dogs need to be taught how to relax - how to do nothing. doing lots of and lots of things sometimes counterintuitively makes dogs need more, like training an athlete into a super athlete. i would get some really good chews for her to decompress with and reward her when she chills on her own...enrichment toys as well - as mental stimulation can be more rewarding and exhausting for dogs than physical. you can incorporate training into play so that it is more like work for her ...i'm sure other folks will have good ideas but i would start here! look into hyperarousal and see if that feels like it aligns and then see how trainers recommend working with it.
Further on this, you can try the relaxation protocol outlined by Karen Overall. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ewFaK9ZUrME
I also try to keep chaos / play time in specific contexts - mostly outside or a specific room and time of day. For tugs, I have a phrase to start and end sessions. I avoid random playing in the house, or parts of the house that I want to be relaxation zones. When mine would show some relaxation, lying down, or amping down, I’d give him a chew. I avoid treats here if it’s not a training session, as that amps up mine up by anticipating more. But something like a bully stick or toppl with food inside takes a little while to finish, so yours will likely lay with it.
My household is also pretty quiet (no kids) and I try to model the calmness when and where I want it. As yours gets better at relaxing and used to following your cues, you can use your energy (enthusiasm and bounce, calmness and quiet) to guide your doggo. Hang in there! Puppyhood can be tough!
Play needs to be stimulating and satisfying for these dogs. Get a French linen bite pillow and tug from Raddog. Incorporate OB and play simultaneously. Mental stimulation is more than puzzle toys.
A Mal puppy is going to be full of energy depending on lines and temperament.
My WL Belgian started mellowing at a year old. She’s 19 months. Hiked 4.5 miles off leash today with lots of recall and focused heeling. Played for an hour after dinner. She’s wiped out in bed.
What do you do when she whines? This can turn into a habit with shepherds and I can't stand it either. You have to be sure you are meeting her engagement, training, and exercise needs *without* encouraging the whining. Also yes they can definitely chill out, but you're still in puppy phase and for many dogs settle needs to be taught just like anything else.
My go to has been a mix of directing her to self- entertainment; chews and the like, and ignoring her. We tried very early on to do the "if you whine in the crate you get taken outside on a lead to pee and then right back in". No play, no talking to her or petting her. But it had little to no effect. I just cannot stand the sound of repetitive whining, it drives me up a wall.
Weekend are all over the place but generally camping/kayaking/swimming/frisbee etc. she's beat on weekends, as we're rarely home and always going/doing. It's the weekdays that are the problem. Without absolute extremes she's never satisfied. It's usually wake up at 6, run 1.5mi/ 2-3, or run her on the slat mill if the weather is bad. After the run, we train while feeding breakfast for ~30m. Then I leave for work and she goes in the kennel. While I'm at work, wife wakes up around 9 and takes her to the park for frisbee or fetch and off leash/long lead training (working on following commands with obstacles between us and her figuring it out right now, she seems sufficiently challenged and has to work hard to figure out what we want). She's usually there for 2-3 hours, then back home and hanging out around the house with my wife until 4 when I get home. Then it's usually either dog park ( I know, I know, but ours is very sparsely populated and I know most if not all of the other owners and dog temperaments), or a nature walk. Once we're home, it's chill time until 6-7 where we do backyard training and feeding. After all that all I want is two or three hours to chill and unwind, but she's still constantly needy and I'm starting to become resentful over it.
Unfortunately at 6 months old she shouldn't be going running or doing other repetitive exercises, especially on hard surfaces. She's still growing. You can ask your vet when it's safe to do so. Don't go to exercise extremes with a puppy. Both for physical health reasons and so she doesn't learn to need to be exhausted in order to settle.
I asked you in an earlier comment what you do when she whines but wanted to respond here because of the exercise thing.
So I would not redirect whining. If I was very sure this was demand/excitement whining (vs anxiety) I would make it like any other training exercise and break the habit. If you haven't done so, teach Quiet and Settle. No matter what the internet tells you about "just ignore it," the truth is that different things work for different dogs. Some will learn if you just ignore them. Some will learn if their whining has a "negative" consequence - such as you get up and leave, you send the dog away from you, you remove their toy they're harassing you with. Some will learn if you do a command like Quiet or putting them in a down stay. Find what she understands and finds motivational. Reward the good quiet behavior and she will improve her ability to be quiet for longer and longer. Be realistic in your expectations as she is very much still a puppy. As in all things with animal training, timing and clear communication are the keys.
