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subject: How To Stop Your Dog From Whining [print this page]

Whining can be a common problem with your new puppy or dog.

Both my dogs Abbey and Mollie have done it from time to time.

And until recently, we were not sure of all the causes.

To understand what triggers such behavior, remember

this: dogs can experience anxiety just like we humans.

Here are some common reasons why your dog can be upset:

1. Separation Anxiety

This is the number one reason for an anxious dog.

Problem is, you may not even know about it until

a friend or neighbor alerts you after you've

left your home for any period of time. Such anxiety

can cause your dog to be destructive, go to the bathroom in

the house or even severely scratch or bite an

area of his body.

2. Failure of Proper Dog Training

Dogs who whine while you're home usually lack the right

training. Typically, owners treat their pet's whining

with attention or too much compassion. Which reinforces

the behavior.

3. Illness

Sometimes whining can be the result of mental or physical

disorder in your dog. Fortunately, this is seldom the

case but something your vet might investigate if the

solutions here fail to solve the problem.

Common Solutions

1. More Exercise

Few pet owners with whining dogs realize that the solution

is usally a simple one: give your dog more exercise.

This has been the case with both my dogs, one a brittany

spaniel and the other a border/aussie mix. Both of them

love to run and 30-60 minutes at the local dog park is the

answer. But this has to be a good sustained outing, not

just a few minutes in the backyard.

2. Crate-Train

By crate-training your dog, you give him a place that

is his own. Put a worn t-shirt of yours or something

with your scent on it. Needless to say, it provides

a calming effect when you're gone from the house for

any period of time.

If these solutions have little effect on your dog,

talk to your vet. Your pet could have a medical condition

you simply aren't aware of.

I've found that by being calm and consistent with the

training of my two dogs, they can and do overcome common

behavioral problems within a few weeks' time. And with

all the unconditional love and companionship they provide,

that seems like a very small price to pay.

by: Tom Hering

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