She whines in the morning—usually around 6 a.m.—when it’s time for her walk.
She whines when she wants to go outside.
She whines when I am on my computer—as in right this very second.
She whines when my wife and I try to have a conversation in her presence.
She whines if I’m on the phone (which actually isn’t all that often because no one calls me).
She whines when sitting on the bed by herself.
She whines if I make eye contact with her.
She whines if she wants to play.
My dog, Katniss, whines a lot.
I have heard that German shepherds are notorious whiners, and Katniss is (we’re 99.99 percent sure) at least part shepherd. My previous dog, who was 3/4 shepherd, whined a little, but Katniss whines as if she’s getting paid with dog treats per outburst. If that were the case, she would be rolling in Pup-Peronis and richer than Lassie.
Perhaps when she doesn’t get what she wants,
she knows whining is her dad’s weakness and uses it for attention?
Why is she such a complainer? I have a few theories. One, Katniss is trying to warn us of danger, such as a carbon monoxide leak, a fracking-linked earthquake or that I forgot to comb my hair. Secondly, maybe it’s just her personality—our vet said that might be the case when I asked about Katniss’ constant lamenting during our last visit. Third, the most likely answer: She’s spoiled worse than a gallon of milk left inside a refrigerator from an episode of “Hoarders.”
We pretty much let Katniss do what she wants*, as long as it doesn’t involve destroying things or going potty in the house. She has been the center of attention since the day she pranced into our lives, and the fact that I like to carry her sometimes—I feel pathetic just typing that; she weighs 40 pounds—probably doesn’t help. Perhaps when she doesn’t get what she wants, she knows whining is her dad’s weakness and uses it for attention? Smart dog.
I think we need to teach her that whining won’t always—if ever—work, and that she needs to be a good girl to get attention. That would mean me no longer carrying her throughout the house (fat chance), my wife not occasionally feeding her from the dinner table (get real) and Katniss not riding in the unfortunate passenger’s lap during car trips (keep dreaming).
Looks like I’m stuck with a whiner.
___
*Within reason
A Guero and His Perro 
Yep, I have had three GSD and they all whine!
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I hope you don’t have all three of them whining at once.
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I usually have one German Shepherd and two rescue dogs so I usually have just one whined, right now I have a German Shepherd and a rescue dog that’s part German Shepherd so I have two whiners yikes !
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