The German Shorthaired Pointer dog is extremely smart, exuberantly active, lovingly loving, and VERY VOCAL! If you’re searching for information about your very vocal Pointer, you’ve landed in the right place… search no further! Today we’re going to take a closer look at this “talkative” breed and discover ways to stop a German Pointer from whining. Or stop him from whining so much, since he can’t speak and all.
In this article, I’ll go over:
- The Reasons Your German Pointer Might be Whining
- The Things Dogs Need to be Happy and Healthy
- The Importance of Training and Socialization
- Ways t Stop Your German Pointer from Whining
- Plus a Few More Things You May Not Have Known About German Pointers!
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, the bottom line, the heart of it all. In no time at all, you’ll have your German Shorthaired Pointer whining much less than he does right now, and enjoying him more than being annoyed by him (or her)!
Part One: Why is my German Pointer Whining?
If you’ve ever been friends with a dog, I do not have to tell you how communicative they can be! Sometimes it feels like my dog is about to burst into speech and tell me what he really thinks about the new toy I bought him, LOL! Of course, that isn’t going to happen, but my dog has ways of making his feelings (and his desires) known.
Did you know that dogs primarily communicate through body language? It’s true! You will come to know, through time and observation, exactly what your dog is feeling just by glancing at him. Your dog’s body language will exhibit the earliest signs of fear, nervousness, and even aggression.
That’s not the only way dogs communicate, though! I know a Chihuahua who uses his eyes efficiently. He’ll look to his water bowl, food bowl, or front door, and then at his owner. He does this repeatedly until his human “catches his drift” and complies with his canine demands. Some dogs rely on their inherent instincts for communication. For example, Rottweilers, who have a history of herding, will try to “herd” their humans toward what they want. Dinner, the front door, the treat cabinet, etc.
German Pointers happen to be one of the dog breeds that take communication one step further by adding their vocal cords to all the other ways they communicate. Since canines can’t form words, we hear a whine instead. Make no mistake, though, your dog is telling you something with that whine!
4 Reasons Your German Pointer Might be Whining
- He is Asking for Something
- He is in Distress
- He is Nervous or Anxious
- He is Bored
German Pointer Temperament
German Pointers are best known for their hunting abilities. They are exceedingly smart, outgoing and social, and have a LOT of energy they will need to burn off in a day.
Are German Pointers Needy?
It sure can feel like your German Pointer is the neediest dog in the world when you hear that mournful whining for hours on end, but I promise you that he is no needier than any other breed except in his need to burn that energy. Let’s take a look at 7 Things Dogs Need to be Happy, Healthy and (relatively) Quiet.
- Your Time and Attention: No less than an hour of your undivided attention daily, broken into intervals that work with your schedule.
- Adequate Nutrition and Hydration: All dogs should have a constant supply of water that is fresh. Puppies should eat three times daily. Adults dogs can eat once daily, but stay more “level in his mood” when fed twice a day.
- Early and On-Going Training: No untrained dog will exhibit the behaviors you want from him… it’s really that simple.
- Socialization: Exposing your dog to a variety of humans, animals, and situations from an early age will give him a “well-rounded” personality.
- Exercise: German Pointers are a high-energy breed and will require vigorous daily exercise.
- Regular Healthcare: From check-ups to worm treatments and dental exams, your dog will need regular and frequent trips to his veterinarian.
- Mental Stimulation: Smart dogs get bored and even lonely. Remember your dog’s mental state when considering his overall health.
Part Two: How to Stop a German Pointer from Whining
Now we understand a bit more about what’s behind the whining your German Pointer seems to constantly do. This understanding is important because only when we understand a behavior can we effectively change it. However, we cannot go one step further until we understand one more thing. Let’s start there, and then we can proceed.
PUNISHING YOUR GERMAN POINTER FOR WHINING WILL NOT HELP
That’s right. I put it in big bold letters and in all capital letters, that’s how true it is! We wouldn’t punish a human who was trying to communicate but was not successful at it, would we? Rather, we would teach the human a better way to express his need.
The same idea can apply to German Shorthaired Pointers! Can you imagine getting slapped for trying to express your need? Or being locked in a crate simply because you’re bored and have no way to express your extra energy? Me, neither! So let’s not punish a dog that whines, promise?
Instead, as responsible dog owners, we can train our dog to exhibit the behaviors we desire from him. This training takes time, must be administered through kindness, and must be CONSISTENT. Training is a life-long process that begins with simplicity and should become more complex and precise as your dog ages. Training time is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bond you are forming with your German Pointer.
