Can't stop the whining!

[Scout182]

I brought home our new eight week old Australian Shephard this last weekend and I haven't slept since. He's the biggest whiner I've ever encountered in a puppy.

My husband and I work during the day, so the past few days I've been trying to get him use to being confined to our downstairs bathroom with a babygate. I put his crate in there with ample toys, food and water. The problem is, I can't get him to stop whining when he's confined. I started by sitting by the gate to assure him and then slowly getting farther away, but that didn't work. I tried taking him to go potty and then wearing him out, but that also didn't work.

I live in a townhome, so I can't let his high pitched yelping go on and on or else my neighbors are going to start complaining. Any ideas on getting the whining to stop?

[Rottweilerlvr]

And let me guess? Whenever he starts crying you are right back there at the bathroom assuring him everything is going to be okay? Right... Ignore him... He's training you that whenever he cries you come running...

[SmoothCollieluver]

agreed. You are probably giving him too much space as well. Also you can try putting a ticking clock in there some times that helps to reassure pups.

[Scout182]

And let me guess? Whenever he starts crying you are right back there at the bathroom assuring him everything is going to be okay? Right... Ignore him... He's training you that whenever he cries you come running...

I actually don't come running at all. I know all the books say to just ignore it, but his howl is so high pitched and carries.

[trainingtrixie]

The ticking clock sometimes works, but I found leaving the TV on helped Trixie in the beginning when I had to leave her alone. (I used to live in a duplex) And after one day of her carrying on, I took my mom's suggestion, and they said she was pretty quiet all day. Only a few whimpers, and eventually silence! I forgot I used to do that! Guess it's because I hardly leave her ;) I'd leave the TV on. My mom still leaves the TV on for Shelby when she leaves. Always on Animal Planet or NGC! hehehe

[StarfishSaving]

Whining is a symptom of anxiety in dogs, and in young dogs is usually also an indicator of pent up energy. I would suggest doing everything you can to tire him out mentally and physically(safely for the puppy's growing bones, of course) and do it in the morning and when you get home from work. Training, fetch, a walk, a play date at the park, whatever you can do to keep him occupied and wear him out! It will really help.

And even if you're not a Cesar fan, I truly do believe Exercise is the most important thing we can do for our canine companions.

[Rottweilerlvr]

I actually don't come running at all. I know all the books say to just ignore it, but his howl is so high pitched and carries.

I crate my fosters... I have 2 10 month old female fosters right now who have never been taught anything a day in their life until they met me... I didn't get NO sleep the first night they were crated because they cried, and cried, barked, barked, howled, and howled, and then did it all over again... I put headphones on, and I ignored... They didn't see me until they were quiet for at least 30 minutes and then I took them on a long walk, feed and watered them, and started the whole process over again... They get it, you just have to be firm in your beliefs... BTW, I live in a apartment... If I can do it in a apartment, you can do it in a townhome...