How To Stop Your Dog Whining

Dogs communicate in many ways including barking, howling, growling and whining. When a dog whines, it normally draws our attention immediately because we interpret it as some sort of a distress call. It sounds so pitiful, right?

It hasn't taken dogs long to figure this out. In fact, some dogs have learned that whining can get them just about anything they want.

Why Dogs Whine

Dogs generally whine when they are hurt, anxious or afraid. Certain dogs have also learned how to "pretend" to be afraid or anxious in order to get attention. However, dogs have a high pain threshold, so if your dog whines in pain, you want to identify the source of pain and have it treated immediately.

The other causes of whining are fairly easy to treat. All it takes is a few easy to implement steps.

How to Stop the Whining For Good

Let's start with anxiety whining. This problem often starts when the dog picks up on clues in your routine, for example, putting on your coat to leave the house.

This then becomes the trigger that sets off your dog's whining. In order to address this you'll need to break the connection between your actions, and the dog's reaction. There are a number of ways to do this.

You could quite simply change your routine. Or you could go through your "pre-leaving" routine and then not leave. Alternatively, you could leave and then return after standing outside for a few seconds.

All of these methods have the effect of breaking the dog's connection between the routines he notices and the thing he fears (you leaving). It's a simple methodology, but it works.

Another cause for whining is fear. For example a dog left alone in an empty house may become fearful and anxious. The solution here is simply to cut down his space.

Keeping the dog confined to a small area of the house, or better still, a dog crate, will help him relax and stop whining.

Be aware that it will take a bit of time to accustom your dog to the crate, but it is relatively easy because the crate simulates a den environment. Once the dog is used to the crate he no longer feels the need to patrol his larger "territory" (the house). It is an effective way of addressing both fear and anxiety in your dog.

Breaking the "Attention Whining" Cycle

Dogs can be quite manipulative and are quick to pick up on the outcomes of certain actions. For example, if you teach your dog to sit in order to receive a biscuit you'll find that he starts to sit whenever he wants one - whether it's on offer or not!

Similarly, if your dog works out that you come running every time he whines, prepare yourself for plenty of running.

If you know your dog you'll soon see through his efforts to manipulate you by whining, and you'll have to ignore it if you want him to stop.

For more dog training tips for dealing with behavioral problems, like whining, digging, and barking, visit dogsanddogtraining.com - a virtual dogs 101.