Is a doberman's whining due to abandonment issues?

Hey there,

I've had a similar experience with my Doberman whining when I'm not with him. From my experience, it's important to establish trust with your dog and build their confidence in being alone.

One thing that helped me was teaching my dog a "calm" command. Whenever he would get too worked up or anxious, I would say "calm" in a firm but gentle tone and reward him when he responded positively. Over time, he began to associate the command with a sense of relaxation and comfort.

I also made sure to give my dog plenty of exercise and stimulation before leaving. A tired and happy dog is less likely to be distressed when left alone. I would take him for a long walk or play a game of fetch to tire him out before leaving.

Another thing that worked well for me was desensitizing my dog to my leaving routine. I would put on my shoes, grab my keys, and do other actions that would normally signal my departure, but then I wouldn't leave right away. This helped my dog realize that these actions didn't necessarily mean I was leaving immediately, which reduced his anxiety when I did have to leave.

Overall, it just takes time, patience, and consistency to help your Doberman feel more comfortable and secure when you're not around. Keep at it and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

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Hello,

I completely understand your concerns as I have a Doberman of my own who can sometimes become anxious when I leave the house. One thing that has helped me is leaving a piece of clothing or a blanket with my scent on it for her to snuggle with while I'm gone. This can help your dog feel more comforted and less alone.

Another thing that has helped me is trying to establish a routine and predictability for my dog. I always make sure to follow the same routine at the same times during the day, such as meals and walks. This can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious.

Additionally, I would suggest considering doggy daycare or a dog walker if you're gone for long periods of time during the day. Socialization with other dogs and humans can help alleviate separation anxiety and keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Finally, try not to reinforce anxious behavior in your dog. If you pay attention to your dog when they're whining or showing signs of distress, you're unintentionally reinforcing that behavior. Instead, wait for moments when they're calm and relaxed to give them attention and affection.

I hope this helps, and best of luck to you and your Doberman!

Hi there,

I can definitely relate to what you're going through. When I first adopted my Doberman, he also had a tendency to whine a lot when I wasn't with him. He had been surrendered to the shelter by his previous owners, and I always wondered if that had something to do with his anxious behavior.

To help alleviate his anxiety, I started leaving him with plenty of toys and puzzles to keep him occupied while I was gone. I also began to incorporate some basic training exercises into his daily routine, such as sit and stay commands, to help him feel more confident and secure.

Additionally, I invested in a security camera that allowed me to check in on him remotely throughout the day. Being able to see him and hear him helped ease my own anxiety about leaving him alone, and I was able to monitor his behavior and adjust our routine accordingly.

It took some time, but eventually, my dog's whining decreased significantly. I think it just takes time and patience to help them feel more comfortable and secure in their new home. Good luck!

Hello,

I adopted a Doberman last year and had similar concerns as you do now. The Doberman breed is known to be extremely loyal and attached to their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety if not managed properly.

Firstly, I would suggest creating a routine for your dog. This will help him know what to expect when you leave and when you come back. Try to create a consistent schedule for meal times, walks, playtime, and training exercises.

Secondly, try to make your departures and arrivals low-key. When leaving, don't make a fuss or show too much affection towards your dog. A simple "goodbye" and a treat will suffice. When arriving, wait for a minute or two before greeting your dog to avoid reinforcing any hyperactive behavior.

Another thing that worked well for my dog was crate training. It gave him a safe and comfortable space to go to when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Make sure to gradually introduce the crate and keep it open during the day to give your dog plenty of time to explore it and get comfortable with it.

Finally, I would suggest seeking professional help if you're still concerned about your dog's behavior. A dog behaviorist can provide further guidance and support to help your dog manage their anxiety.

I hope this helps!

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