Dog Whines In The Morning? Top 36 Best Answers

While it may seem to a human that a dog is whining for no reason, the dog is trying to tell you something. Like barking and growling, whining is a way dogs express their desires, excitement, pain, stress, and everything in between. Whether or not you should respond to a whining dog depends on the underlying reason. Encouraging whining, even unintentionally, can turn it into problematic behavior, leading to a puppy whimpering excessively. There are a few things you can do to interpret the waving, calm the dog down, and maybe even stop it.

Why do dogs whine?

Whining is especially common in puppies because they are learning to communicate their needs and wants. Young puppies whine to get attention and food from their mother the way babies cry.

It’s often pretty obvious why a dog howls. It may beg for a treat off your plate or to be let in or out of the house. At other times, the whining may not be so easy to decipher. In these cases, look at the body language that accompanies the whining to find out. There are a few common reasons dogs whine, although they can sometimes overlap.

Ask for something

When your dog wants something from you, like a walk, food, or a toy, he may whine to let you know. You may even notice his eyes darting back and forth between you and the door or other desired object as he whimpers.

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attention seeking

Attention-seeking whining can occur when you do something that doesn’t involve your dog, such as: B. Talking to someone on the phone or concentrating on an important task. It may also happen that your dog becomes jealous of the time you spend with another person or pet.

communicate enthusiasm

When your dog is excited, whining can be part of his way of burning energy and may be accompanied by jumping up and down and running around. Part of this type of whining can also be seeking attention.

show boredom

Boredom-whining often comes across as a “woe is me”-sigh-and-whining combination. The dog is whimpering out of boredom and may also be trying to get your attention.

Expressing pain or discomfort

Many dogs whine when they are sick or in pain. When your dog is unwell, whining can be his way of getting your attention, so you know. In some cases, the whining could be an effort by the dog to calm down rather than attract attention.

If your dog is whimpering a lot and you’ve eliminated other causes, visit the vet to rule out medical issues before dismissing the whimpering as a behavioral issue.

indicates stress

It is common for a dog to whimper when fearful or anxious. This type of whining is often accompanied by soothing gestures such as yawning, licking your lips, or averting your eyes. You may also notice simultaneous whimpers and yawns.

By showing appeasement gestures, the dog is trying to calm down and signal to others that they are not a threat. Stress-related whining is often accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as: B. Crouching, flattened ears and a tucked-in tail.

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How to stop whining

If your dog is whimpering excessively, it’s best to try to find out the reason before attempting to address the behavior. Some people don’t mind a little whining now and then, while others can hardly take it and find any whining excessive and annoying. The good news is that you can teach your dog to stop whining—or maybe stop whining at all.

Pay close attention to your dog’s whining and any other behaviors that accompany it. Over time, you may notice different pitches and loudness of yammers for a variety of reasons. For example, you may become familiar with the whining “I want something” and “I’m bored.” If you then hear a distinctly different howl, this can help you determine if the cause is actually stress or pain, for example.

to your dog’s whining and any other behaviors associated with it. Over time, you may notice different pitches and loudness of yammers for a variety of reasons. For example, you may become familiar with the whining “I want something” and “I’m bored.” If you then hear a distinctly different howl, this can help you determine if the cause is actually stress or pain, for example. Approach your dog cautiously and handle them gently if the whimper seems to be from stress or pain. If so, the whining can escalate and even develop into aggression.

and handle it with caution if the whining appears to be due to stress or pain. If so, the whining can escalate and even develop into aggression. Look at the situation objectively and review the possible reasons for whining before deciding how to proceed. Never punish or yell at your dog for whining, as this can make a dog even more fearful or anxious and lead to aggressive behavior.

and review the possible reasons for the whining before deciding how to proceed. Never punish or yell at your dog for whining, as this can make a dog even more fearful or anxious and lead to aggressive behavior. If your dog seems anxious, anxious, or otherwise stressed, try to find the source of the problem. Many fears and phobias can affect dogs. If you can identify the reason, you may be able to work on training and desensitizing your dog to overcome his fear.

