New Australian Shepherd Rescue Whining

by Katie
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

We recently adopted an approximately 8 year old Australian Shepherd. Nothing is known about his history. He was likely a stray for some time or someone dumped him in the woods. He has a very sweet temperament. He was likely mostly kept outside with very little training, although he is housebroken.

We have been working very hard on training with a trainer and giving him multiple walks per day. He is not particularly food motivated and he does not know how to play with toys. He does great on walks and on a leash.

My concern is that when we are inside all hanging out he seems to be in a constant state of stress. He pants and whines almost constantly. I will do a training routine or take him for a walk, but as soon as those are done he pants and whines again.

He is not whining in an attention seeking way. It is very clearly stress/anxiety. I have found many resources regarding separation anxiety, but this is anxiety occuring when we are with him.

We have a very quiet relaxed home with no children. He can go on whining for hours. We have only had him about 2 weeks, but it does not seem to be improving. My question is is this relatively normal and will improve with time since he is still adjusting? Is it because he is used to being outside?

If this is not considered normal what are some other options to improve his anxiety?

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