Mary Allen
It can be really nerve-wracking when a dog whines all the time for no apparent reason. If you want to stop him from howling, you need two things above all: a little patience and empathy.
If your dog suddenly howls a lot, you should take him to the vet: he could be in pain. Otherwise, whimpering can often be traced back to mistakes in the upbringing. Luckily these can be fixed.
Tearing a Young Dog to Stop Whining
If your dog is very young, constant whimpering can be a sign that he is feeling lonely or bored.
Try to provide enough play opportunities and a stimulating environment from the start so that the puppy learns to do things on its own.
If the little dog cries every time you leave the house, don’t make a drama out of it. On the contrary. Remain calm and composed, behave normally when you leave the house and when you come back.
In this way, the little one learns that it is nothing special that he is on his own in the meantime. Nevertheless, your puppy should not be left alone for too long.
Puppies Need Clear Rules
However, puppies may also whine because they are unsure of their place in the family. Due to unclear instructions or inconsistent action in dog training, the “priority order” between dog and owner can get mixed up.
The four-legged friend is then unsettled and expresses this through inappropriate behavior, for example by howling.
With patience, clear rules, and clear basic commands, you can break this behavior from your dog.
Also, don’t respond immediately when he calls for you. It is better to reward him when he behaves calmly, for example with petting, kind words, and the occasional treat.
Breaking the Habit of Howling in an Adult Dog
If an adult dog comes to you from an animal shelter or from a previous owner, it first needs time to get used to it. In the early stages, whimpering can be a sign that he misses his previous owners or is “homesick”.
With extensive, varied walks, games, and cuddling hours, you show the dog that you are there for him. Gradually he will get used to the new situation and will take you to his heart just like your predecessors.
Case for the Vet or the Animal Psychologist?
An animal psychologist can help if, despite all your effort and patience, you cannot get your dog to stop whining.
If the howling persists and you feel overwhelmed by the situation, a dog trainer trained in behavioral research will support you in the upbringing.
However, it is not a training fault if the dog is normally quiet and suddenly starts to whine. Then there may be an illness or an undiscovered injury behind it.
In this case, be sure to take the dog to the veterinarian to get to the bottom of the cause and have it treated.