, anxious, or otherwise stressed, try to find the source of the problem. Many fears and phobias can affect dogs. If you can identify the reason, you may be able to work on training and desensitizing your dog to overcome his fear. Give your dog what he wants. For example, if your dog is whimpering to go potty outside, leashing or letting him out is better than reinforcing the elimination behavior indoors.

under certain circumstances. For example, if your dog is whimpering to go potty outside, leashing or letting him out is better than reinforcing the elimination behavior indoors. Avoid unintentionally encouraging your dog to whine. If you’re pretty sure your dog wants something like attention or food, redirect him to another behavior before you give in. Ideally, get your dog to sit or lie down quietly; Then reward it with attention and praise or a treat.

your dog whining. If you’re pretty sure your dog wants something like attention or food, redirect him to another behavior before you give in. Ideally, get your dog to sit or lie down quietly; Then reward it with attention and praise or a treat. Don’t immediately give in to your dog’s “wants” as this will cause him to whine about everything. This is the most common cause of problematic whining. Yes, it’s really hard to resist your whiny pup, but if you give in to that cute pup every time, you could end up with a whiny adult.

on your dog’s “wanting” as this actually trains him to whine about anything. This is the most common cause of problematic whining. Yes, it’s really hard to resist your whiny pup, but if you give in to that cute pup every time, you could end up with a whiny adult. Enrich your surroundings. Make sure they have plenty of toys and exercise. A dog with pent-up physical or emotional energy is more likely to whine.

their environment. Make sure they have lots of toys and exercise. A dog with pent-up physical or emotional energy is more likely to whine. Respond selectively to your dog’s whining. Unless you’re sure there’s no real need, it’s best to ignore it. As soon as you notice a moment of silence, offer praise, a treat, or a similar reward. You can even take this opportunity to work on the Quiet command.

Don’t give in to your dog’s begging and whining. Ken Gillespie Photography / Getty Images

In most cases, you can manage excessive whining with basic exercise, mental stimulation, and exercise. If the behavior is seriously resistant to change, you may need to consult a trainer or behaviorist for additional help. However, be patient and consistent no matter what and you will be more likely to see the results you want. You may not be able to completely break your dog’s habit of howling, but you should at least be able to reduce it to a more manageable level.

We’ve all been through this! In the early hours of the morning, your dog will scratch your door, bark, run, and disturb your own sleep. Rest assured that you are not the only owner who has to complain: “My dog ​​wakes up too early.”

A dog waking up too early can have various causes. Your dog may wake up early for simple reasons: they are uncomfortable and need a bathroom break, to name a few. However, more serious reasons include painful health conditions and separation anxiety. To get to the bottom of your dog’s early morning habits, read on.

Why do dogs wake up early?

There are several reasons why your dog might wake up early. These reasons can be physical or psychological and can be as simple as a change in routine to a serious medical condition. One of the most common psychological causes is separation anxiety. This type of fear arises when a dog does not like being left alone. If your dog has separation anxiety, they may wake up frequently to check if you’re still around. Other mental health issues, such as stress and depression, can lead to trouble sleeping.

A dog that wakes up early could also be physically ill. Make sure your dog doesn’t have a legitimate reason for waking up at night, such as: B. a urinary tract infection, a digestive problem or pain that can make him feel uncomfortable at night. If your dog wakes up early and shows signs of being unwell, be sure to consult your veterinarian to rule out any physical discomfort.

7 tips to change your dog’s habit of waking up too early

There are many reasons your beloved pooch might wake you up in the wee hours of the morning. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this as well. If your dog wakes up early, also consider their sleeping environment, routine, health, energy levels, and diet.

1. Provide a “bedtime” environment

Once you’ve got physical and psychological options out of the way, you should consider the environment in which your dog sleeps. At night, make sure your room is as dark and uncomfortable as possible. Turn off the TV earlier, remove stimulating toys, or even consider darkening the room to give your pup a better night’s sleep. If your dog is in a crate, you can try covering the crate with a blanket to block outside stimuli. You want your dog to be as comfortable as possible when he sleeps, so invest in an appropriate bed for your pup. If they wake up early, the cause could be as simple as an uncomfortable bed!

