Do you ever wonder why your dog whines? It can be puzzling, because dogs whine for all sorts of reasons. Some whining is simply due to excitement or happiness, but other times it’s a sign that something is wrong or your dog needs something. If you can learn to understand the different reasons dogs whine, you will be better equipped to respond appropriately and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. In this article, we will explore the six most common reasons dogs whine.
Appeasement:
Appeasement whining is a type of submissive behavior where your dog is trying to show you that they are not a threat. This can happen when they are meeting new people or dogs, or when they feel scared or nervous. If your dog starts to whine in this situation, it’s important to remain calm and reassuring. Getting angry or scolding your dog will only make them feel worse and could increase their anxiety. Instead, try to provide some reassurance with a calm voice or a treat.
Attention:
One common reason dogs whine is to get your attention. This can be for something as simple as wanting you to pet them or because they are ready to go on a walk. If your dog starts whining while you’re working on something and you know they don’t need to go out, chances are they just want some love and attention from you.
Trained behavior:
If your dog has been taught that whining gets attention, they will continue to do it because it works! Dogs are very smart and they quickly learn what behavior gets them the results they want. If you want to extinguish this type of whining, it’s important to be consistent in ignoring it. That means no eye contact, no talking, and no touching. Once your dog learns that whining doesn’t get them what they want, they will likely stop.
Stress:
If your dog is whining more than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling stressed about something. Stress can be caused by many things, such as changes in the home (a new baby, a move, etc.), changes in routine (a vacation, going to the groomer), or even just the weather (thunderstorms, fireworks). If you think your dog is whining due to stress, look for other signs of stress such as panting, pacing, and hiding. If you can identify the source of the stress, try to remove it or make it less stressful for your dog. If that’s not possible, there are also products that can help relieve stress in dogs, such as calming collars or supplements.
Excitement:
If your dog is whining because they’re excited, it’s usually a happy sound and nothing to worry about. Excitement whining often happens when you come home, during playtime, or when there’s something they really want. The key to dealing with excitement whining is to not give in to it. If you give your dog attention or what they want when they’re whining, they will learn that this is an effective way to get what they want and the behavior will continue. Instead, wait for your dog to calm down before giving them any attention. This may take some patience, but eventually they will learn that calm behavior is what gets them the results they want.
Pain:
If your dog is whining and seems to be in discomfort, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. Pain can also be caused by things like arthritis or joint pain, which is more common in older dogs. If your dog is whining due to pain, they will likely need medication to help them feel better.
If you take the time to understand why your dog is whining, you will be better equipped to respond appropriately and strengthen your bond. The next time your dog starts whining, pay attention to their body language and see if you can figure out what they are trying to tell you. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at understanding your furry friend’s needs in no time.
