One problem many Doberman owners share is their frustration and annoyance with the excessive whining. Often owners think this trait is cute when they first bring their puppy home. They soon find it is not so cute when their grown Doberman continues to whine. In some cases the relationship between the owner and his dog may become stressful.

Most reach a stage where they will try anything to stop their dog's constantly whining. The good news is you can train your dog not to whine. The bad news is, if you have waited until your dog is grown and the habit is ingrained, it is going to take a lot of time and patience to break this habit you helped to encourage.

Why Dobermans Whine

There are three basic causes of Doberman whining. Your dog is ill or in pain and the whining is his way of telling you he hurts. He is bored and in need of physical and mental stimulation. You have taught him by your actions that whining will get your attention, and he uses this whining to manipulate you into doing what he wants.

Changing Behavior

The first step in changing your Doberman's behavior is discovering the reason why he is whining. The first thing you should do is visit the Veterinarian for a thorough examination to rule out any health issues. Once he has a clean bill of health, you need to decide if he lacks physical and mental stimulation or if his whining is to gain your undivided attention or both.

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Dobermans are larger dogs and need a great deal of physical exercise to keep them from getting bored. They may require as much as an hour playtime two or three times a day as well as some walks. A well exercised dog should be slightly tired, calm and well behaved in the house. Dobermans, being intelligent dogs, also need to have plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from being bored.

Obedience and other types of training, done on a daily basis, will help to give him the mental stimulation he needs. You may also include puzzle balls among his toys and teach him some simple tricks. This should help reduce his whining.

Changing Manipulative Behavior

If your Doberman is whining to manipulate you into paying attention to him, chances are you have taught him that whining gets your attention. You will have to teach him that whining will not get him the attention he seeks. You and everyone in your home will have to ignore him when he whines unless he is doing so out of a need to relieve himself.

When he whines, ignore him and leave the room. Don't look or speak to him until he stops whining no matter how long it takes. The moment he stops whining pet him. Tell him what a good boy he is and spend a couple of minutes lavishing attention on him. Do this consistently, and he will soon learn that whining will not get your attention.