2. Establish a sleep routine

A dog that is used to a certain routine is easier to manage than a dog that doesn’t know when to feed, exercise, or put to bed. Dogs with a certain routine can more easily anticipate or sense time. So they already know when it’s time for bed. Not only will this teach your dog patience, but it will also reduce anxiety. If your dog spends much of his evening relaxing with you, he may not be getting a good night’s sleep. This is because they have already caught up on their rest during the day. As such, it helps to schedule your dog’s playtime and exercise in a way that promotes restful sleep. Going to bed at the same time each day is also helpful to establish a reliable bedtime for your dog. After some time with this routine, your dog may even start going to bed before you tell him to!

3. Make sure your dog is not sick

Several medical issues can cause your dog to wake up early. Your dog may wake up early due to a urinary tract infection, joint pain, or even dementia. If your dog frequently wakes up early, be sure to monitor him for signs of illness and stress. These include weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, accidents, limping, behavior changes, and gastrointestinal disorders. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s time for a visit to the vet. Your vet will ask you about your dog’s behavior and symptoms, and will conduct a full physical to look for other signs of illness that may help in the diagnosis. Once your dog has been diagnosed, you must follow your vet’s advice and care plan to help your pup sleep better.

4. Bathroom break

Does your dog wake you up early just to anxiously await a bathroom break? If so, you should schedule additional toilet breaks before your dog’s bedtime. This could include a last minute break just before you both go to bed. Your dog is more likely to hold his bladder longer if he’s allowed to go before bed. However, remember that going to the toilet more often can be a sign of poor health. Several medical conditions can cause frequent urination, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes. If your dog needs to go to the bathroom more often than usual, it is best to contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible.

Try introducing toilet breaks so your pup can sleep longer.

5. Crate Training

Dog crates can be a great way to help your dog feel safe at night. You want your dog to see their crate as their personal space – they will sleep there and retreat there when they feel overwhelmed. A dog crate should not be used as a punishment, even if your dog wakes up early. Once you’ve decided on a suitable crate, make sure you place blankets both on top and inside to make it extra cozy. You want your dog’s crate to be inviting and comfortable. As with any form of training, you must be consistent and fair with crate training. You shouldn’t leave your dog in his crate for more than four hours, and if he’s showing signs of extreme stress, take a step back in your training.

6. Ensure proper nutrition

No one sleeps well on an empty stomach, especially your pooch! If your dog is hungry, he will have trouble ignoring this feeling and you may need to ask for help. So if your dog wakes up early, it’s worth re-evaluating their diet. Are you feeding your dog a portion size that’s right for him? Do you feed them once or twice a day? when do you feed them Consider feeding your dog a little later in the day and offer a treat right before bed. This change in schedule can help reduce your dog’s hunger pangs until morning, giving you and your dog a few extra hours of rest.

7. Tire your dog

Does your dog seem to have a lot of energy at night? Consider your pup’s exercise program and how effective it is. Your dog’s breed affects the level of activity he needs. Low-energy breeds like the English Bulldog will benefit from 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day, while a high-energy breed like the Belgian Malinois will need more than one walk and more than two hours of activity. If your dog wakes up early, he may benefit from an extra form of exercise during the day. This includes hiking, swimming and dog sports! Your high-energy dog ​​may also benefit from extra playtime before bed to burn off excess energy. By encouraging extra playtime, your dog will also associate bedtime with fun and will be more likely to calm down when that expectation is met.

Dogs wake up early – FAQs

Do you have other questions or concerns about your dog waking up too early? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information. When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian for advice.

How do I stop my dog ​​from howling at me in the morning? If your dog is whimpering in the morning, it’s best to find the cause of the behavior so adjustments can be made to reduce it. While this behavior can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that this is one of the only ways your dog can communicate that their needs are not being met. If your dog howls in the morning, it’s probably because he needs something from you. Your dog might whine to ask for food, for a bathroom break, or because of separation anxiety. To reduce the behavior, you might consider encouraging more exercise, adjusting your dog’s meal times, and allowing extra bathroom breaks before bed.

