M.
My friend had the exact same problem only her son was 4 which made it even more frustrating (he spoke very well and really only whined for attention). He would whine about EVERYTHING. She completely ignored it. She went out and bought some ear plugs (you can usually find them in a sporting goods store) and would put those in when he started to whine. That way she wouldn't get so irritated if it took him a while to stop. It took her about two weeks to have him get over it, but even now when he starts to whine, she gets out the ear plugs and he immediately stops and uses his words for what he wants. If they figure out a way to get whatever they want, they'll use it to their best advantage. Hope I could be of some help! Good luck!