Hello fellow dog owners and enthusiasts,
I recently adopted a Doberman from a shelter about two weeks ago. He's a sweet and energetic boy who loves to play and cuddle. However, I've noticed that he whines a lot, especially when I'm not with him. I work full-time and have to leave him alone for a few hours each day while I'm at work. When I come back, he's always happy to see me and doesn't seem distressed in any way.
I'm wondering if his whining is due to abandonment issues from his past. I don't know much about his previous owner or if he was abandoned before, but I've heard that Dobermans can develop separation anxiety or other behavioral issues if they don't receive enough attention or training.
I'm doing my best to give him plenty of exercise, love, and attention when I'm home, but I'm not sure if there's anything else I can do to help him feel more secure when I'm away. Have any of you experienced this with your Doberman or have any advice on how to help him feel more comfortable and less anxious when I'm not around?
Thanks in advance for your help!

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.