Of course, there are times when the whining isn’t caused by an unmet physical need. Some dogs whine to keep their owners awake just for the attention. If your dog wakes up early for attention, it may be beneficial to stop paying attention to him in the morning when he’s crying. In some cases, the desired attention will reinforce the behavior, leading your dog to interpret that behavior as desirable. If this behavior persists despite your attempts to ignore it, it’s best to consult a veterinary behaviorist for advice. At What Age Do Dogs Sleep All Night? Your dog should sleep through the night up to the age of 4 months. At this age, your puppy can hold its bladder for up to 5 hours. Because of this, a 4 month old puppy should be able to avoid accidents during the night as long as they are taken to regular bathroom breaks during the day.

However, given that, it is unreasonable to expect your 4 month old pup to sleep consistently every night. Your pup is still learning and may still have accidents from time to time, especially at night. In this case, be patient and don’t punish your pup for his mistake. Your puppy may not be fully potty trained until he is 6 months old. At this age, your puppy is most likely to sleep through the night. What can I give my dog ​​to sleep at night? Melatonin is a hormone that tells your dog when to sleep and when to wake up. If your dog is having trouble sleeping soundly, your vet may recommend giving your pooch melatonin. In addition to helping your dog get a restful sleep, melatonin can also help treat noise-related phobias and epileptic seizures. This hormone also helps treat certain types of alopecia. This makes melatonin a safe and reliable supplement for your sleep-deprived pooch. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is best to seek veterinary advice before giving any to your dog.

Melatonin is administered orally. Your veterinarian may advise giving you a tablet, liquid, or capsule, depending on whether your dog can take supplements. This supplement is fast acting and takes effect in 1 to 2 hours. If your dog doesn’t improve right away, don’t be tempted to give more than your vet’s recommended dose. While melatonin is generally very safe, overdosing can cause lethargy and upset stomach. How do I get my dog ​​to sleep later in the morning? To help your dog sleep late in the morning, there are several adjustments you can make to his routine. For example, increasing the amount and intensity of exercise with your dog will help deplete his energy, leading to a long sleep. Feeding your dog closer to bedtime will help keep him full until morning, potentially leading to more sleep.

After all, the hardest part is ignoring your dog in the morning. If you stop paying attention to your dog if he wakes up too early, your dog should learn that waking up at that time does not benefit him. If this behavior persists despite your attempts to ignore it, it’s best to consult a veterinary behaviorist for advice. What is the right time for dogs to wake up? There is no specific time when your dog should wake up. As a general rule, your dog is likely to wake up when you wake up – so if you wake up at 6am, your dog will learn to wake up at 6am. This doesn’t apply to every dog, however, as many owners step over their sleeping dog in the morning to get to work. The “right” time to wake up your dog depends entirely on your schedule, your dog’s sleeping habits, and how heavily your dog sleeps.

For this reason, your adult dog should sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. If your dog wakes up frequently and doesn’t get 12 to 14 hours of sleep every day, you should consult your veterinarian for advice. Lack of sleep can indicate a mental or physical problem that needs treatment.

A dog waking up too early can be a sign of unmet needs or mental and physical difficulties. Therefore, the best approach to preventing rude awakenings is to find the cause of your dog’s unusual sleeping habits.

They may not be able to speak, but dogs can use many other communication methods to interact with us. Sometimes whining is one of those methods. Whining can be cute, but when it persists or becomes a regular habit, it can become annoying. If you want to stop your dog from whining, you must first understand why he is whining. Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons.

1. Your dog needs or wants something

The most obvious reason your dog is whining is because they need or want something from you, such as food, water, or a walk. Maybe her favorite toy is stuck under the couch or the cat is sleeping in her bed. The whining should stop once you identify and fix the problem.

