Whining & Crying
Why Do Dogs Whine?
Whining is common in puppies as a form of communication used in a litter even before the pups’ eyes are open. It usually indicates distress, fear or pain.
In the adult dog however, whining is most often a form of attention seeking. We often see this displayed at the back door or when the dog is confined, or simply not receiving the desired amount of attention from the owner. It is reinforced when the dog receives the desired attention.
Treatment Options
- Ignore the behaviour until the dog gives up. (Ask your trainer about extinction bursts when trying this method)
- Spend quality time with your dog
- Reward your dog for being quiet
- Corrections – such as a water squirt bottle
- Vet check if a physical problem is suspected
- Provide environment enrichment for the dog such as interactive or food dispensing toys
- Be careful not to accidently reward your dog for whining by giving him any attention when he is whining or directly after he stops.
Here’s the top resources you need to create the most successful and rewarding relationship with your dog through training:
🐕 Get the free ebook that answers the question, ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?” and how you can change it - Get the Why Does My Dog Ebook HERE
🐕 Join the Virtual Dog School self-paced online training program and turn your dog into your dream best friend - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Take the free reactivity training video series - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Join the reactivity program, Frantic To Focused, which has helped dog owners all over the world to enjoy walks with their dogs again - JOIN HERE
Featured Course:
Frantic to Focused
This comprehensive course takes you step by step on how to get your dog from a frantic dog to a focused dog on walks. EVEN around other dogs.
Popular Ebook: Training Matters
Looking for information online can be so confusing as there is so much conflicting advice. In Training Matters, we explain not just the how of dog training, but the why, so that you know what to do and why to do it this way.
Join the Dog Matters Academy!
REACTIVITY SERIES
Dog Matters. All Rights Reserved © 2025
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this website are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a small commission. We only recommend products and services we endorse and using our links does not affect the purchase price for you, in fact it may save you money. Thank you for your support.
Follow Dog Matters:
