How to Stop a Puppy or Dog from Whining
Whining is one of the first behaviors a puppy learns after birth. Puppies whine to communicate to their mother that they are hungry. Whining is also a survival mechanism. A puppy left alone in the wild will not live long. Puppies whine to call for the pack to rescue them. As the dog grows, dog owners tend to encourage whining when they give the dog what it wants after it whines. Whining is a normal part of dog’s life since birth. There are times when whining is appropriate and times when whining is not appropriate. The key is how pet owners respond to it. Punishment doesn’t work, so what does?
Whining is a symptom of something more the dog needs or wants. Puppies and Dogs whine because they:
· Are hungry and thirsty
· Need to go potty
· Need attention
· Are scared
· Are in pain
· Suffering from separation anxiety
· Lack exercise
· Are stressed
· Are bored
Equipment need to stop whining
· Crate or kennel
· Crate pad or blanket
· Toys
· Treats
· Leash
Steps to stop a puppy or dog from whining:
· Observe behavior – look for abnormal behavior. Determine why he is whining. Does he whine with eating, urination, playing, or walking? He may be in pain. If you observe anything abnormal whining call your veterinarian immediately.
· Take care of the symptom of the whining:
o Take care of basic physical needs such as food, water, potty, and exercise. Exercise is essential. Burning off energy will bring the whining level down.
o Boredom, supply the puppy with many types of toys to keep him busy.
o Stress and separation anxiety; supply a crate or bed that is all his for a safe place for him to retreat. Exercise will help alleviate stress. Remove the stressor if possible.
o Scared; remove what is scaring the dog or remove the puppy. Providing a crate/kennel as a safe place for the dog to retreat to may help.
o Need for attention; play with the dog or puppy for at least one hour a day, with snaps of time throughout the day.
o Is in pain, call your veterinarian immediately.
· Ignore the puppy or dog only if all the physical needs are taken care of and he is in a safe place.
· If whining continues us a firm command to let him know the behavior is not acceptable. Using sounds may be more effective than words. I make a loud, firm sound that sounds like a buzzer during a basketball game or a buzzer from a board game. The sound distracts him and lets him know that whining is not acceptable. Be persistent with the command.
· Reinforce good behavior when whining stops with lots of praise and/or treats
Whining while you are away from home:
Puppies and dogs are pack animals. They don’t do well when they are separated from the pack. Puppies whine to call pack members to rescue them. Dog owners are a dog’s pack. When the owner leaves the puppy or dog may feel separation anxiety. Providing a den atmosphere may help alleviate the anxiety. Dogs in the wild create dens to live and sleep in. Using a crate creates a den like environment.
Using a crate or kennel:
1. Purchase the right size for the adult size of the dog. The crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch out comfortably.
2. Create a comfortable atmosphere by using a crate pad or blanket. Place toys in the crate to keep him busy.
3. Cover the crate with a blanket on the top and sides, leaving the front open. This makes it feel more like a den.
4. Close the blinds and curtains.
5. Leave on a radio or play soft music.
Breaking the whining habit will not happen over night. It will take time, patience, and persistence. With the right tools the whining will stop. Don’t give in. For more great tips see: The Ultimate House Training Guide and SitStayFetch - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!