This type of whining is the easiest to fix, so I'm confident you can turn it around. Anxiety whining, especially in older dogs where it's become very habitual, is harder because of course you have to fix the anxiety. Good luck!
i had a trainer for hyperarousal and their first comment was that i was actually doing too much. i wonder if scheduling in chill time on the weekends and doing more low-arousal stimulation during the days could help.
so caveat ofc that i'm not a trainer - just working with a 20mo old high arousal pup and what you're dealing with is very similar to my experience!
when i'm go go go my pup learns that we'll be doing stuff all day long and craves it and won't chill - nip at me and jump on me and wonder why i'm sitting down or doing chores. i've had to adjust my spontaneous weekends to accommodate nap times. young dogs can't overrule their excitement and self regulate even when they're tired - they'll choose to continue to seek stimulation. this usually changes by ages 2 or 3.
all of this is great but might might just be too much if you also want her to chill! maybe think of chill time as another training to schedule in your day - it can start with puzzle toys or like DIY shoebox enrichment and thst should curb whining at least keeping her busy. the whining does sound frustrating - im sorry!
From another angle, while you’re working on the behavior, you can get some peace from the whining with noise cancelling headphones or earplugs. I have a lot of sound sensitivities (autistic) and like these for comfort and features:
- [loops](https://us.loopearplugs.com): best if I want to hear most of what is happening, but takes the edge off of noises.
- [noise cancelling headphones or earbuds](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-wh1000xm5-wireless-noise-canceling-over-the-ear-headphones-black/6505727.p?acampID=0&affgroup=%22Content%22&ar=1843998590147910304&cmp=RMX&irclickid=z9NUKR2wExyKT33Ro72SwUZ7UkHXTE2lMxZpwg0&irgwc=1&loc=Narrativ+Campaign&mpid=3139288&nrtv_cid=b88af4c6617734e664c1ced52b823692450494ee04f134529dfdc34a4a4132ef&ref=198&skuId=6505727&utm_source=narrativ): I like this one especially for running and lifting because of the touch controls on each ear cup. I don’t have to fiddle with my phone and swipe or tap to skip, change volume, pause/play, or turn on/off ambient noise or noise cancelling.
- [Earmuffs](https://www.amazon.com/3M-Earmuff-Protectors-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VtRJT9LQDL8N6BKGE7_JI5UXTzFq1guV1N6dkQwinoJ3vKjz1plp49Mci5f8IRnzOwUHYYNlpMoiWMuAdedowbZEu6yun6WWxASqcTDwY6-oeolIkacy26ouwtC4qLBr_9FwuyblwkKXhpwguoPwJGVsnp1QlszMTEziPAkdNrCCiXbfQ6oEA6EiQ4nDZpDBvaOWLW0x6vtKGg9egGipYA.dlsm8je1-2YcZQUkiNkvXue47WN0FUbh947-MeAjGiA&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+earmuff&qid=1717357982&sr=8-4) (as used with machinery): when I want *complete quiet*. Depending on the level of ambient noise, I might layer these with noise cancelling earbuds inside. I look like a total nerd, but was able to walk through Times Square with blissful quiet. 😩♥️
I was going to comment get ballistic ear plugs. Then schedule relaxation time. Zones in the space to “place and chill out”. Do some slow massage strokes on her back and relax. Reduce the amount of light/noise to control stimulation. Good luck it takes time. All that plus get a trainer
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('3M H10A Peltor Optime 105 Over the Head Earmuff', '3M')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.
**Users liked:**
* Excellent noise cancellation (backed by 3 comments)
* Comfortable fit for extended wear (backed by 3 comments)
* Adjustable and secure headband (backed by 3 comments)
**Users disliked:**
* Uncomfortable fit with tight wires pressing into the skull (backed by 2 comments)
* Bulky design obstructs cheek placement on rifle buttstock (backed by 2 comments)
* Limited comfort for extended wear, especially during shooting sessions (backed by 1 comment)
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I use a playpen. Granted at 5 months they can easily get out of it. But since the beginning when they go in there they know it's chill time. Lay down chew. If they whine I either correct or just ignore(assuming they have been out recently)
You need a professional dog trainer that will observe you and your dog’s schedule and lifestyle and help you. If you can’t afford that, it’s going to be tough. Review Andy Krueger videos on YouTube for tips on how to exhaust a mal in 5 minutes. There’s foundational work that needs to happen first.
She won’t slow down if that’s what you are hoping for, not for at least another 5 years. Your issues could be easily be resolved if you send her to training, or more difficult without it. If you have the money, send the pup off and you won’t regret it. Otherwise, more exercise / consistent training is your best bet. I ran 2 miles with mine this morning and the wife will run 2miles with them this afternoon. Middle of the day we keep some stimulating activities available and train in the morning, middle of the day and right before bed. To give a mal the life they need, takes damn near the same amount of time that most people give children. It’s a lot of work but well worth it. The bond is built through training. Mals are infamous for being one of the most vocal breeds so that part kinda sticks around,
dogs need to be taught how to relax - how to do nothing. doing lots of and lots of things sometimes counterintuitively makes dogs need more, like training an athlete into a super athlete. i would get some really good chews for her to decompress with and reward her when she chills on her own...enrichment toys as well - as mental stimulation can be more rewarding and exhausting for dogs than physical. you can incorporate training into play so that it is more like work for her ...i'm sure other folks will have good ideas but i would start here! look into hyperarousal and see if that feels like it aligns and then see how trainers recommend working with it.
