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Why is my dog whining? 6 common reasons and what you can do to stop it

If you wonder 'why is my dog whining?' check out the possible causes

Vera Lawlor
By
Dog laying head on computer keyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Let’s be honest: No matter how much we love our fur babies, living with a dog that’s a whiner can drive you crazy.

Your dog had breakfast and a nice long walk. You’ve settled her into a soft bed with a favorite chew toy. Now, it’s time for you to get to work in your home office. But you’ve no sooner powered up the computer than the whining starts. Sound familiar?

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No matter how disruptive it is, always remember that whining is a form of communication for our dogs, say training experts at the ASPCA. The key is to properly interpret the noise and figure out how to work with her on it; to try to answer the question, “Why is my dog whining?”

Whining may seem like a random behavior, but it has causes

Although it may seem like your dog is whining for no good reason, that’s not usually the case. They’re trying to tell you something! The best way to make the whining stop is to figure out what exactly your dog is trying to tell you. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons dogs whine.

Your dog might be whining because she wants or is looking for something

Ever had your dog whine when her favorite ball rolled under furniture and out of reach? You stoop down, retrieve the ball, and throw it back to her, and the whining immediately stops. Or maybe your dog looks up at you and whines when you’re relaxing on the couch. You instinctively scoot over and invite her to jump up. Before long, she’s fast asleep cuddled up beside you on the sofa. These are the moments in everyday life when your dog uses whining to tell you what she wants.

Your dog is excited, and she may express that through whining

Grabbing your coat or putting on your shoes can be enough to make some dogs whine. They think: It’s walk time! Naturally, they are excited to head out on an adventure. You can stop excitement whining with positive-motivation training. When your dog whines, give a “quiet” command and follow up with praise and a treat as soon as the whining stops. Begin this training in the house and then follow up on the way to your destination. Like any dog training, it’ll take practice and time — but it’ll be worth it.

Fear can cause a dog to whine, whimper, or even bark

Some dogs whine when they are scared or anxious. If this is the case, you might notice pacing, trembling, or panting, according to experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC). In this case, you’ll need to figure out what’s scaring your dog and how to make her feel more comfortable.

If it’s loud noises, such as fireworks or thunder, providing your dog with a safe space like a crate or basement room without windows may work. Playing soft background music can also help mask the scary sounds. Some dogs get comfort from chewing on a bone or interacting with a puzzle toy, too. Of course, the solution depends on what the trigger is!

Separation anxiety is a very real problem for some dogs, and it may result in whining

If your dog starts to whine, pace, or drool when you’re about to leave the house, she may suffer from separation anxiety. According to the AKC, around 14% of dogs suffer from this disorder. Since the symptoms of separation anxiety could also be the signs of other health issues, experts advise taking your dog for a checkup. If there’s no medical issue, follow these tips to help relieve your dog’s anxiety when home alone.

  • The goal is to make going and coming from the house as uneventful as possible. That means no long goodbyes. Just give your dog a treat and leave. Returning should also be no big deal, so ignore your dog until she calms down. We know – it’s hard
  • Playing soft music and providing chew toys can help some dogs relax when alone.
  • Use sit, down, and stay exercises to help your dog get comfortable in a room by herself even when the family is home.
  • In severe cases, calming supplements or medication may be needed.

Attention-seeking whining is easy to accidentally reinforce

We all know this one. Many needy dogs use whining to get their owner’s attention. Often that results in extra petting, playtime, or a treat, so they continue to do it. Whenever you give in to an attention whine, you’re using positive reinforcement, even though you don’t want to. Instead, wait for a break in the whine and then reward with a pat or a snack.

Dog with a vet
In Green/Shutterstock

How will I know if my dog is whining because of pain?

Whining could be a sign that your dog is in pain. For example, if your dog whines while climbing the stairs or when trying to jump on the couch, she may have joint pain due to arthritis. If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s important to have her checked out. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to manage the pain and may also suggest an exercise or massage routine to make your pup more comfortable.

A sleepy Beagle naps on their owner's bed, with sunshine coming through the window
Przemek Iciak / Shutterstock

Should I be concerned if my dog is whining in her sleep?

It might seem unusual, or even concerning, to hear a pup whining in their sleep, but as Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP ensures, it’s not usually something to worry about. In fact, they’re likely just dreaming! Just as people do, dogs cycle through REM sleep and non-REM sleep, though dreaming and movement are associated with the REM level of sleep.

As Dr. Mitchell explains, dogs could be dreaming about anything, from running in the park to howling alongside a wolf pack. If anything about their sleep vocalizations seems concerning to you — or if this is a sudden and new behavior — it’s never a bad idea to check in with your veterinarian.

Man petting dog on couch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Should you ignore a whining dog?

If your dog is whining just to get your attention, ignoring her is the best way to stop the behavior, training experts say. When the whining starts, avoid eye contact by turning away from your dog. Don’t touch or speak to her, and that includes no scolding — she just sees that as a form of attention. Be sure to reinforce positive behavior by rewarding your dog for being quiet.

If your adult dog has successfully used attention-seeking whining to train you, it’s going to take time and patience to break that habit. After all, you’ve played a role by unintentionally rewarding the behavior, and now it’s up to you to teach your dog a different way. By being consistent with your training, you will soon be spending quality quiet time with your best furry friend.

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Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
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