How to Stop a Lab Puppy From Whimpering

Whimpering and whining is normal for a puppy, especially when it is left alone. A puppy separated from its pack believes itself to be lost, and is calling for help so the pack can find it. This instinctive behavior turns into a problem when you reinforce it by paying attention to the puppy when it whimpers; your Labrador retriever puppy then realizes it can use whimpering to get what it wants. Your Lab puppy may also whine because it's hungry, thirsty, or has to eliminate. Take appropriate action when your puppy has a legitimate reason to whimper, while at the same time discouraging whimpering and whining that is attention-seeking. Being firm, gentle, and consistent is the key to teaching your Lab puppy to stop attention-seeking whimpering.

Things You'll Need

  • Housebreaking crate or confined area
  • Soft bedding, such as towels
  • Puppy treats and safe toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your Lab puppy for its crate at night by giving it some treats when you place it inside, and including soft bedding that you have rubbed along your wrist to give it your scent. Also offer a safe toy, such as a stuffed bone, that will keep your puppy busy and reduce its anxiety. If the puppy is less than 12 weeks old, put the crate in a confined area such as a laundry room, with the door open and newspaper next to the crate.

    • 2

      Take the puppy outside if it is old enough to be in a closed crate and is whimpering; it may have to eliminate. Keep your voice low and don't make eye contact. Return the puppy to the crate after it eliminates, or after a few minutes if it doesn't, and do not allow the outing to become a playtime. Once the puppy is back in the crate, ignore any further whimpering.

    • 3

      Praise the puppy the moment it stops whimpering--even if only for a few seconds--and ignore it when it cries. If you're certain that it has food, water, and a bathroom break, you can be reasonably sure it is whining for attention. If you give in to it now, you are teaching it to associate your appearance with the crying, and you will be letting it train you. Even approaching the crate with the attention of scolding the puppy can backfire. For your puppy, even negative attention is better than no attention, and it will associate your return with its crying.

    • 4

      Say "Enough" or "No cry!" in a loud, stern voice if your puppy begins whimpering again after a few minutes of quiet. Praise it in a calm, quiet voice if it stops, but don't be too exuberant.

    • 5

      Explain the policy to all household members. All family members must be on board for this; one person sneaking in to pay attention to the puppy can trigger a major setback in training.

    • 6

      Burn off your puppy's excess energy by walking it, playing games with it, and working on obedience commands in five-minute sessions three times a day. A puppy that is under-exercised will whine to release excess energy.