease. Good GSD rescuers will also be aware of such problems, and whether the rescued dog youre considering has shown symptoms of or has been treated for any health issues while with the rescue.
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German Shepherds Are A Lot Of Work
You can get a Shepherd, theyre quite a unique and rewarding breed. Ive never owned a dog this loyal and affectionate. But you need to be prepared for the terrors that occur when you dont keep them busy. These are dogs that have been bred specifically to work for us and theyre amazing at it.
Did I mention the mouthiness? My dog Laika doesnt play too rough anymore but it was quite a process to get her to not bite everything at every given moment. If I yelped as a signal to her that it hurt it would just make her bite harder. It wasnt just biting, she would tackle me. If I pushed her away she would make what I now refer to as the death howl and come back twice as hard. She was quite a challenging puppy. Apparently this is a common behavior among Shepherds, so start with the bite inhibition training early.
If you want a German Shepherd by all means go get one. Theyre amazing creatures, they really are. Older ones especially. Just be prepared if youre getting a puppy Ive never had to deal with anything quite as insane as a Shepherd puppy in my life. Youll also have the added benefit of receiving a loyal bodyguard for life.
Maybe my dog is part Dingo and so I shouldnt be blaming bad behavior on the Shepherd breed. I dont think thats very likely though.
Watch these videos of German Shepherds. Tell me again, do you really want a German Shepherd?
Bark, bark, bark
Bark, bark, bark, play, play, play with me
Did I mention the noises?
One of most intelligent breeds?
Why Do German Shepherd Whine A Lot
German Shepherds are highly intelligent, active, confident, and vocal dogs, they get along with other pets and dogs so well. As Puppy Leaks notes, these dogs can be very loud and vocal using groans, howls, cries, moans, barks, and whines as a way to communicate.
Like a baby crying, German Shepherd whine because something is amiss and it is your responsibility as a parent to pay attention and understand what they are trying to express.
Mostly, the whining is accompanied by some form of expression hence, a keen eye will easily identify what the German Shepherd is trying to say.
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Dogs Also Get Jealous
You love each and every one of your pooches. But sometimes, its impossible to walk them all at the same time.
They are dogs of all sizes. Some small, others big.
So you take them outside one by one. You want to spend quality time with all of them equally.
No more, no less.
Sadly, your German Shepherd doesnt think of it that way.
The moment you take your other dogs outside, your pooch feels betrayed. They whine like crazy, even if they went outside first.
This is because they think that youre giving more attention to the other dogs.
They Need Or Want Something
Typically, if dogs whine because they want or need something, theyll make an effort to let you know exactly what that is.
For example, if they need to go out to potty, they might take their leash, stand by your front door, and whine until you let them out. If their toy is stuck somewhere and they cant get it out themselves, they could take you there and keep whining until you realize the problem and help them out.
Cases like this are normal dog behavior. It is simply a means for your dog to communicate with you. Nothing is wrong with this behavior, but you can also teach your dog alternative behaviors if you prefer.
For example, you can teach your dog to use a potty bell instead of whining whenever they want to be taken out.
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Some Other Fun Noises Your German Shepherd May Make:
Some German Shepherds can very vocal and may make a plethora of different noises and sounds depending on the situation or environment.
They may just talk to you with a bark, growl, grumble, howl, huff, jabber, purr, yell or yodel. They may also sing along to your favorite song in the car. Of course some owners have reported some interesting sounds coming from the mouths of their canine friends.
A couple of owners compared their German Shepherds sounds to a famous Star Wars character:
My big boy makes grumbles like a Wookie from Star Wars.
mine might audition for the part of a Wookie in the next Star Wars series.
Another owner compared their German Shepherd to another popular TV shows character:
When she was happy, our late GSD would make a noise that was kind of a cross between Scooby Doos signature noise and an elk bugling.
How To Stop Excessive Barking In German Shepherds
If your German Shepherd barks too much during play, you can train them to quieten down by stopping the game whenever they start barking. This way, they learn that the fun stops when they start barking.
You can also create a cue to stop certain behaviors by turning away and crossing your arms to show your Shep that you dont like them. If you associate your body language with a command such as all done you can use this to let your dog know when the behavior has to stop.
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Whining As A Way Of Apologizing
If your German Shepherd does something wrong and you scold it, most probably it will start whining as a way of apologizing for whatever wrong it did.
Whining is the German Shepherds way of showing submission and seeking forgiveness. Moreover, the German Shepherd may also employ other body languages to show just how sorry it is.
Wanting To Play Or Go For A Walk
The third reason that your German Shepherd may whine is because they want to play or go for a walk outside. German Shepherds have lots of energy and need their exercise.
If they arent getting enough playtime or walks, they could be telling you this with a bark or a whine.
Your German Shepherds whine could be saying:
Isnt it time for a walk?!
Ive got a really great idea, lets go outside and play frisbee!
Exercise is very important for German Shepherds. It is recommended that they get at least two hours of exercise daily. This can be playing with toys or going for walks outside.
There are also lots of fun games that you can play with your dog to give them some of that much needed exercise to expend their energy.
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How To Make A German Shepherd Bark
To teach your German Shepherd to bark on command, you need to find something that naturally triggers a bark. If you dont know one already, watch them and try to find one. Once you find a trigger, for example, getting their dinner ready, do it and say bark or speak when they bark. Then, reward them. They will quickly make the association and learn the command.