How to control a whining dog is a skill most pet owners will probably find useful. Here's everything you need to know about that dog behavior. Your Whining Dog: What To Do
Because your dog can't speak like a human, he will do whatever he can to tell you what he needs and wants. This often means whining and crying. He will also learn very quickly what behaviors work to get your attention and what behaviors don't. If he sees that whining brings you running, he'll know he has a winner and won't hesitate to use it often.
Although it's natural for puppies to whine when they want something, it's still your responsibility as a dog owner to quickly teach your pup that whining is not an effective way to communicate with you. Never give in to whining.
So what do you do to curb the whining? Simply ignore him when he begins to whine for anything, be it a treat, a tummy rub, or for you to come back into the room. If he doesn't stop whining in a few minutes, tell him "No" very firmly and seriously. When he's quiet, reward him and give him some praise. Keep repeating the action until he gets the idea that he gets your attention and praise whenever he ISN'T whining.
How To Control Whining Dog: The Noisy Option
Many puppies get separation anxiety, meaning they hate to be left alone. Who can blame them? They are, by nature, pack animals, and in the wild a dog never survived for very long on its own. Life for your puppy is different, though, and he can be taught that being alone isn't the scary, horrible thing he might think it is.
Find a noisemaker, like an air horn or even an empty soda can with a handful of coins in it. Prepare a space for your pooch with some toys, his crate, and some food and water. Play with him in the area for a few minutes until he feels comfortable there and then leave the room. As soon as he begins to bark or whine, make a loud noise immediately (by blasting the air horn or vigorously shaking the soda can). Usually the noise will startle the pup and he'll stop whining or barking. When he's NOT whining, come back into the room and praise him and give him a treat.
The trick in this technique is to make the noise when you're out of the view of your dog. He shouldn't know it's you controlling the noisemaker. He'll attribute the startling noise to his own actions, which were barking or whining. Soon enough he'll get the idea that the loud noise doesn't happen when he is quiet. Some practice and patience using these techniques will help control your whining dog.
