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.