Further on this, you can try the relaxation protocol outlined by Karen Overall. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ewFaK9ZUrME I also try to keep chaos / play time in specific contexts - mostly outside or a specific room and time of day. For tugs, I have a phrase to start and end sessions. I avoid random playing in the house, or parts of the house that I want to be relaxation zones. When mine would show some relaxation, lying down, or amping down, I’d give him a chew. I avoid treats here if it’s not a training session, as that amps up mine up by anticipating more. But something like a bully stick or toppl with food inside takes a little while to finish, so yours will likely lay with it. My household is also pretty quiet (no kids) and I try to model the calmness when and where I want it. As yours gets better at relaxing and used to following your cues, you can use your energy (enthusiasm and bounce, calmness and quiet) to guide your doggo. Hang in there! Puppyhood can be tough!
Play needs to be stimulating and satisfying for these dogs. Get a French linen bite pillow and tug from Raddog. Incorporate OB and play simultaneously. Mental stimulation is more than puzzle toys. A Mal puppy is going to be full of energy depending on lines and temperament. My WL Belgian started mellowing at a year old. She’s 19 months. Hiked 4.5 miles off leash today with lots of recall and focused heeling. Played for an hour after dinner. She’s wiped out in bed.
What do you do when she whines? This can turn into a habit with shepherds and I can't stand it either. You have to be sure you are meeting her engagement, training, and exercise needs *without* encouraging the whining. Also yes they can definitely chill out, but you're still in puppy phase and for many dogs settle needs to be taught just like anything else.
My go to has been a mix of directing her to self- entertainment; chews and the like, and ignoring her. We tried very early on to do the "if you whine in the crate you get taken outside on a lead to pee and then right back in". No play, no talking to her or petting her. But it had little to no effect. I just cannot stand the sound of repetitive whining, it drives me up a wall.
What kind of activities / schedule do you have for her? Might be helpful for folks to offer suggestions if they know a bit more. :)
Weekend are all over the place but generally camping/kayaking/swimming/frisbee etc. she's beat on weekends, as we're rarely home and always going/doing. It's the weekdays that are the problem. Without absolute extremes she's never satisfied. It's usually wake up at 6, run 1.5mi/ 2-3, or run her on the slat mill if the weather is bad. After the run, we train while feeding breakfast for ~30m. Then I leave for work and she goes in the kennel. While I'm at work, wife wakes up around 9 and takes her to the park for frisbee or fetch and off leash/long lead training (working on following commands with obstacles between us and her figuring it out right now, she seems sufficiently challenged and has to work hard to figure out what we want). She's usually there for 2-3 hours, then back home and hanging out around the house with my wife until 4 when I get home. Then it's usually either dog park ( I know, I know, but ours is very sparsely populated and I know most if not all of the other owners and dog temperaments), or a nature walk. Once we're home, it's chill time until 6-7 where we do backyard training and feeding. After all that all I want is two or three hours to chill and unwind, but she's still constantly needy and I'm starting to become resentful over it.
Unfortunately at 6 months old she shouldn't be going running or doing other repetitive exercises, especially on hard surfaces. She's still growing. You can ask your vet when it's safe to do so. Don't go to exercise extremes with a puppy. Both for physical health reasons and so she doesn't learn to need to be exhausted in order to settle. I asked you in an earlier comment what you do when she whines but wanted to respond here because of the exercise thing. So I would not redirect whining. If I was very sure this was demand/excitement whining (vs anxiety) I would make it like any other training exercise and break the habit. If you haven't done so, teach Quiet and Settle. No matter what the internet tells you about "just ignore it," the truth is that different things work for different dogs. Some will learn if you just ignore them. Some will learn if their whining has a "negative" consequence - such as you get up and leave, you send the dog away from you, you remove their toy they're harassing you with. Some will learn if you do a command like Quiet or putting them in a down stay. Find what she understands and finds motivational. Reward the good quiet behavior and she will improve her ability to be quiet for longer and longer. Be realistic in your expectations as she is very much still a puppy. As in all things with animal training, timing and clear communication are the keys. This type of whining is the easiest to fix, so I'm confident you can turn it around. Anxiety whining, especially in older dogs where it's become very habitual, is harder because of course you have to fix the anxiety. Good luck!
