Constant Whimpering

Question
I have a 4 1/2 year old lab named Tucker.  He is an outside dog and has plenty of room to run around.  I spend as much time as I can with him, but due to small living quarters, there is not much room for him in our home.  He constantly whimpers anytime I am outside and not with him.  It is quite annoying, and I know plenty of other dogs who are outside that do not whimper.  I love my dog, but I am not sure how to make him stop.  Can you offer any advice?

Answer
Hi Curtis,

Dogs, being social creatures crave the companionship of their people. Dogs that are outside dogs live for that time with their people and time away from you becomes stressful hence the whining.

Did you mean he whines when you are inside? What are you giving him to do when you aren't there?  Things that I have tried with good success with outside dogs: scattering their kibble instead of putting it in a bowl so he has to hunt. Kongs stuffed with really good stuff, frozen and then hidden in the yard & increased exercise outside of the yard.

If he is whining when you are outside and not with him, same stuff applies, just don't give him the time of day until he is quiet. Don't whine with him!