However, if your dog is whimpering for more food after you’ve just fed them, this is a problem that needs to be addressed. Make sure no one in the family gives your furry companion extra helpings, and never feed your dog off the table. Feeding your dog more food in response to his whining will only make the behavior worse.

Also, if your dog whines after another walk just after you took him out, this could indicate a bladder or digestive problem. If your dog needs to go outside immediately upon your return, you should take him to the vet.

2. Whining for attention

Sometimes dogs whine just because nobody is paying attention to them. It’s similar to how little kids whine when they’re bored with the grown-ups talking at the dinner table. Your dog wants someone to play with or something to keep him busy.

Make sure you’re giving your dog enough exercise and mental stimulation each day. Boredom doesn’t just lead to whining; It can also lead to destructive behavior, such as B. chewing on the furniture and digging up the flower beds.

3. Your dog is scared or stressed

Whining can be your dog’s way of expressing that he is scared or scared. If your dog is also pacing, shaking, or panting when he whimpers, he is probably anxious or worried about something. Maybe there’s a new guest or resident in the house that’s making your dog nervous, or maybe he’s worried that someone is missing.

If your dog whimpers anxiously just before leaving the house, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit destructive behaviors while you’re away. You can treat your dog’s separation anxiety by using these desensitization and counterconditioning techniques. There are many calming treats and calming aids available for dogs.

4. Pain

Whining could be an indication that your dog is in some kind of physical distress. If they whine every time they try to walk up the stairs or jump on the couch, your dog may have joint pain due to arthritis.

Unless there is an obvious reason your dog is whimpering (all of their needs are being met and there is nothing that is making them anxious), you should take your dog to the vet for a check-up.

5. Saying “sorry.”

Whining can be a submissive behavior – a way of saying “You’re the boss”. If you scold your dog for chewing on your shoes or tipping over the trash can, he might whine as part of his apology.

This behavior comes from the ancestors of dogs, wolves. Wolves can be shunned from the pack if they break pack rules, such as B. Biting too hard during play. To be picked up again, a wolf bows its head and tucks its tail between its legs. This is the same attitude our dogs display when they look guilty.

If your dog whimpers to apologize to you, simply accept his apology and walk away. This signals to your dog that he is welcome back.

Whining is one of many forms of vocal communication in dogs. Dogs most often whine when they’re seeking attention, when they’re excited, when they’re scared, or when they’re trying to placate you.

Why do dogs whine?

appeasement behavior

Some dogs will whine excessively when interacting with people and other dogs, usually while adopting a submissive posture (e.g., tail tucked, body lowered, head lowered, gaze averted).

greeting behavior

Some dogs whimper during the greeting. This type of vocalization is usually motivated by excitement and can be directed at dogs or humans.

attention seeking

Some dogs will whine around their owners to get attention, rewards, or coveted items.

fear

Some dogs whine in response to stressful situations. In this context, whining sometimes seems involuntary.

Other issues that can lead to yammers

separation anxiety

If your dog whimpers just before you leave or while you’re away, he may have separation anxiety. If this is the case, your dog will usually show at least one other symptom of the disorder before you leave or when left alone, such as depression or other signs of stress. For more information on this issue, see our separation anxiety article.

injury or illness

Dogs often whine in response to pain or a painful condition. If you notice your dog vocalizing frequently or has suddenly started vocalizing, it’s important to take him to the vet to rule out medical causes.

What to do about excessive whining

Appeasement whine

Dogs may try to calm people or other dogs if they perceive a threat or aggression directed at them. Appeasement behaviors include restraining the ears, tucking in the tail, crouching or rolling on the back, avoiding eye contact, or turning the body sideways to the perceived threat. Soothing whining is also a normal canine behavior. You may be able to reduce your dog’s soothing whines by boosting his confidence. Try taking her to an obedience class that uses reward-based training techniques. You and your dog can also try trick training classes or dog sports like agility, flyball, and musical freestyle (a combination of heels and tricks to music). Playing fun, interactive games with your dog, like tugs and fetches, can boost your dog’s confidence. Avoid physical and verbal punishment. Avoid physical and verbal punishment. Intimidating your dog will only lower his confidence and may increase the soothing whines.

