Dog Whining
If you have ever had a dog, you’ve probably heard it whine a few times. There are a few reasons why your dog might be whining, and the best way to know what is causing your dog to whine is by looking at their body language and knowing what it means.
As dogs aren’t able to talk, they communicate differently, and that is through whines, barking, and body language. Although sometimes your dog just needs to be loved, all they need is some cuddles from their favorite person.
There are three main reasons why your dog may be whining. Here is how to know why your dog is whining and how to help them stop.
Physical Pain
If your dog is ever whining, you should first check to see if they are in any pain. An example of this is when a dog is playing with another dog, whining is how they show them that they are getting hurt and don’t like it anymore.
How do I know?
Also, if your dog is ever sitting there and suddenly starts to whine, they are probably in pain. If you can’t see or find anything wrong with them, it is a good idea to take them to the vet and check them out to ensure they are in good health. Your dogs’ whining could be the reason, especially for dogs that don’t usually whine.
What can I do?
The best thing to do for your dog if they are whining because of pain is to help them get out of the pain. For example, it could be because they got their paw stuck somewhere and need help getting it out. But if you can’t see anything that could be causing the pain, you should take them to the vet and let them figure out what your dog needs.
Mental State
If they are whining because of their mental state, they usually want something like a treat or to go outside. Luckily, this reason for whining has a quick and easy solution.
How do I know?
Usually, a dog whines for mental reasons because they want something. Dogs will usually do this if they have found it has worked in the past. Also, dogs that are more stubborn will usually try this a few times to get what they want.
Dogs sometimes do this when they greet their owner or new people. Along with the whining, they jump around and run to the person.
What can I do?
The best way to fix this reason for whining is to use the “no touch, no talk, and no eye contact.” This method usually takes only a few seconds, but you must stay consistent. Otherwise, your dog will learn that it works sometimes and be more persistent when they try it every time.
It can be hard to ignore your precious baby when they want something like a treat or cuddles, but if you can resist until they calm down, you can reward them all you want. Doing so will teach them that calm behavior will get them what they want.
Especially Maltipoo puppies; their adorable faces are just too hard to say no to. If you want one of these beauties in your home, here are some Cockapoo Puppies for sale.
If they are whining to get your attention because they want to do something, like going outside, you can train them to use devices meant for this purpose, like doggy doorbells. They are usually hung next to the door, low enough for the dog to reach. To train your dog to use them, help them ring the bells a few times before you take them out, and soon they will learn that this will let them go outside.
Emotional State
Lastly, your dogs’ whining could be because of their emotional state. This is usually when they are scared or too excited that they don’t know what to do.
How do I know?
If your dog is whining because they are too excited, it will jump around and sometimes even bark. They are so excited that they don’t know what to do with it!
Another reason could be that they are anxious or scared. Signs to look out for would be that they have their ears, head, or tail down. They will also usually pace around as if they were looking for something.
What can I do?
As an owner, you will know how to comfort your dog more than anyone in these situations. Maybe they just need confirmation that everything is okay if they show signs of being scared or nervous.
If they are too excited, depending on the reason, they could just need a walk or some time outside to help them calm down.
You must ensure you don’t ignore this behavior when a dog whines. As mentioned earlier, it could be because they are in pain, and you must ensure they are healthy. But if it’s because they want something, many people dismiss this and say it’s cute, but this could lead to unwanted behavior if you are not always there to give them what they want or need.