Dog Training Myths

How to Deal with Puppy Whining

When puppies are cold, hungry or tired, whining is very natural for them. Mother dogs provide a safe place to sleep, warmth and milk to their puppies when they whine.

Eventually, puppies connect the two actions and begin to whine deliberately. This lets the puppy’s mother know that something is wrong or he needs something.

A puppy should be adopted between 8 and 10 weeks old. It’s at this time that puppies discover that their whining doesn’t have any impact with their new family; or they may use whining to compel their new mother (you!) into giving them what they want.

Therefore, it is commonly believed that a new puppy should be left on his own for the first night is his new home. If you react to puppy whining with sympathy, cooing, cuddling etc., your dog is sure to feel that whining will get him what he desires.

For a fantastic course to stop your puppy from whining, I suggest that you take a look at: Puppy Whining.

Of course, this will require good judgment and common sense on your part. A frightened puppy will require affection, reassurance and attention. It is important that you act quickly so he doesn’t think that the desired result was achieved through his puppy whining. Puppies should not become accustomed to whining each time they want something.

In order to train your puppy to be content when he is on his own, leave him alone even while you are at home. This will help to stop separation anxiety in your puppy when you leave him alone. When you are sure that all your puppy’s physical needs have been met and you have taken the time to get him used to isolation, then he must be taught that whining is inappropriate.

This does not mean that a puppy that is really worked up, whining, and crying, should be cold-bloodedly ignored. You should show him some love and help him to relax once the whining has stopped. As some puppies will whine for several hours, you may not be able to wait until the whining has completely ceased.

If this is the case, there is no need to prolong your puppy’s suffering – seize your chance when he stops whining, if just for a few seconds, and open the door of the crate. Although this is far from perfect, it’s likely to be the best you can do.

Most dogs have grown out of puppy whining by the time they are six months old. A puppy that continues to whine after this period is either doing it instinctively, or has learnt that it helps to get him what he wants.

For more details on how to deal with puppy whining, visit Stop Dog Whining.

May 18, 2009 | 1 | Dog Training