Whining Behavior In Dogs: When To Worry And When To Train
If you're a new dog owner, you might hear your pup whine from time to time. Many think that if a dog whines, it is the same as crying. While this is sometimes true, the majority of the time your dog is using a whine to communicate. Dogs whine for many reasons and if left unchecked, your pup can begin to manipulate you. This guide explains what the main reasons for whining are, and how to stop it, if you need to.
Whining Over an Illness or Pain
If your dog is in need of medical attention, they'll whine while laying down. Of course, whining is just one of the signs they may exhibit. They won't necessarily be sleeping, just belting out a few whines here and there. Make an appointment with the vet if your pup won't come to you when called. There could be an injury or sickness causing the whining.
Some dogs whine in their sleep if they are upset or having a bad dream. If your dog is the aggressive type, don't wake them; just let the dream play out. On the other hand, if they not typically frightened easily, pick them up gently and cuddle with them to let them know you're there.
Whining Because It's Bathroom Time
Some dogs whine because they need to defecate. The whining may be accompanied with a scratch at the door. This type of whining is one that you may not want to stop. It's their way of saying, "I don't want any trouble. Just let me outside so the floor doesn't get soiled."
Whining Because They Want Something
The last reason a dog whines is because they want something, whether it's a treat or to get you to stop what you're doing to play. This whine becomes annoying and if left unchecked, you could end up teaching your dog that this is the way to get their way.
It's important that you ignore this whine and don't give your pooch what they want until they have stopped whining for a couple minutes. But only give them what they want if you see fit. Remember that you are the pack leader, and your dog can easily take that position away from you if you're not careful.
If the whining turns to a bark, use a stern voice to tell it to stop. Once the pooch submits, then you can decide whether to give in.
Understanding a dog's whine is as much about training you as it is your pooch. If you simply cannot get your dog to stop whining, make an appointment with a dog trainer such as Canine Behavior Center. They can provide more tips and help you understand this behavior more. Remember that not all whines are bad, and focus on the ones that are when teaching your new dog.