How Can I Stop My New Puppy From Whining?

Bringing home a new puppy can be a rewarding, exhilarating experience. Unfortunately, for many pet owners this joy can quickly turn to frustration when the puppy constantly whines. This whining is generally caused by separation anxiety, and it generally occurs when the puppy feels abandoned by its own litter and its new found pack. This whining will continue well into adulthood if the puppy is not trained to be quiet when it is separated from the family.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy toy
  • Worn piece of clothing
  • Plastic spray bottle
  • Water
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Exercise the puppy daily. This exercise could come in the form of long walks or sessions of fetch at the local park. A puppy that is quiet will be less likely to have the energy to whine.

    • 2

      Give the puppy attention throughout the day, but only when it is quiet. Many puppies will whine simply as a way to garner attention and should not receive this attention when whining.

    • 3

      Offer the puppy a toy to chew on once it begins to whine. This toy will offer the puppy a distraction that will keep it from concentrating on whining.

    • 4

      Place a piece of freshly worn clothing into the puppy's sleeping area at night, if the puppy is whining after hours. Many times the smell of an owner will help soothe the puppy to sleep.

    • 5

      Clap your hands together loudly near the puppy's ear each time it begins to whine. The puppy has sensitive ears and will begin to associate whining with this unpleasant sound.

    • 6

      Fill a plastic water bottle full of water and each time the puppy begins to whine, spray the water near the puppy's face or on its back. This experience will be undesirable for the puppy. Never spray the water directly into the puppy's face as this could bring about a negative response.