The incessant whining that is part and parcel of some dog owners’ experience with canine companionship is soon sure to sap the last bit of love and affection out of the relationship and in some cases will also sour the neighborly ties of homeowners living adjacent to your vociferous canine. Of course, whining happens in even the most well behaved dog, but there are some tips and tricks to learn from dog owners who have been through it!
1. Listen to the different “voices” of your dog. Your dog is not whining or barking for no reason. Has he spotted another animal? Did someone enter your backyard and your dog is defending his territory? Maybe he needs food or water?
2. Unlike barking, whining is a distinct sign of doggy distress and so you will be wise to clue in to the fact that something is bothering your canine. Many a dog was saved by an alert owner who came to find out what was wrong rather than closing a door, only to realize the dog got tangled up in mini blinds and was close to choking!
3. Dogs also whine when they feel lonely. Canines are social animals, living in packs in the wild. Being alone all day while you work can make him whine when you get home. Setting aside the first 10-15 minutes to play with and interact with your dog, scratching a belly, throwing a ball, shower him with affection is a surefire way to stop the whining in it’s tracks. It is also a wonderful stress relief for yourself after a day at the office.
4. A dog locked out in the back yard is a sure recipe for incessant whining. The dog wants to come in and be with YOU. He misses the companionship with you and will persistently whine for hours until let inside. Keep in mind that if you leave your dog in the yard all day while at work, your dog can be a nuisance for the entire neighborhood. Much better to keep the dog inside the house.
Attempting to discipline a distressed dog is rarely a good idea although a dog that incessantly whines even after all of its needs are met will benefit from a stern “no” that is immediately followed with eye contact and a turning over onto the back in a submissive position. Do not hit your dog or simply put it outside as this will not solve the problem but actually make the behavior a lot worse.
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