How To Stop Your Dog From Whining

Whining can be a common problem with your new puppy or dog.
Both my dogs Abbey and Mollie have done it from time to time.
And until recently, we were not sure of all the causes.

To understand what triggers such behavior, remember
this: dogs can experience anxiety just like we humans.

Here are some common reasons why your dog can be upset:

1. Separation Anxiety
This is the number one reason for an anxious dog.
Problem is, you may not even know about it until
a friend or neighbor alerts you after you’ve
left your home for any period of time. Such anxiety
can cause your dog to be destructive, go to the bathroom in
the house or even severely scratch or bite an
area of his body.

2. Failure of Proper Dog Training
Dogs who whine while you’re home usually lack the right
training. Typically, owners treat their pet’s whining
with attention or too much compassion. Which reinforces
the behavior.

3. Illness
Sometimes whining can be the result of mental or physical
disorder in your dog. Fortunately, this is seldom the
case but something your vet might investigate if the
solutions here fail to solve the problem.

Common Solutions
1. More Exercise
Few pet owners with whining dogs realize that the solution
is usally a simple one: give your dog more exercise.
This has been the case with both my dogs, one a brittany
spaniel and the other a border/aussie mix. Both of them
love to run and 30-60 minutes at the local dog park is the
answer. But this has to be a good sustained outing, not
just a few minutes in the backyard.

2. Crate-Train
By crate-training your dog, you give him a place that
is his own. Put a worn t-shirt of yours or something
with your scent on it. Needless to say, it provides
a calming effect when you’re gone from the house for
any period of time.

If these solutions have little effect on your dog,
talk to your vet. Your pet could have a medical condition
you simply aren’t aware of.

I’ve found that by being calm and consistent with the
training of my two dogs, they can and do overcome common
behavioral problems within a few weeks’ time. And with
all the unconditional love and companionship they provide,
that seems like a very small price to pay.

About the Author

Tom E. Hering is a dog-lover and writer. His two dogs, Abbey and Mollie, are subjects for his website. Get their free newsletter with a year’s worth of current dog training tips at www.FindDogTips.com.

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