Whining during the greeting

If your dog whines when you greet him, you can draw his attention to his favorite toy. Simply telling your dog to be quiet during the greeting isn’t usually effective because unless you’ve taken specific steps to teach your dog what the word “quiet” means, he won’t understand you. Also, most dogs will whine when greeting people because they are excited, and in an extremely agitated state they may not have control over their behavior. Instead, use management techniques to prevent your dog from becoming overly excited. For example, downplay greetings and keep them short and simple. Avoid speaking in excited, loud tones and keep your movements slow and steady. Wait until your dog is less excited before petting and interacting with him. It can also be helpful to teach her to do something you want instead of whining, such as For example, sitting down or aiming her hand when greeting you or other people. Your dog may whine a lot less if he’s engaged in some other, more polite behavior instead.

How to teach hand targeting

Try teaching your dog to touch his nose to an outstretched palm during the greeting to help him stay calm.

Hold your outstretched palm directly in front of your dog’s face and wait for her to touch it with the tip of her nose. say nothing just wait If she’s not paying attention at all, you can say her name to get her focus on you, but don’t say anything else or move your hand to your dog. Touching her nose with your palm will not help her move her nose toward your palm. If your dog doesn’t touch your hand at first, you can try removing it and then re-presenting it, or shaking it in front of their face, or rubbing a treat on your palm to encourage your dog to sniff. As soon as you feel your dog’s nose touch your palm, say “Yes!” and feed her a small treat from your other hand.

When your dog reliably touches your palm 9 times out of 10 in a row, start presenting your hand in different places. Hold it to the side of your dog’s face, down towards the ground and a few inches away so your dog has to move toward it to make contact. Finally, hold your palm over her head so she has to reach up to touch her. Always remember to say “yes”! as soon as you feel your dog’s nose touch your hand, and then give him a treat.

If your dog touches your hand 9 times out of 10 in a row, regardless of where you hold it, then introduce a cue or command for the behavior, such as: B. Say hello. Say the cue first, then present your hand and wait for your dog to touch it. If she does, say “Yes!” and give her a treat.

Involve your dog’s friends and family in the training. Practice your new skill in a variety of places: at home, with friends, and on the street while walking on a leash. Ask friends your dog knows and likes who walk your normal route, and stop to say hello to your dog so he can practice hand aiming with them. Remember to keep rewarding her when she answers correctly.

The next step is to generalize the training to people your dog doesn’t know. Tell a friend who has never met your dog what to do when you meet him in advance. Then invite the person over to your house or arrange to meet up while you walk your dog. If the stranger shows his hand during the meeting and your dog seems confused, help him. Remind her what to do by asking her to touch your hand a few times first. Then ask the stranger to try again.

From now on, whenever someone wants to greet your dog, either at your home or out in the world, explain that he or she should simply reach out and wait for your dog to approach. You can signal your dog by saying “Say hello.” After your dog touches the person’s hand with their nose, they will turn to you for their treat. In the event that the person ignores your request and pets your dog, they should feel relatively relaxed as they expect the person to reach out a hand to be touched!

Be careful not to reward your dog for exhibiting this new behavior without your prompting by at least raising your hand. Some dogs can become pushy and will approach people to touch their hands even when people don’t want to interact. Reward your dog for touching only when you have given the cue.

Attention-seeking whining

If your dog uses whimpering behaviors to seek attention, rewards, or coveted objects, you need to teach him that staying calm is a better strategy. Sometimes it can be difficult to reduce attention-seeking whining because owners can unknowingly reinforce the behavior. Realize that every eye contact, touch, or conversation with your dog—even if you’re scolding him—is attention. Use dramatic body language, such as For example, turning away from your dog or crossing your arms across your chest and ignoring him completely will signal to your dog that his attention-grabbing whining isn’t working.

