How To Stop A Dog From Whining

When a dog whines it is trying to communicate. Whining is one of the first things a dog learns to do. The hungry puppy whines to let its mother know that it is hungry. The puppy learns that whining produces the desired result because the mother dog feeds it when it whines.

A puppy will continue to whine when it is distressed or requires attention as it grows into a dog. A puppy that is one of a litter will feel a sense of belonging to that litter. If a puppy becomes separated from its litter its whines are a sign of its distress and it is letting the litter know that it needs to be rescued.

When the puppy has to leave its litter to join your family it may feel extreme distress at being removed from its familiar surroundings and former family. It may whine to communicate its distress and sense of loss.

You should start to train your dog not to whine at this time. If you pay attention to its whines you are reinforcing this action and the dog continues to understand that if it whines it receives attention. On the other hand it is important that you have taken care of the dog’s needs before you try to stop a dog from whining. Make sure that your dog has food and water and is comfortable and is not trying to communicate to you that he is hungry. Your dog should not whine when it is eating, running or going to the toilet and if it does it will need to be seen by a vet.

Your dog must not be neglected; you must play with him and spend time with him. If you spend time with him when he is quiet and not whining it will reinforce good behavior.

Your dog may suffer from separation anxiety one it has adjusted to you and you leave it alone. Separation anxiety in dogs is not uncommon. Dogs are naturally pack animals so remember that it may feel quite anxious when you leave it. If it is your habit to put your dog outside before you go out spend some time with him in the outside environment and make sure he has toys to play with. The dog will soon learn that he can have fun outside, as well.

Pay attention to your dog’s whines and you’ll begin to understand what he is trying to tell you and why. Your dog could be trying to communicate to you that he is hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, bored, lonely, wanting to go outside to relieve himself, or he may be in pain.

Your dog requires exercise and stimulation. Your dog is a sociable animal and you should take him for walks, play with him and take him to dog parks so that he can learn to socialize with other dogs. Dogs are intelligent creatures and require stimulation or they can become bored. A bored dog may whine for attention.

Tend to your dog’s needs and don’t let him manipulate you with his whining. Your dog has genuine needs and also needs attention; learn to differentiate between the two.  Reinforce good dog behavior. Only when the whining has stopped should you show him the love and attention that he deserves, this way he will soon learn that his whines do not produce the results that he wants.