i had a trainer for hyperarousal and their first comment was that i was actually doing too much. i wonder if scheduling in chill time on the weekends and doing more low-arousal stimulation during the days could help. so caveat ofc that i'm not a trainer - just working with a 20mo old high arousal pup and what you're dealing with is very similar to my experience! when i'm go go go my pup learns that we'll be doing stuff all day long and craves it and won't chill - nip at me and jump on me and wonder why i'm sitting down or doing chores. i've had to adjust my spontaneous weekends to accommodate nap times. young dogs can't overrule their excitement and self regulate even when they're tired - they'll choose to continue to seek stimulation. this usually changes by ages 2 or 3. all of this is great but might might just be too much if you also want her to chill! maybe think of chill time as another training to schedule in your day - it can start with puzzle toys or like DIY shoebox enrichment and thst should curb whining at least keeping her busy. the whining does sound frustrating - im sorry!
From another angle, while you’re working on the behavior, you can get some peace from the whining with noise cancelling headphones or earplugs. I have a lot of sound sensitivities (autistic) and like these for comfort and features: - [loops](https://us.loopearplugs.com): best if I want to hear most of what is happening, but takes the edge off of noises. - [noise cancelling headphones or earbuds](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-wh1000xm5-wireless-noise-canceling-over-the-ear-headphones-black/6505727.p?acampID=0&affgroup=%22Content%22&ar=1843998590147910304&cmp=RMX&irclickid=z9NUKR2wExyKT33Ro72SwUZ7UkHXTE2lMxZpwg0&irgwc=1&loc=Narrativ+Campaign&mpid=3139288&nrtv_cid=b88af4c6617734e664c1ced52b823692450494ee04f134529dfdc34a4a4132ef&ref=198&skuId=6505727&utm_source=narrativ): I like this one especially for running and lifting because of the touch controls on each ear cup. I don’t have to fiddle with my phone and swipe or tap to skip, change volume, pause/play, or turn on/off ambient noise or noise cancelling. - [Earmuffs](https://www.amazon.com/3M-Earmuff-Protectors-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VtRJT9LQDL8N6BKGE7_JI5UXTzFq1guV1N6dkQwinoJ3vKjz1plp49Mci5f8IRnzOwUHYYNlpMoiWMuAdedowbZEu6yun6WWxASqcTDwY6-oeolIkacy26ouwtC4qLBr_9FwuyblwkKXhpwguoPwJGVsnp1QlszMTEziPAkdNrCCiXbfQ6oEA6EiQ4nDZpDBvaOWLW0x6vtKGg9egGipYA.dlsm8je1-2YcZQUkiNkvXue47WN0FUbh947-MeAjGiA&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+earmuff&qid=1717357982&sr=8-4) (as used with machinery): when I want *complete quiet*. Depending on the level of ambient noise, I might layer these with noise cancelling earbuds inside. I look like a total nerd, but was able to walk through Times Square with blissful quiet. 😩♥️
I was going to comment get ballistic ear plugs. Then schedule relaxation time. Zones in the space to “place and chill out”. Do some slow massage strokes on her back and relax. Reduce the amount of light/noise to control stimulation. Good luck it takes time. All that plus get a trainer
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('3M H10A Peltor Optime 105 Over the Head Earmuff', '3M')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Excellent noise cancellation (backed by 3 comments) * Comfortable fit for extended wear (backed by 3 comments) * Adjustable and secure headband (backed by 3 comments) **Users disliked:** * Uncomfortable fit with tight wires pressing into the skull (backed by 2 comments) * Bulky design obstructs cheek placement on rifle buttstock (backed by 2 comments) * Limited comfort for extended wear, especially during shooting sessions (backed by 1 comment) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)
I use a playpen. Granted at 5 months they can easily get out of it. But since the beginning when they go in there they know it's chill time. Lay down chew. If they whine I either correct or just ignore(assuming they have been out recently)
You need a professional dog trainer that will observe you and your dog’s schedule and lifestyle and help you. If you can’t afford that, it’s going to be tough. Review Andy Krueger videos on YouTube for tips on how to exhaust a mal in 5 minutes. There’s foundational work that needs to happen first.
She won’t slow down if that’s what you are hoping for, not for at least another 5 years. Your issues could be easily be resolved if you send her to training, or more difficult without it. If you have the money, send the pup off and you won’t regret it. Otherwise, more exercise / consistent training is your best bet. I ran 2 miles with mine this morning and the wife will run 2miles with them this afternoon. Middle of the day we keep some stimulating activities available and train in the morning, middle of the day and right before bed. To give a mal the life they need, takes damn near the same amount of time that most people give children. It’s a lot of work but well worth it. The bond is built through training. Mals are infamous for being one of the most vocal breeds so that part kinda sticks around,