How Can I Make My Dog Stop Whining?

Puppies often whine due to fear.

Dogs whimper for a long list of reasons, from trying to alert you to their displeasure with a situation to just wanting attention. Puppies, shelter and stray dogs generally whine more than other dogs, due to the unfamiliarity of a new house. Regardless of the reason, listening to your dog whimper incessantly probably gets old fairly fast. Fortunately, you can stop your dog whining by making sure he's taken care of and feels secure.

Instructions

1. Let your dog out when you get up in the morning and before you go to sleep. If your dog is not yet housetrained, let it out after each meal, too. Some dogs constantly whine during the night and in the early morning if they are not let out right before bedtime.

2. Feed your dog regularly and check its water bowl. Whining can be a sign of hunger or thirst. Look on the side or back of the dog food for feeding instructions. Ensure your dog always has a bowl of fresh water.

3. Walk your dog every day. If walking isn't an option due to the weather, play with your dog for 30 minutes to one hour each day. Dogs, and especially certain breeds, have a lot of energy. If your dog uses some of that energy throughout the day, he's less likely to whine and cry and more likely to rest.

4. Crate your dog when you go to sleep. A lot of dogs whine at night, because they're either scared or insecure. Crating a dog gives the dog its own home and personal space. If your dog has never been crated before, its whining may increase when put into the crate. When you first start crating your dog, do so for short periods of time. When your dog can sit in the crate for 30 minutes without whining, you can generally leave him in the crate overnight, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

5. Ignore your dog. A dog that doesn't need to eat, drink or go outside simply wants your attention. By coddling your dog or talking to it, you're essentially rewarding it for whining.

6. If your dog continues to whine despite the measures you've taken, your dog may have a health issue. Take your dog to the vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Place toys and a pillow or blanket in your dog's crate to provide more comfort.

References

• Vet Info: Dog Whining
• Humane Society: Crate Training