Puppy Barking, Whining and Howling

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Your puppy is howling, whining or barking for a reason. If the problem is not resolved immediately, whining can become an ingrained habit that is intensely irritating and annoying. Many dogs use whining, howling, and barking as a means of vocal blackmail in order to control their owners.




Puppy Whining Do's
-When confined to a crate or small room or pen, always give your puppy the benefit of the doubt. When she begins whining, immediately take her to her toilet area.

-Teach your dog to accept isolation and privacy. Accustom your puppy to being left by herself, even if you are home. This will prevent separation anxiety and all the problems that accompany it.

-Make sure your puppy is comfortable. Is your puppy hungry, thirsty, too hot, too cold, uncomfortable, sick, or has lost her toy under the furniture?

-When you know that all your puppy's physical needs are met and you have taken the time to accustom her to isolation, then teach her that whining is unacceptable.

Puppy Whining Don'ts
-Do not give in and reward your puppy for whining.

-Do not hesitate to appropriately reprimand unnecessary whining.

-Do not let your dog feel abandoned.

-Do not let your dog soil her crate.

The most important thing to understand about your puppy's whining is that sometimes your puppy or dog will whine and vocalize for no apparent reason! We can only wonder what's up with our dog. My puppy whines at the front room window because she is looking for her playmate to come over to our house - acceptable, for sure, but within limits. If she whines excessively, she is told to stop. My puppy whines and barks if her treat infested "Have-A-Ball" toy gets stuck in a place where she can't access it - OK - I'm outa my chair to help her get it out - not a problem - I Love My Puppy!

Before you reprimand your puppy for whining, barking and howling, try to get a handle on why! Maybe you can fix it!