How to Get Puppies to Stop Barking & Whining

Animals have languages of their own. In the case of puppies and dogs, that language consists of barking, whining, yipping, howling and growling. Puppies bark and whine to communicate. Unfortunately what is simple communication to them can annoy neighbors or even violate local noise ordinances. Although you might not be able to completely eliminate your puppy's barking and whining, you should be able to get it under control.

  1. Discover the Cause

    • When your puppy barks or whines, it is trying to tell you something. Your job is to find out what your puppy needs. In some cases, puppies will stop whining as soon as a need is met. They may bark for attention or when they are lonely, afraid or bored. Puppies also bark to protect territory or to show their excitement. In some cases, your puppy may whine if it is not feeling well, and you may need to take it to the vet before the whining will stop. When you discover the cause of your puppy's barking and whining, you can fulfill its needs and put an end to the noise.

    Avoid Yelling

    • Even if you feel frustrated by your puppy's endless barking and whining, avoid yelling. Showing your anger is counterproductive and you may accidentally reinforce the behavior rather than put an end to it. Think about what your yelling sounds like to a puppy. When it makes noise, you make noise back, as if you were barking, too. This teaches your puppy that barking is an appropriate response.

    Ignore Pleas for Attention

    • This can be difficult, and you should warn your neighbors about this type of training so that they don't think you are just letting your dog bark to be annoying. Puppies often bark or whine because they want your attention. They don't care what type of attention they get. Even if you get mad at your puppy, it has still accomplished its goal. For example, if you lock your puppy in a crate to sleep at night it may whine to be let out. If you give in and talk to it or take it out, it learns that whining does the trick. If, however, you stay in bed and ignore your puppy's cries, it will eventually learn that you won't be letting it out and it will give up on whining.

    Teach the "Quiet" Command

    • Fill a tin can with beans or coins. When your puppy starts to bark or whine, shake the can to interrupt it. Say "quiet" at the same time. As soon as your puppy quiets down, give it a treat as a reward. Start by rewarding your puppy instantly and gradually require it to stay quiet for longer periods before it gets a treat. Eventually you will be able to stop using the can and rely only on your vocal command. After that you can start phasing out the use of treats as well.

    Exercise

    • Your puppy may be barking or whining because it is bored and has too much energy. Take your puppy for at least two walks every day to help it burn some energy. Playing with your puppy can also help tire it out. A tired puppy is a quiet puppy. Puppies that get enough exercise are satisfied and don't feel the need to bark or whine out of boredom.