Firstly don't worry, There is nothing wrong with your puppy. This is perfectly normal behaviour which can occur if your puppy is anxious, Excited, Frustrated or fearful. Whatever the reason this can be a tough time for the you as an owner but there are methods you can use to solve the problem.
Use the following tips to help stop your dog from whining when you leave.
1. Exercise
Puppies have boundless amounts of energy so you need to make sure you are giving them regular exercise with discipline. Whether its a long walk or a challenging mental game you need to make your puppy is getting the chance to let of some steam. Challenging your puppy mentally and physically is great for their confidence and well being.
At this age your puppy will be easy to teach so it is the best time to start obedience training, You can join a local class or try an online programme if you don't have the time. Click Here for a programme recommended by experts for training puppies and full grown dogs as well.
When your walk is over try and give them around 20-30 mins of roam free time where they can have a sniff and check out the surroundings.
2. Take Your Puppy For a Toilet Break
If your puppy is whining then take them outside for a toilet break. Let them sniff around for a few minutes so they can relieve themselves. Try and make this a routine by taking them out in the morning and evening, Dogs love routines as they will associate this time with going to the toilet.
3. Feeding Your Dog
If your puppy is hungry then they will obviously whine to get attention. Make sure they have the adequate amount of food and water. Again do this in a routine so they can associate certain times of days with activities making them less likely to whine. Generally speaking a puppy that is 6-12 weeks should be fed 4 times a day. A puppy that is 3 -6 months 3 times a day with water being available throughout the day.
4. Acclimatisation
Get your puppy used to being alone by leaving them for a few minutes at a time. Start by taking them into a room in your house that is puppy friendly and let them get comfortable. Leave the room and your puppy will begin to whine, Don't return until they have stopped. Once they have stopped whining go inside and reward them.
keep practising this consistently leaving your puppy for longer periods of time each time you do it.
If you find they don't stop crying then enter the room and say "Shhhh" or "No"in a stern and confident voice and leave the room again until they stop crying.
Some puppies may constantly cry so what you need to do is when they pause in between the cries go into the room and take them out for a toilet break.
First Night At Home
For the first few nights it would be best to place the crate in your room. Your presence alone will sooth them and help them into their new surroundings. Once they have settled you can move the crate to a different part of the house. Make sure the crate or bed is comfortable for your puppy and warm.
If you can't put the crate in your room then you can give the puppy some of your clothing that has your scent which will keep them company through the night and whilst you are at work. You can also use a clock that ticks to replicate the sound of another dogs heartbeat or leave the TV or radio on so they think someone is there.
Correcting The Behaviour And Rewarding The Right Way
If you find your puppy is just doing this for attention then you can start by ignoring the crying. When they start to whine then just turn away, Don't make any eye or physical contact and ignore them. Once they have settled down or stopped crying then you can reward them so they associate your attention with them being quite.
In the early days reward them every time they are silent with a treat or your attention and your dog will quickly associate being quite with a great reward.
Check out this great view for an alternative approach which can be used to stop puppies whining as well as full grown dogs.
All puppies will whine from time to time and it is perfectly normal. If your puppy is still crying and whining after trying all the above then it maybe time to consult the VET to see if there is an underlying problem. Signs that you will need to consult the VET for include Excessive drooling, Panting, Destruction and if they defecate or urinate inside just before you leave. These are extreme signs and you need to consult your local VET immediately.
Comentários