Why Is Your Dog Whining? (And Driving You Nuts)

Having a dog that barks and whines incessantly can put strain on even the most loving relationship between a dog and her owner not to mention the complaints and problems that can arise from your neighbors. Now, some barking will happen even with the best behaved dog, but those who have lived with a dog that barks in excess have a few tips on what to do.

1. Listen to the different “voices” of your dog. Your dog is not whining or barking for no reason. Has he spotted another animal? Did someone enter your backyard and your dog is defending his territory? Maybe he needs food or water?

2. is your dog whining rather than barking? Whining is a sign that your dog is in distress and you need to check that your dog is OK.

3. Dogs whine when they are feeling lonely. Dogs are very social animals, in their natural settings they live together in packs. If you have been gone all day your dog may be whining out of loneliness. Set aside the first 10 minutes when you get home from work to play and socialize with your dog and you will stop the whining in it’s track. It is also a stress relief for you to interact and love your dog after a stressful day at work.

4. having your dog locked out in the back yard is a surefire way to make him whine, and to make your neighbors hate you. Your dog wants to be with you and misses your companionship which is had inside the house. Your dog may be whining until you take him in whether that happens within the next 10 minutes or 10 hours. For the sake of your dog and your neighbors, leave your dog inside the house when you are away.

Should you discipline a dog that is whining? No, whining is always a sign of distress and punishing a dog that is stressed can make the behavior even worse. Hitting your dog or putting him outside as punishment is the wrong course of action.

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