How to Train a Puppy Not to Whine

Dogs are social creatures that enjoy interacting with people, animals and the environment. When puppies want food, water, attention or feel insecure, they often whine. This annoying form of canine communication can be prevented by the owner reassuring the puppy, not giving into its demands and not rewarding it when it refuses to stop this unwelcome habit. As with most puppy socialization techniques, the sooner you start training the puppy not to whine, the quicker it learns to obey your commands and mature into a healthy and balanced dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Treats
  • Water
  • Water bottle
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Instructions

  1. Preventing Whining When Home Alone

    • 1

      Play with the puppy in a confined area for several minutes before you leave it home alone. Use toys and a reassuring tone of voice to make it feel secure and loved before your short period of separation.

    • 2

      Ignore its whining when you leave. If you return immediately, it will learn that you respond to its attention-seeking behavior and this will make it harder to break the unwanted habit.

    • 3

      Spend more time playing with it if its whining continues while you are away. Each time it starts to whine, adopt a stern tone of voice and say no. After a few seconds of quiet, return and give it lots of praise and a treat.

    • 4

      Leave it alone for longer periods of time and immediately tell it to remain quiet when it starts to whine. Once the puppy learns that it is not being abandoned forever and you will return, its anxiety and stress levels will fall.

    Preventing Whining in Your Presence

    • 5

      Give your dog plenty of attention, play with it often and take it for a walk so it can burn off excess energy. Outdoor exercise and fresh air will tire the puppy out more quickly and allow it to be more relaxed inside.

    • 6

      Ignore its whining and do not give it the attention it craves. If you give into its vocal demands, then you will reinforce the pattern of bad behavior. Instead, pay attention to the puppy when it is quiet so it learns you know it is present and loved.

    • 7

      Tell the puppy softly to stop whining. If it ignores your command, repeat the phrase in a loud voice and squirt a small amount of water in its face. While the water is harmless, the liquid will startle the puppy and discourage further whining.