Training Your German Pointer NOT to Whine
Training your dog should begin the day after he arrives at your home. A puppy and a “pre-owned” or rescued dog will have different training challenges, but take heart! These challenges can be met. German Shorthaired Pointers are very smart dogs, proving that you can teach even an old dog new tricks!
All dogs should master the 5 Basic Commands before beginning a more specific training regime like “No Whining”. These 5 Basic Commands are:
- Come! Your dog responds to your command by coming to your side when called.
- Heel! Your dog walks next to you and at your pace, not lunging or wandering off.
- Sit! Your dog sits on his hindquarters at your command.
- Down! Your dog will lay completely down when instructed.
- Stay! Your dog will maintain his position even if you are out of sight.
Using your dog’s name followed by a one-word command like those listed above is the best way to train him. Don’t use sentences, which can be confusing. Keep it simple. Dogs will grow to learn between 150-250 words in their life. Make it easy for them by using your words clearly and concisely.
Adding a hand gesture to your command will eventually eliminate the need for the vocal command.
Although not listed as one of the basic commands, you should also use one word for “NO!” I raise my hand in the “Stop!” fashion, but never as a threat of striking my dog, and say “Ut-Ut!” I know some dog-owners who say, “Cease!” and still others who say, “Stop!” Whatever word you select, it should convey the meaning that a behavior is unacceptable. Remember, pleasing you is at the top of your German Pointer’s “To-Do” list!
During this “Basic” training, whining should be ignored, no punishment should follow whining and any whining should definitely not be rewarded!
Rewarding Your Dog’s Good Behavior
You will not “spoil” your dog using a reward system in training. In fact, a reward system helps quickly and clearly define pleasing behaviors your dog exhibits! Praise and love will always be the most meaningful rewards your dog receives, but a food-treat reward is effective, too!
I recommend you make it a habit to use healthy treats for rewards instead of the traditional boxed dog treats. Pieces of carrot, sweet potato, and even bananas convey the same message as the higher-calorie (and preservatives added) store-bought dog treats. Treats as a reward for good behavior tell your dog “Good Boy/Girl!” and “I like when you act this way!” That’s all your dog needs to know to be encouraged to continue good behavior!
I want to note that recognition and praise should begin the moment your dog begins to exhibit the desired behavior. A little encouragement will go a long way with a creature who lives to please its owner! So don’t wait until a task is completed or behavior is perfected to start the praise, even if the reward doesn’t come until last. As soon as your dog makes a move in the “right direction” let the praising begin!
What to do When Your German Pointer Whines
Here we are, at the very heart of the issue! Your German Pointer has something to tell you, but he lacks words. Therefore, he whines. When the whining starts, pull up a mental checklist and ask yourself these questions:
- Is the Dog in a Comfortable Situation?
- Has the Dog Been Fed and Watered?
- Does the Dog Need to go Outside to Potty?
- Does the Dog Have Access to Physical Stimulation and Mental Stimulation in the Form of Toys?
- Could the Dog Have Separation Anxiety?
So, the checklist is complete and your dog is still whining! Now what? Now the work (training) begins!
The most helpful hint I can give you is to not reinforce his whining by giving him what he wants to stop the whining! For example, if he’s whining because it’s dinnertime, put the food bowl down but don’t release the dog to run immediately to it. Instead speak to him in a soothing tone, using your “Stop!” command in conjunction with a hand gesture as he whines. When the whine significantly decreases (or dare we hope…stops?) release the dog to eat.
If he is whining for a treat, the same method can be applied. Let him see the treat. By now he understands something he is about to do will get him that treat! If he whines, use the combination of your command to stop and the usual hand gesture that goes with the command. When the whine volume decreases or stops, give him the treat. It won’t take long at all for him to know that stopping the whining is what releases the treat to him!
Some dog owners eliminate the “treat whine” by teaching their dog to “Speak” (bark) for his treat. There is nothing wrong with that method at all! Just make sure the dog knows that whining will not get him the treat he wants so much. Whatever you teach him as a substitute to whining for a treat, be it silence, a bark or a “hand-shake” is what will get the treat released to him.
