Whining is one of the ways dogs talk to us. But you may be finding ways to stop a dog from whining.
Just like barking or growling, whining helps dogs share how they feel. They might be excited, they might want something, or they could be feeling pain or stress.
If you give your dog a treat or extra attention every time they whine, they may learn to do it more often, even when they don’t need anything.
The good news is there are ways to figure out what your dog’s whining means. Once you understand it, you can help calm your dog down and stop the whining when it’s not needed.
Why Is My Dog Whining?
Whining is common, especially in puppies. Puppies whine a lot because they’re learning how to tell you what they need or want. Just like babies cry to get their mom’s attention, puppies whine to get food, love, or help from their mom.
Sometimes, it’s easy to see why your dog is whining. Maybe they’re sitting by the table begging for a piece of your dinner. Or maybe they’re standing by the door, whining because they want to go outside or come back in.
But other times, it’s not so simple to figure out. If you’re unsure why your dog is whining, try observing their body language to gain insight into their behaviour. Observe what they’re doing while they complain; it can provide valuable clues.
Most of the time, dogs whine for a few common reasons, and sometimes, these reasons can occur simultaneously. Here are a few more ways your dog might use whining to talk to you:
- Asking for something
One big reason dogs whine is to ask for something. Maybe they want a treat or their toy, or they’re hoping you’ll grab the leash and take them for a walk.
Sometimes, you’ll even see your dog’s eyes move back and forth between you and what they want, like the door, their food bowl, or their favourite ball. They’re trying to show you exactly what they’re hoping for.
- Seeking Attention
Sometimes, dogs whine just because they want you to look at them. This can happen if you’re busy doing something else, like talking on the phone or working on your computer. Your dog might feel left out and want you to notice them.
Dogs can also whine if they feel jealous. Maybe you’re spending time with another pet or playing with someone else, and your dog wants that attention, too!
- Communicating Excitement
Whining can also indicate that your dog is extremely excited. If they’re happy and full of energy, they might whine while jumping up and down or running around the room. This type of whining is sometimes their way of saying, “Yay! Look at me!” They might want you to join in and play as well.
- Showing Boredom
Some dogs whine when they’re bored. It’s kind of like them saying, “I have nothing to do!” You might hear a big sigh mixed with a whine. This is your dog’s way of telling you they’d like some fun, maybe a walk or some playtime with you.
- Expressing Pain or Discomfort
Dogs also whine if something hurts or they feel sick. This whining is their way of telling you, “Hey, I don’t feel good.” Sometimes, whining helps them calm themselves down as well.
If your dog continues to whine and you can’t find any other reason, it’s essential to consult the vet. There could be a health issue that needs to be checked before you decide it’s just a behavioural issue.
- Indicating Stress
Dogs can also whine when they feel scared or worried. When they’re stressed, they may show behaviors such as yawning frequently, licking their lips, or looking away from you. Sometimes, they whine and yawn at the same time.
These small actions are referred to as appeasement gestures. They help the dog calm down and show they don’t want any trouble. If your dog is whining due to stress, you may also notice other signs, such as crouching low, pulling their ears back, or tucking their tail under.
Click here to read an interesting article; when do puppies open their eyes.
How to Stop a Dog from Whining
If your dog whines more than you’d like, you should figure out why your dog is whining.
Some people don’t mind a little whining from time to time. Others find it annoying, even if it’s just a little bit. The good news is that you can teach your dog to whine less or even stop whining altogether.
- Start by listening closely to the sound of your dog’s whine. Pay attention to what they do while they’re whining, too. Over time, you’ll notice that your dog has different whines for different reasons. Maybe you’ll recognize the “I’m bored” whine or the “I want something” whine. If you hear a whine that sounds different, it may indicate that your dog is experiencing pain or stress.
- If you think your dog is whining because they’re scared or hurting, be gentle. Move slowly and handle them carefully. Dogs that feel stress or pain can get more upset if you don’t stay calm, and in some cases, they might even growl or snap.
- Always look at what’s happening around your dog to figure out what’s going on. Never yell at your dog or punish them for whining. Yelling can make a scared dog feel worse and could lead to aggressive behaviour.
- If your dog is afraid or anxious, try to find out what’s causing it. Dogs can have fears just like people do. If you know what’s making them scared, you can help train them to feel safer and more comfortable.
- Sometimes it’s okay to give your dog what they want. For example, if they’re whining because they need to use the bathroom, take them outside. This is better than letting them go inside the house.
- However, be cautious not to teach your dog that whining always gets results. If you know they’re just whining for attention or treats, ask them to do something else first. For example, tell them to sit or lie down quietly, then give them the treat or attention once they’re calm.
- Don’t give in right away every time your dog whines. It’s tough to say no to a cute puppy, but giving in too much teaches them that whining always gets them what they want. This is how a whiny puppy turns into a whiny grown-up dog.
- Ensure your dog doesn’t become bored. Give them fun toys and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Dogs with extra energy often whine just because they have nothing else to do.
- Also, pick when to respond and when to ignore it. If you know your dog doesn’t need anything, it’s better to ignore the whining. When they finally stop whining, even for a few seconds, praise them or give them a treat. This helps them learn that being quiet is a good thing. You can even start teaching a “quiet” command while you do this.
Conclusion
Whining is one way dogs talk to us. Sometimes they want food, sometimes they’re bored, and sometimes they feel scared or hurt. By paying attention and understanding why your dog is whining, you can help them feel better and teach them to be quiet when they don’t need to whine.
Be patient, stay calm, and give your dog love, training, and fun things to do. If you do this, you can help your dog whine less and be a happier, better-behaved friend.