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Dear Porky and Buddy, My dog Mandy is a whiner. I’m not kidding. Whenever she wants my attention, which is often, she comes up to me and whines. It is so obnoxious, but no amount of scolding her for it seems to help. My kids are grown and I never thought I would have to live with a whiner again, but here I am. What can I do? Signed, Jim

Dear Jim,

Funny you should mention your kids—because if you think about it Mandy is probably whining for the exact same reason that your kids used to. Because it works. It gets your attention right? And remember that for a dog, attention is attention, good or bad. So when she whines and you scold her she has accomplished her goal and you have rewarded her behavior with your attention.

Try this instead. When she whines, totally ignore her. Don’t make eye contact, don’t look at her, and don’t say anything. Turn your back. For as long as it takes for her to stop.

Then when she is quiet, give her some much desired attention. She needs to learn that being quiet brings rewards and whining does not. So set up some sort of system for yourself that you seek her out when she is being quiet and give her some play time or a treat or just a big old hug if she likes that. Do it often and deliberately and never respond at all to her whining.

You might be surprised how well this works. But if her behavior is really entrenched, don’t hesitate to contact a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) in your area. Many CPDTs offer group or private classes that can give you and Mandy lots of great skills to learn and games to play that will reduce her attention-seeking whining. Just make sure you find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques that will not undermine what you are doing at home.

For a special treat, why not bring Mandy to the Oswego County Humane Society’s Dogtoberfest 5K-9 run and walk and Family Fun Day on Sunday September 25th at Fallbrook Recreation Center. Watch our website for sign-up details.

The Oswego County Humane Society has moved to a new location, 29 West Seneca Street, in Oswego. Watch for the announcement about our open house! OCHS provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County. Now located at 29 West Seneca Street, Oswego, New York. Phone (315) 207-1070. Email: ochscontact@hotmail.com Website: www.oswegohumane.org Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.