My Dog Wanders & Whines for No Reason

Dogs behave in a variety of ways to communicate their needs to their owners. Whining and wandering aimlessly are two of many behaviors that can indicate issues ranging from anxiety to a need for attention or physical discomfort. In some cases, training can correct these undesired behaviors. In others, however, relieving the underlying cause of the behavior may require medical treatment. Generally, do not ignore whining and wandering; these behaviors usually occur for a reason.

  1. Anxiety

    • Anxiety can cause undesirable behavior, including whining.

      Dogs often experience anxiety and display their anxiety through restlessness (such as wandering) and whining. Anxiety sometimes results from separation, disruption in routine or other stressful situations. In these cases, a dog's whining or wandering may be involuntary and uncorrectable without treatment of the cause of the anxiety itself. Keeping to a regular routine, plentiful exercise schedule and using a calming pheromone treatment can help ease anxiety in dogs.

    Attention

    • Dogs can learn nonvocal ways to seek attention.

      Many dogs use whining as a way to communicate a need to their owners, whether that need is for affection, food or treats. To correct attention-seeking whining, ignore your dog until the whining ceases; additionally, when a dog does seek attention without whining (such as outstretching a paw or sniffing a hand), reinforce that behavior with praise and treats. Professional training can help correct attention-seeking whining.

    Physical Ailments

    • Whining and wandering can indicate a physical ailment.

      Physical ailments and discomfort in dogs can result in behavior such as whining and restlessness. In particular, aimless wandering can be a sign of pain or distress in a dog, possibly stemming from digestive troubles or a bloated stomach. A sudden onset of pacing and whining can indicate a dog is in severe internal pain; arrange a trip to the vet to rule out serious problems.

    Elderly Dogs

    • As dogs age, their behavior can change.

      As dogs age, their behavior and habits can change, and a previously restful dog may become prone to wandering aimlessly or whining more than in the past. This behavior can result from physical changes in an aging dog, such as hearing loss, or from cognitive changes, such as a decreased adaptability to change. Owners should note any activities that trigger this behavior, such as separation, and discuss the possible causes and treatments with their vet.