Bear is pretty quiet little dog.
The only time he barks or whimpers is if he wants something . .. a treat, a toy, or to go outside.
He loves to be carried to the mail box every day, so I make sure I always take him outside to pee prior to checking mail.
You won't believe how excited he gets when I open the door and say go pee -pee, he does it in a second and then runs to the front door
I also try to let him out every couple of hrs, but if I am too busy or watching a movie , he will come to the door and bark.