AboutHenry Ruhwiedel, BS B/M, CPBE Expertise Dog training, kenneling, behavior. We train dogs at our facility that offers seperate training building, boarding and grooming facility, 5 acres of dog and cat space.
Experience Owner, Westwind Kennels LLC, Crown Point, IN. Training dogs for nearly 50 years. Developed and taught college class, Professional Animal Care and Behavior at Indiana University for 6 yers. Authord book and DVD on obedience training. We own over a dozen dogs, 10 cats, and have had as many as 20 dogs at one time of many breeds from Greyhound, Beagle, Basset, Rottweiler, Doberman, Akita, Briard, German Short Hair pointer, Labrador, Shepherd, Husky, mutts, most from animal shelters.
Organizations ABKA, AKC.
Publications Book and DVD on obedience training, several Chicago TV appearances.
Education/Credentials BS, BM, EET, Red Cross certified pet/human CPR trainer, developed and taught college level animal behavior and care for professionals.
Awards and Honors Recommended by county animal control, area vets, Red Cross, Great Lakes Greyhound, amy others.
Past/Present Clients Our facility includes 24/7 doggy cam of the entire facililty.
Question My poodle doesn't bark at all, but whines alot, when lefted alone, she's 4 months. I have a male poodle 3months and he barks at her, but she doesn,t bark back. Is this normal?
Answer Dog have various personalities just as we do. So defining "normal" includes a lot of variances. At 4 months, she is still adjusting from being seperated from her litter and mother. Apparently she has not yet bonded to the other dog. Without more detail I can't tell if the barking is a sign of jealously telling the new arrival to take a hike, or is a friendly bark leading to play or alsoa gsign of loneliness. The 3 month old dog is likely also dealing with the new environment, lack of litter mates and mother.
You didn't mention having a crate for either dog. Both dogs need a "den" where they are safe and undisturbed. Each needs to have their own territory. As the dogs socialize more they will often share their den to become a pack.
As pack leader, you are the surrogate mother and need to provide both with attention, a place to stay (bedding) and encourage play and socialization between the two. I would start with simple obedience or puppy training and when both are about 6 months old begin a regular obedience class.
In the mean while if they are not chewers you can put a warm water bottle in a blanket for them to hug, a puppy appropriate toy for teething, (which could also be a source of the whinning) and a good amount of attention without spoiling them with too many treats.
On your next visit to the vet for puppy shots have him check the teeth to see if the teething period is over or not. Dogs tend to swallow their baby teeth so its hard to tell unless you do a mouth check to see if new teeth are comming in. Don't forget heartworm treatment. The vet should also do a stool sample to check for worms and parasites, check for ear mites, etc.
