How to Stop a Dog Whining
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Nothing can be more annoying than the sound of a crying, whining puppy. However, this behavior has its roots in biology. Whining is how a puppy gets attention from its mother and they often learn that it gets the attention of their human parents as well. Sadly, if your puppy has a whining problem, it’s because you’ve taught him that whining gets your attention. The behavior has been reinforced, and thus, he will continue to whine to get the results he wants.
A dog will whine or cry if:
- He’s looking for attention because he’s lonely or bored.
- He’s feeling uncomfortable – too hot, too cold, wet.
- He’s hurting.
- He’s in a place that he doesn’t like or a new environment.
- He may have to eliminate waste and be trapped inside.
- He may be hungry or thirsty.
The first step on how to stop a dog whining is making sure he is happy and healthy. Be sure your dog has a bed area that is dry, warm, and safe. He should have good food and fresh water. Feeding your dog in a place where he normally whines will begin to give him positive thoughts about that location and help to stop the whining.
If your puppy whines most at night, it’s best to move his crate into your bedroom. Being able to see and smell his “pack members” will make your puppy feel more at ease. You can also put a piece of clothing that smells like you in the crate to soothe your puppy.
Having new or exciting toys in the crate can also entertain your puppy while the rest of the house is sleeping. A kong toy filled with peanut butter or dog kibble can keep a puppy entertained and quiet for hours. Wrapping an old ticking clock in a towel can also soothe a puppy because it sounds like the heartbeat of its mother.
If your puppy whines at night it could be because his energy hasn’t been expended during the day. Tire him out! Go on walks, play games, run around, play fetch, do obedience training. At the end of the day, your puppy should be so tired that he flops into bed and sleeps through the night without whining.
One method that works if your puppy is in another room is to open the door, say “Enough!” and then slam the door shut. If the whining stops, go into the room and praise the dog and give him a treat.
The most important thing to know if you want to stop your puppy from whining is that you cannot react to the whining. You must send the message the whining is useless. No matter how pitiful the whining sounds and how long it lasts, do not give your puppy attention. Ignore him until he is quiet. You can’t give in and nobody in your family can give in. Be strong!
