When puppies are cold, hungry or tired, whining is very natural for them. Mother dogs provide a safe place to sleep, warmth and milk to their puppies when they whine.
Gradually, the puppy will start to connect the two things and will begin to whine deliberately. This tells the mother that her puppy wants something or there is a problem.
Puppies should be adopted between 8-10 weeks of age. It’s at this time that puppies realize that whining doesn’t have any affect with their new family; or they may use whining to manipulate their new mother (you!) into giving them what they need.
Because of this, it is generally believed that new puppies should be left on their own on their first night in a new home. If you react to puppy whining with sympathy, cooing, cuddling etc., your dog is certain to believe that whining will get him what he wants.
For a fantastic guide to stop your dog from whining, I strongly recommend that you check out: Puppy Whining.
Of course, this will require good judgment and common sense on your part. A frightened puppy will require affection, reassurance and attention. It is important that you act quickly so he doesn’t think that the desired result was achieved through his puppy whining. Puppies should not become accustomed to whining each time they want something.
To accustom your puppy to being left on his own, you should leave him alone even when you are in the house. This will help to stop separation anxiety in your puppy when you leave him alone. When you know that all your puppy’s physical needs have been met and you have taken the time to accustom him to isolation, then he must be taught that whining is unacceptable.
Of course, puppies that are very upset, crying, and whining should not be heartlessly ignored. As soon as the whining stops, you should calm him down and show him affection. It is not always possible to wait until your puppy has stopped whining completely as some puppies will whine for hours.
If this is the case, there is no need to prolong your puppy’s suffering – seize your chance when he stops whining, if just for a few seconds, and open the door of the crate. Although this is far from perfect, it’s likely to be the best you can do.
Most dogs have grown out of puppy whining by the time they are six months old. Puppies that still whine after this time are probably doing it by instinct, or they have figured out that it gets them what they need.
For more details on how to handle puppy whining, visit Stop Dog Whining.
