Learning to wait calmly

J
Jonka Icon representing the flag French

Hi everyone,

Our 15-week-old Tibetan Terrier whines a lot during puppy classes and also when he has to wait while we're out on walks. For instance, if I bump into someone and stop for a chat, he gets impatient very quickly and starts whining louder and louder.

At puppy class, I was told to ignore him, but it’s not really working.

How can I teach him to stay calm when we're out and about?

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Would you like to give your opinion on the subject?

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

5 answers
Sort by:
    • Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French

    When you've got a puppy, it’s really not fair to be doing anything other than walking (or playing, or talking to them—basically just ‘being’ with them) during a walk!!!

    It’s your attention that makes them feel like they matter; it just doesn’t work if you’re focused on someone or something else.

    Of course you shouldn’t ignore a puppy. You need to teach them ‘sit’ and ‘wait’—they'll be useful—but that’s active training, which deserves your full attention just as much as any other lesson.

    Actually, teaching them to ‘wait’ will be much easier if the start of the walk has been full of different things to discover while they’re off-lead. Don’t go treating this little pup like some little old man who’s already tired of the big wide world...

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French

    At their age, it’s completely normal to struggle with learning patience and managing frustration. Obviously, ignoring them doesn’t work; it doesn’t actually teach them anything concrete ^^’

    You could give them a long-lasting chew (if it’s going to take a while, for example, if you’re sitting out at a café). Try walking a few steps with the person you’re talking to, and work on the “wait” command by showing the treat and then giving it to them, gradually increasing the duration (starting with just a few seconds, obviously)… it won’t happen overnight, but the idea is to do regular, very short exercises and slowly build it up. The aim isn't to make them even more frustrated, but to work at their own pace.

    Translated from French
    S
    Snaraellora17 Icon representing the flag French
    Hi there. He’s a puppy, so you have to teach him. It’s your job to adapt your approach based on his personality. Personally, I get them to sit and then teach them to stay while they're still puppies. There’s only so much help you can get from a forum. You should get a dog trainer if you find you’re struggling. Remember, 15 weeks is very young. You need to plan what you’re teaching and when. Sitting and staying is the second thing to teach. The first is walking to heel on a 4ft lead. No long leads.
    Translated from French
    J
    Jonka Icon representing the flag French
    Hello, Thank you very much for your reply. He had his booster jab this morning and was quite worked up at the vet's. Mind you, he was very distracted by the vet's tube of liver paste. I always find it difficult to judge whether his behaviour is still normal or not. I get the impression that most puppies his age are much calmer. However, I’m definitely going to follow your advice during our walks. Best regards
    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
    Expert verified

    Hello,

    At 15 weeks, your puppy is still very little; he likely hasn't learned how to deal with frustration or wait quietly yet.

    ‘Ignoring him’ can be helpful so you don’t reinforce the whining, but it doesn't actually teach him what he should be doing instead. For instance, when you're out on a walk, you could try stopping for a few seconds. As long as he stays calm, even if only for a moment, give him some praise and/or a little treat. In the beginning, just 2 or 3 seconds of being calm is a win.

    Puppy classes and walks involve a lot of stimulation at this age, and a whining puppy can sometimes just be one that’s struggling to manage his excitement.

    Most importantly, don’t expect several minutes of calm right away.

    Good luck,

    Maëlla

    Translated from French

  • 5 comments out of 5

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more