Whining for dogs is a natural act. They usually cry when they want to say something to their pet parents. This whining is ordinary for them, but excessive whining can be due to a problem and is a behavior that is most difficult to handle. Just like any other inappropriate behavior, whining can be controlled and stopped.
Please, do not punish the dogs if they do keep on whining. It is frustrating, but something must have happened within them that they cannot communicate to their owners, so they resort to whining.
Do not get frustrated with them when they are too loud and reward them for being quiet instead of giving them punishment because they are too whiny. Here are some of the ways on how to handle a dog’s excessive whining.
1. Give him the attention he needs
Since verbal communication between the owner and his canine companion is not possible, dogs can resort to whining to get his owner’s attention.
Always remember that conversation and attention are the key points in a healthy relationship, even with your fur friends. Stress caused by his surroundings could also be the cause of whining, so give him all the attention and affection he needs.
2. Walk with him outside
One of the reasons the dog is whining to his owner is because it wants to go outside and do something. It may be playing, peeing, or getting a breath of fresh air.
Every day, do not forget to take him out for a walk even just for a few minutes only so he experiences the outside environment. He may also need to do his business and take a poop outside as he is experiencing a little internal problem, so do not get frustrated and immediately tend to his needs.
3. They are trying to tell that something is wrong
Whining of dogs can also mean that something is wrong with them, or they feel something is wrong with the surroundings. A dog’s sickness can go unnoticed since they do not want for others; naturally, predators, to know they are currently weak, so whining is one of the things they do.
They could be physically hurt as to the cause of whining or internally feeling pain, so do not let any unusual whines go unattended.
4. Do not let them get bored
Boredom is not just felt by humans but also by animals, primarily canine companions. Inappropriate behaviors would most likely be observed when dogs are bored like excessive barking, chewing, and whining. Make sure to cuddle or play with them as to not lead to boredom that may cause the unusual habits previously mentioned.
Boredom could also lead to deeper problems like feeling lonely and sad since he can not do anything he might want to do. This must be immediately noticed since future issues may arise from this boredom
5. Do not ever let your dog be left unattended
Regular interaction between owners and dogs are necessary for them to live. If owners do not spend time with their dogs, owners may need to rethink their doings. Neglect is one of the worst things dogs can feel, and the owner’s attention is just what they need.
This type of whining is usually a soft and silent whine where the dog just needs the owner’s immediate attention, so this should be tended on immediately for the fur friend not to feel any further sadness.
6. His whining was reinforced
Do not let your dog get used to whining as a way of getting his owner’s attention. You may unnoticeable responding to it, which means that the owner is giving his attention to his fur friend. Even telling the dogs to stop barking or whining is a reinforcement for the dog to continue barking or crying.
Avoid any type of response like imitating their sound, making body movements that will produce a sound that may come to them as an answer to what they have been whining about.
7. Control your behavior when the dog is whining
Just like from the previous tip, avoid rewarding or acknowledging the dog when they are whining to get your attention. This may be happening since you may have previously acknowledged him when he was whining before to get your attention.
If the dog owner stops responding or acknowledging the inappropriate whining, then eventually, the canine companion will halt doing it.
8. Give the dog a reward when he stops whining
When the dog is whining, come near him, say the “hush” command and wait for a few seconds if he will stop. If he stays, wait for another few seconds, and then praise him and give him a treat.
Just like training a dog to do a party trick like smiling, teaching him to stop whining could be difficult, so rewards in the form of treats and praises are needed for him to get used to it.
9. Give the dog an exercise to do
Since whining can also come from boredom, which is the fruit of doing nothing. Have him do an exercise that will not just get the dog out of his boredom, but also, help him get rid of his whining.
Activities will also improve your fur friend’s future health, and any internal body problems may be avoided; thus, whining is pre-emptively cured. Exercises can also be done by the dog owner so that they can do it at the same time, and it will serve as a daily or periodic routine for both of them.
10. Allow him to have a variety of toys to play with
If you have to leave for work and the dog will be left alone, owners should at least provide toys to play with. These will keep him occupied, engaged, and excited for quite a long time when the dog owner is not around. These toys will act as a substitute for the owner as their playmate and temporary friend.
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