How to Keep a Puppy From Whining When Alone

Puppies are cute, but come with a lot of problems such as whining when left alone. Puppies whine, cry or even howl when alone because they are lonely, explains Liz Palika, author of ̶0;Puppy Love.̶1; Young puppies that have just been weaned have never been alone. Puppies whine in order to bring others to them. Over time, this whining can develop into a life-long habit. The more times a puppy can get through periods of being alone, the more confident it will get.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bed or house training crate
  • Scented item from you or dog̵7;s breeder
  • Radio or television
  • Puppy chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bring the puppy and other items to a house training crate or room with a dog bed.

    • 2

      Leave a scented item with the puppy. Before bringing a new puppy home, ask the breeder for a blanket or towel used to line the nest. This item retains the familiar smells of the puppy̵7;s first home ̵1; litter mates and its mother. For older puppies, leave an unwashed t-shirt with the puppy. It smells like you.

    • 3

      Turn on a radio or television before you leave the home or room. This can help a puppy feel as if it is not alone.

    • 4

      Give the puppy something to do when alone in a room or in a house training crate. Leave chew toys to keep the puppy occupied. Only give these toys when the puppy is to be alone, which helps make being alone more attractive to the puppy.