Please don’t expect one single action to resolve the whole whining issue! I promise you, it won’t. teaching your German Pointer not to whine will take commitment, time and consistency. If your German Pointer is an addition to your family, then everyone in the family should use the same words and hand-gestures for training. Carefully (and age-appropriately) explain to your family how you want the whining issue addressed and make sure everyone is on the “same page”. This will help any training process, including whining cessation, to go more smoothly and be more successful.
My dad used to stress the importance of “catch them being good”. When it comes to training dogs, this philosophy works well. All good behavior should be rewarded in a way that clearly conveys your pleasure in your dog to your dog. When his whining begins, withdraw from him and use your vocal/hand-gesture combo. If the whining continues, walk away, and return when the dog has quieted. If the dog’s whining is disturbing a quiet room, it’s okay to remove the dog from the situation for a few minutes and then let him try again to be less disturbing, but please don’t punish him for a natural function like expressing himself!
Always make sure all effort your dog makes to quiet himself when told is recognized and praised. Even if he hasn’t perfected the behavior yet!
Do expect that it will be harder for your German Pointer to calm himself in some situations. If he hasn’t seen you all day, he may whine with excitement upon seeing you. If he knows it’s time for a walk, he may whine at the door while you tarry. If the house is full of strangers or even full of human tension, he may get whiny. He may also exhibit more whining if he isn’t feeling well. Understanding what’s behind the whining will help you to better address it.
Like all relationships, the one you will form with your dog will require commitment, practice, patience, and kindheartedness. And above all, a form of communication that the two of you both understand.
WHINING IN A NUTSHELL
- Understand the Dog is Conveying a Message
- See That His Needs Have Been Met
- Form a Verbal Command for Displeasing Behavior (& attach a hand gesture to the command)
- Train Your Dog to Quiet Down (or use an alternative communication)
- Reward His Good Behavior (and his efforts!)
Does your Pointer whine when left alone? HERE is a study conducted by The Canadian Veterinary Journal in March 2002, published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The study was conducted with a 2-year-old, neutered male pointer with excessive vocalization when left alone.
Bonus Section! Toys Your German Pointer Will Love
We learned today your German Shorthaired Pointer came from a long line of hunting dogs that are undaunted by water and “jobs” that call for excessive energy outputs. Incorporate his inherent traits during playtime and show off his agility skills with toys that make him use his body and his brains! Always have a great ball on hand, or some sort of toy to use for playing Fetch. With keen instincts coming from the “retriever” in his heritage, fetch will be one of his favorite games!
Your Germain Pointer will also be adept at playing Hide and Seek with either his toys OR his human! Start small, by hiding a toy (or yourself) under a towel or blanket, and gradually increase the difficulty of the hiding spot. Never trick your dog, always make sure he finds what you’ve hidden. Reward his smart sleuthing skills with praises and love!
Teeth-Cleaning Toy for Playing Hide and Seek
Webbed feet make your Germain Pointer an excellent swimmer! Snag a toy to take along when you take your dog to the water, and he will have a blast! Additionally, swimming is a fantastic way to burn off some of the energy your dog has, and you strengthen the bond you have with him every time you play together.
Consider buying your whiny German Pointer a plush toy. Like a favorite blanket for a child, a plush toy can feel 
Do not forget about stimulating your dog’s mind with toys! A highly intelligent breed, your German Pointer is subject to experiencing boredom. For times when you’ll be away and he will have to entertain himself, a puzzle toy will help stave off that boredom (and likely distract him from chewing on your slippers while you’re away).
Puzzle and Treat-Dispensing Toys on Amazon
What About Bones to Keep Your German Pointer Busy?
There is nothing wrong with offering your German Pointer a dog bone providing it is RAW and LARGE. I don’t generally recommend Rawhide bones because they are known for splintering off into sharp shards when chewed. The ultimate choice is yours, of course.
My recommendation is you purchase a nice big “knuckly” bone from your local butcher and let your dog work out his energy and boredom by gnashing away at the bone at his leisure. Learn all you need to know about dog-bones, including whether or not chicken bones are acceptable, by reading this article, right here at the Big Dog Den!
I hope today’s article helped you to better understand what’s behind all that whining from your German Shorthaired Pointer and that you discovered some additional things you had not known! Getting that whining down to a minimum takes time, dedication and (much) practice, but it can be done!
The German Pointer is a wonderful, loving and loyal companion whether he whines or not but exhibiting the behavior you prefer makes the whole experience that much sweeter! Stop by the Big Dog Den again soon… we are constantly expanding and digging deeper into the world of big dogs!
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