Aside from not reinforcing the whining behavior, you need to reward your dog for being calm. Teach your dog that he must always be quiet before receiving your attention, play, or treats. Visit your dog regularly to give him attention and rewards when he’s not whining. If your dog understands that silence works well to get your attention, he won’t feel as motivated to whine.

Don’t hesitate to contact a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) in your area. Many CPDTs offer group or private classes that can give you and your dog many great skills to learn and play with that will reduce their soothing whining, whining on greetings, and attention-seeking whining. Please see our article Finding Help for Professional Conduct to find a CPDT near you.

Anxious wailing

Whining as a result of fear is difficult to eliminate unless the cause of the fear is eliminated. Anxious whining is usually accompanied by other nervous behaviors, such as B. walking up and down, circling and licking. Many anxious dogs can’t seem to control their whining under extreme stress.

Some medications can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. Consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) or Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Dip ACVB) to learn more about anti-anxiety medications. Seek behavioral support professionals for information on how to find one of these professionals.) Do not give your dog medication for behavioral problems unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

If you have, or have ever had, a dog, you’ve probably heard it whine at one time or another. Whining is another form of communication that dogs use, but since a dog’s primary form of communication is through energy and body language, progression to whining indicates a higher level of excitement and need on the dog’s part.

Dogs whine to communicate their physical, mental, or emotional state, and not all whines are created equal. Here are the main categories and what your dog might want to tell you.

Reasons for dog whining

physical necessity

If your dog suddenly starts whining for no apparent reason, the first thing to do is rule out pain or other physical discomfort. This is especially true for a dog who will whimper while lying down in a very submissive posture without attempting to engage you in any other way.

If this behavior comes on suddenly, consult your veterinarian first to rule out any pain or discomfort.

Another physical demand that dogs can express through whining is the need to relieve themselves, especially when housebroken. When the urge to urinate or void increases, it goes against their instinct not to go into their burrow. This is a very specific form of frustration and can involve your dog clawing at the door or nudging you with his snout.

mental state

In a pack, whining is often a sign of submission. It’s a dog’s way of saying to a more dominant dog, “I surrender.” This is usually accompanied by a submissive attitude: ears, tail, and head down, and a dog showing submission or deference may often also ” crouch” by laying his whole body low on the floor.

When your dog whines at you reassuringly, the best thing you can do is quietly acknowledge it and then walk away. For a dog, this means “apology accepted.”

Your dog may also greet you with whines, in which case it expresses excitement. In this case, your dog may also jump up and down or whirl around. This is the time to practice “no touch, no talk, no eye contact” until he calms down.

Finally, a dog can whine to let you know he wants something—especially if this behavior has worked for him before. You just have to make sure they transition into a calm, submissive state beforehand and if you decide to give them what they want.

emotional state

Finally, dogs can whine to let us know their emotional state, with their body language and energy being a key to understanding what state they are expressing.

A dog may whine because it is excited, anxious, frustrated, or scared. The excitement will come with lots of jumping, circling, squealing and activity in general. Fear is accompanied by nervous ups and downs and unsafe body language – ears and tail down, constantly looking around.

A frustrated dog may exhibit compulsive behaviors when whining, such as: B. scratching on the door or reaching under the couch. An anxious dog will whimper while displaying submissive body language, possibly even trembling. Such a dog will try to escape by avoiding people or hiding.

Whining isn’t a dog’s preferred method of communication, but since humans talk all the time, it can be quite natural for a dog to pick up on this and express themselves. We can certainly learn some useful information when our dog howls, but if we don’t respond properly, it can become an undesirable behavior.

It’s easy to see a dog’s whining as cute, but if we don’t understand the reasons behind it and instead give immediate attention and affection to a whining dog, we’ll just be teaching our dogs to whine all the time, which can lead to other unwanted ones Behaviors such as constant barking.

As with anything else, it’s important to remain a calm, assertive pack leader and to take your dog from whining to a calm, submissive state before giving him what he’s asked for – if you do. As with children, just because a dog asks you for something doesn’t mean he should get it. That decision is up to you, the leader of the pack.

Does your dog whimper? What do you think he or she is trying to tell you? Let us know in the comments!