How to Stop a Great Dane Whining
Great Danes may be the Apollo of all dog breeds for its great size but that does not necessarily mean that they will not whine at their masters. Just like in other dogs, their whining can be for many reasons.
On one hand, they may want something that you have but since you are the alpha dog, they are unwilling to break ranks with the existing pack hierarchy. Thus, your Great Dane will whine to get whatever food is on your hand so that it can be his to wolf down. On the other hand, they may want to go wherever it is that you are and they are not. For example, the high fence can prevent them from getting outside where you are tending to the garden.
Regardless of the reason behind the whining habit of your Great Dane, you must put a stop to it. Keep in mind, however, that you should only do so using the gentle but firm methods. The gentle giants of the animal world deserve no less.
Get Him Used to Your Absence
Great Danes are probably one of the most sensitive of animals. They can also suffer from separation anxiety from their masters and will express it through growling, among other signs. In this case, the best step is to get him used to your absence no matter how short and temporary it may be. You may ask a certified dog trainer how to achieve such a goal especially as dogs can become very attached to their owners.
Provide Toys and Food
Your Great Dane may just be bored with his own company and, hence, will whine to express his discontentment in life. You are lucky if it is whining only as boredom can also lead to other behavioral problems like chewing on the furniture and digging up the whole yard. To counteract boredom, you should provide the right kinds of toys and food. You may even use eatable treats just to pamper your Great Dane a little. These items should keep your pet occupied for longer periods of time and, hence, prevent the whining habit from sinking into the dog’s psyche.
Spend Time
More often than not, whining for a Great Dane is a call for attention – your attention, to be exact. You may have been neglecting him, no thanks to your busy lifestyle. So, on goes the whining whenever you are within earshot. Well, this time, the logical step is to spend more time with your Great Dane. You should show your love and care during these times, which can be spent either in active play or in quieter activities.
Take note that Great Dane puppies should not be made to engage in rambunctious play. Since they grow so big so fast, they are prone to injuries to the joints and, hence, are not suitable for very active play.
You should consider consulting an experienced dog trainer for advice on this matter. After all, you only want the best for your Great Dane and the experience of a dog trainer will go a long way towards understanding your beloved giant dog.