I have a healthy, super active 4 year old GSP and need help breaking a bad habit that we've developed together. Every morning, Koa wakes me up by sitting next to my bed and whining - waiting for me to get up and take her for her morning exercise and breakfast. Because I live with roommates, I've gotten in the (bad) habit of getting up immediately, so that Koa's whining will not annoy the rest of the house. We're at the point where, on days that I don't get up early enough for her liking or have a guest, I can't get her to STOP whining. Putting her outside my bedroom door isn't an option; she lays by the closed door and whines - waking up my next door roommate. I can't continue to let this behavior happen (the entire house and my boyfriend agree that the dog's whims are taking over everyone' s morning peace), but would love some suggestions on curbing it. Thanks for your thoughts!

Sounds like you've trained her that whining is the way to wake you up!

I think you have to go cold turkey; ignore the whining until she stops (which will happen eventually). Just warn your roommates of your plans, so they can prepare for the bad morning.

If you give in after 10 minutes, she'll learn that it takes 10 minutes of whining for success.

I think ignoring is the only way you can deal with this.

Well, you have reinforced the bad behavior by doing what she wants when she whines.  Now whining  = I get what I want in the morning.  You now have your work cut out for you.  You should no longer respond to the whining, but only to the quiet behavior.  It is going to take you Herculean effort ot get to where you want to be.  Hopefully your housemates will also be patient.  I would totally ignore the behavior, but as soon as she is quiet, even for a few seconds, reward her.  Gradually increase the time before the reward.  I will warn you, this will probably take several weeks to get to where you want to be.  It will take longer if you give in and give her what she wants at any time.  This probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but if you want peace in the morning you will have to be strong.  By the way, fusing at the dog is also reinforcement.  Good luck!  Maybe some other folks will have some suggestions too.

You won't like this answer but here goes...
 

You have a well trained, well mannered, well house broken dog.

You can ignore her and then start dealing with the result.  A dog that is no longer well mannered or house broken and you'll have to start cleaning up "accidents" and most likely replacing things she tears up.

You have a RESPONSIBILITY as an owner to take care of your dogs needs.  She's not a piece of furniture.

You are just like a parent now with a 2yo child.  No matter what else is going on in your life, you have a responsibility to take care of the dog, just as you would a child.

The boy friend will probalby be gone in six months or less and you'll still have the dog.

If the guy isn't a "dog person" at some point if he stays in your life you'll end up with a choice between her and the dog.

Think long and hard about your responsibilities and how much you value your dog vs how much you'd rather play with your friends.

I'm sorry, but I agree with WildRose; shorthairs are whiners; "opera singers" is great terminology!  It drives me absolutely nuts!  I mean NUTS!  A itty bitty whine, is fine, but continual, non-stop, attention getting whining is just like someone may as well put a gun to my head!  If the silent act will work, by all means go for it.  In my experience, never really worked for me.  Crating them mainly isolates them and the whining will now become more demanding and high pitched maybe with some foot stomping too, then if they get really wound up, chirping, howeling, and all out barking!  It is behavioral.  If you can switch to quiet, good luck.  I've never been able to stop a whiner, and not even a bark collar works unless they get to all out barking.  I don't mind a "talker", but a whiner?  urghhhh.

deleted by pixie bee




 

None of my three are whiners.  The only two things that get them talking: 1) Squirrels, especially when the squirrel sits just out of reach and teases them.  That squirrel is not long for the world though, because as soon as he lets his guard down guaranteed all that GSP frustration will be directed at Mr. Squirrel.  2) One of my dogs gets a favorite toy (this is usually Belle) and she doesn't really want it, but doesn't want Halo or Ringo to have it.  Halo and Ringo start the barking.  I usually pick up the toy and put it up.  Problem solved.

Other than that they alert to strangers in the yard or a knock or doorbell at the front door, but calm right down when I tell them I have it under control.

I guess I am lucky.  I will say though that when they are little and whine at night for the first couple of nights they get cuddled by mom.  After they are more secure they have all been happy with a blanket and toy snuggled in their crate.  Ringo has continued the sleeping in the crate even though he doesn't have to anymore.  The girls sleep on their beds or the sofa in the family room. 

In the morning I beat them to the wakeup most mornings and put them out, fix their breakfast and then out one more time.  When they come in (all this usually takes 15 - 20 minutes) they are ready to crash again until around 9 or 10 am, so we all get to go back to sleep.  Works great and prevents them from trying to get me up in the AM.  Of course, if they try to get me up before 5 AM when I feed them, they are told to go back to bed, and they do.

Original poster:
 

WildRose:
 

Hold your horses, please!

At this point, I would like the original poster to clarify a bit what she meant with the above referenced quote.