How to Get a Puppy to Stop Whining in a Crate

Few things are more annoying --- or heartbreaking --- than listening to a puppy's constant whining. Loneliness, fear, hunger, thirst and an urgency or need to eliminate can cause a puppy to whine while in a crate. Learning what causes your puppy's whining while crated and knowing how to properly address those concerns is essential if you want to put an end to your dog's whining.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket/towel
  • Dog toys
  • Collar/leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the crate in a high-traffic area in your home. Placing the crate in an isolated area in your home can cause the puppy to become lonesome. According to the Champaign County Humane Society, dogs are social animals, so the crate should be placed in an area where the family spends a lot of time.

    • 2

      Cover the crate with a blanket or towel and place a few of your puppy's favorite toys into the crate to address any fear or uneasiness the puppy may be experiencing while enclosed in the crate. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, putting a covering over the crate and providing a few toys will help make the dog feel more at ease with its new shelter.

    • 3

      Take your puppy out for regular potty breaks every few hours. Puppies have weaker bladders than adult dogs. According to the Dumb Friends League, puppies younger than 6 months shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time because they can't control their bladders and bowels for long periods of time.

    • 4

      Ignore the puppy's whining. Ignoring the puppy's whining will teach the puppy that whining is not acceptable and will not get the puppy what it wants.

    • 5

      Reward the puppy with a treat as soon as its whining subsides. Praising the puppy when it's silent will teach the puppy that being silent has its rewards.

    • 6

      Take your puppy to a veterinarian for a complete physical exam. If the whining still occurs, your puppy may be whining because of a medical illness or physical ailment.