All dog owners experience dog whining some times. It is more difficult to handle when these furry friends start whinging at night. Indeed, it looks as if the dog is quite restless, but it is unsettling for the owner too. In this blog, we will find out everything you need to know about your crying dog.
Why Do Dogs Whine
Before we jump to the answer of ‘How to stop a dog from whining?’, you need to know the reasons behind it because understanding your dog is the first step to handle any situation with them.
When dogs make sounds such as barking, growling, whining, etc, they are trying to communicate something. Whining could mean anything ranging from expressing pain, anxiety, stress, discomfort, etc. So, it is very important to find out the cause of whining, but do not encourage it even unintentionally because it could turn into problem behaviour.{1}
Generally, the reasons for whining are common. Some possible reasons could be:
1. Asking for Something
If your dog is whining to get something such as food, walk, etc, you will know just by observing carefully. If it is food, your dog will keep moving the eyes toward the food or bowl. In case it is about going out to play or walk, your dog will move eyes between you and the door or leash. Similarly, you can find out what it is your dog wants.{1}
2. Attention Seeking
Attention seeking whining may happen if you are doing something which doesn’t involve your dog. This urge for attention could also be jealousy if you are spending time with some other person. So, if you are too busy somewhere and not spending time with your dog, your dog is trying to get your attention through whining.{1}
3. Excitement
Well, this type of whining will involve a lot of physical activity as well such jumping, running around, etc. Your dog is probably just having fun and losing some energy to feel relaxed; or it is another way of seeking your attention.{1}
4. Boredom
When your dog’s whining is about boredom, it will look like “woe is me”. It will be a combo of sighs and whines. It could be another way of seeing attention though.{1} Sometimes, boredom also leads to destructive behaviour such as chewing furniture.{2}
5. Pain or Discomfort
If you cannot find any other reason for this whining, it could be some physical discomfort. Sometimes, dogs just start feeling okay after whining for a while. Also, observe if your dog is whining while climbing stairs or doing a certain exercise, the whining could be happening because of an injury or joint pain.{1}{2}
6. Stress
Anxiety and fear commonly causes whining in dogs. One way to find out if your dog is stressed is by looking at their gestures. In this situation, your dog will tuck its tail and flatten the ears.{1}
7. Maybe It Is Just a Sorry
If you got angry with your dog over chewed footwear or furniture, this whining could be a way of saying sorry. This behaviour comes from the wild. When a wolf breaks the rules of the pack such as biting too hard during play, the pack rejects this wolf. In order to join back, the wolf whines while keeping the tail between legs. Similar behaviour can be observed in the dogs when they are trying to say sorry. Just acknowledging the sorry will stop whining.{2}
Whining is common in puppies. Just like human babies, puppies cry to get attention and food. But yes, keep observing if your puppy is whining about something serious.{1} Now let’s find out how you can stop whining in dogs.
How to Stop My Dog From Whining
If the whining has just started, try giving your dog a few minutes because sometimes they just get fine after whining for some time. You may consider comforting your dog, but make sure that no action encourages their whining behaviour. It shouldn’t be like your dog starts whining every time to get a hug or treat.{1}
For new dog owners, it can be a difficult situation, as they are still understanding their dog. Even those who have a dog for a long time may get into trouble with their dog’s whining or crying, if this is happening for the first time. Sometimes, your dog just needs more exercise or play time. It is the stored up energy that is causing whining. But, no matter what, never punish your dog for whining, it could result in more fear, anxiety, and aggression.{1} These tips might prove helpful:
1. Identify the Problem
Look around and check if your dog is whining about a stuck toy, or the cat sleeping in your dog’s bed. It could be a minor, but genuine issue which you may resolve by observing the body language and eyes of your dog. Your dog may direct you toward the location of the problem.{2}
2. Close Observation
If this whining keeps happening on and off, observing your pet closely will help. You will gradually understand the type of whining such as: “I want to go for a walk” whining, “Please give me that treat” whining, “I am scared of too many people” whining, “Please play with me” whining, etc. This is how you will know when your dog is whining differently due to pain or physical discomfort.{1}
3. Comfort Your Dog Carefully
This should be done only if you are sure that the cause of whining is either stress/fear or physical discomfort/pain. You need to be careful because going close may make your dog aggressive and whining may escalate. This will also confirm that your dog is suffering. If you are able to recognise that the problem is fear, plan training and exercises to help your dog become fearless.{1} Sometimes, dogs whine as soon as they see you leaving the house. This happens due to separation anxiety, which also should to be addressed as a problem.{2}
4. Sometimes It Is Good to Surrender
If your dog is whining about going out, it could be about a potty break. In case you force your dog to stay inside, you may encourage indoor elimination. However, if you are not very sure if this whining is about potty break, do not surrender immediately. Take your time so that your dog knows that asking for something through whining is too much effort. Surrendering may encourage whining for the wrong things in the future. Your dog must not get an idea that whining is the answer to get anything.{1}
If you doubt that your dog is probably asking for too many walks for pee and poo, consider tracking using DuePet’s wee tracker and poo tracker. Tracking will also help your vet diagnose the problem better.
5. Keep Your Dog Busy
Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise and play time. This will avoid whining caused by excessive stored up energy, boredom, etc. Your dog must have things to do during the day, so that there is not time to whine, whinge, or cry unnecessarily.{1}
You may use the exercise tracker of the DuePet app to ensure that your dog is getting enough exercise. This tracker will help you in finding out the right amount of exercise for your dog. Too much exercise is also not good for your dog.
6. Know When to Respond
If you are sure that your dog is whining for the wrong reasons, just ignore it. Once the whining pauses, offer your dog a treat to appreciate silence. This is also helpful in training your dog for the quiet command.{1}
In certain situations your dog may whine to get more food and if you think that this demand is not right or healthy, just ignore it. Make sure that nobody in the house fulfills the wrong demands of your pooch. On the other hand, if your dog is whining to go out for a walk immediately after coming back from the walk, it could signal toward a health issue such as urinary infection, upset stomach, etc.{2}
Is It Too Late Already
If your dog has been whining for a very long time now and after reading this article you have realised that you have contributed to the encouragement of whining, you will have to work hard on training your dog to stop this problem behaviour. Gradually, the whining problem can be controlled. Do not expect your dog to change in one night, it will be a process.{2}
You may do it better with the DuePet app. With the help of DuePet, you can set reminders for the training and make records and notes of improvement. If you are taking help from professional trainers, making records will help in assessing the improvement in your dog.
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FAQs
Yes, it is completely normal for dogs to whine or cry when they are happy.{3}
No, dogs do not cry like humans. They feel pain and sadness, but there won’t be tears flowing.{4}
Your dog might have an injury at the side. See your vet about it.
