There is a specific frequency—somewhere between the sound of a dentist’s drill and a dial-up modem connecting in 1999—that a whining dog seems to hit effortlessly. I was recently sitting in a layby near Mam Tor, trying to enjoy a flask of tea after a muddy scramble, when my own four-legged shadow decided that the view wasn’t enough. He wanted a biscuit. And he let me know about it with a high-pitched, rhythmic whistle that cut right through the rain.
It’s frustrating. It rattles your nerves. But more importantly, it is a form of communication. Dogs don’t just make noise to annoy us (though it certainly feels that way at 3 AM); they are trying to tell us something.
Fixing the issue isn’t about just “shushing” the dog. It’s about being a bit of a detective. You have to identify the root cause before you can apply the fix. If you treat a dog with separation anxiety the same way you treat a dog begging for toast, you’re going to make things significantly worse.
Phase 1: The Mandatory Medical Rule-Out
Before you start buying puzzle toys or practising your “ignore” face, stop. If your dog’s whining behaviour is new, sudden, or out of character, you need to visit your vet.
Dogs are stoic creatures. They often mask pain until they can’t anymore. A whine can indicate:
- Dental pain (toothache is miserable).
- Arthritis or joint stiffness (common in our damp climate).
- Digestive upset.
- Cognitive dysfunction (in senior dogs).
Practical Tip: If your usually quiet spaniel starts crying, assume they hurt. Once the vet gives the all-clear, we can move on to behaviour modification.
Phase 2: The Whine Decoder (Identify Your Trigger)
Not all whines are created equal. To stop the noise, you have to categorise it. Here are the five main culprits, and how to spot the difference.
1. The “Look at Me” (Demand Whining)
The Sound: Persistent, rhythmic, often accompanied by staring, pawing, or nudging.
The Context: Happens when you are eating, watching telly, or sitting at your desk. The dog wants attention, food, or play.
The Fix: The Cold Shoulder.
This is the hardest part for us humans. You must remove all rewards. Do not look at the dog. Do not speak to the dog. Do not push the dog away (touch is a reward).
- Wait for a pause in the noise.
- Even three seconds of silence is a win.
- Reward the silence immediately with calm attention.
2. The “Don’t Leave Me” (Anxiety Whining)
The Sound: High-pitched, escalating to howling or barking. Often sounds distressed or panicked.
The Context: Occurs when you pick up your keys, put on your coat, or leave the room.
The Fix: Desensitisation.
Do not punish this. You cannot punish fear out of a dog; you’ll only make them more anxious. You need to change their emotional response to you leaving.
- Practise picking up keys and sitting back down.
- Put your coat on, then take it off.
- Teach them that these “departure cues” don’t always mean you disappear.
- If this is severe, you may need a clinical behaviourist.
3. The “Hello! Hello!” (Excitement Whining)
The Sound: Yips, squeaks, rapid tail wagging, spinning.
The Context: Greeting you at the door or spotting a friend on a walk.
The Fix: Four Paws on the Floor.
Keep your greetings boring. I know, you love them, but high-pitched “Who’s a good boy!” only fuels the fire. Walk in, ignore the dog until they are calm, and keep your own energy low.
4. The “I’m Underemployed” (Boredom Whining)
The Sound: A monotonous, sighing whine, often while lying down or pacing aimlessly.
The Context: Common in working breeds (Collies, Springers) who haven’t had enough mental stimulation.
The Fix: Give Them a Job.
A walk around the block isn’t enough for a clever dog. They need brain work.
- Use snuffle mats or puzzle feeders for meals.
- Hide treats around the garden for a scent work game.
- Five minutes of mental training is worth twenty minutes of lead walking.
5. The “I’m Sorry” (Appeasement Whining)
The Sound: Soft, low whimpering. Ears back, tail tucked, body low to the ground.
The Context: Occurs when the dog is being scolded or senses conflict.
The Fix: Build Confidence.
This dog is trying to diffuse a situation. Stop scolding immediately. Engage in simple, positive training (like “sit” or “touch”) to help them feel successful and secure again.
The Trap: The “Extinction Burst”
This is the bit most people miss, and it’s why most people fail. When you start ignoring demand whining, it will get worse before it gets better.
Think of a vending machine. If you put your money in and your chocolate bar doesn’t drop, you don’t just walk away. You press the button again. You press it harder. You might even kick the machine. That is an extinction burst.
If you ignore your dog for ten minutes, but then snap and shout “Quiet!” at minute eleven, you have just taught your dog that the price of your attention is exactly eleven minutes of whining. You must outlast the burst.
Scenario Specifics: Quick-Fire Solutions
Whining in the Crate
If they have been toileted and fed, this is usually a settling issue. Cover the crate with a blanket to reduce visual stimulation. Ensure the crate is a place of value—feed them in there during the day so it isn’t just a “prison” for night time.
Whining in the Car
This is often anticipation (going to the park) or nausea. If they are drooling, it’s likely car sickness—consult your vet. If it’s excitement, cover the crate or use a darkened area of the boot to reduce visual triggers. Do not let them out of the car until the noise stops.
Whining at Night
Rule out the toilet first. Take them out on a lead, stand in one boring spot. No talking. No eye contact. If they go, praise quietly and straight back to bed. If they don’t go within two minutes, straight back to bed. This teaches them that night waking results in a boring toilet trip, not a play session.
When to Call in the Cavalry
While most whining is just a bad habit or a communication mismatch, there are times when you need a professional behaviourist. If the whining is accompanied by destruction (chewing door frames), self-mutilation (licking paws raw), or aggression, this is beyond a blog post. These are signs of significant distress that require a tailored modification programme.
Remember, patience is your best tool here. That, and perhaps a good pair of earplugs for the extinction burst phase.
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