Puppy Guide
Puppy Whining: Why They Whine & What to Do
Feb
Whining is one of the most effective sounds in nature. It’s designed to get attention, and puppies are masters at it.
🎯 Quick Answer
Decode the whine first. If they NEED something (toilet, water, pain)—respond. If they WANT something (attention, to be let out)—wait for quiet before responding. If they’re FEELING something (anxiety)—address the emotion, don’t punish. Never respond to whining inconsistently—intermittent reinforcement creates the strongest habits.
The challenge with puppy whining is figuring out what they’re trying to tell you. Sometimes whining means they need something. Sometimes it means they want something. And sometimes it means they’ve learned that whining gets results.
Why Puppies Whine
| Category | Specific Reasons | Response |
|---|---|---|
| They NEED something | Toilet break, hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain | Respond—meet the need |
| They WANT something | Attention, to be let out, to join you, your food | Wait for quiet, then decide |
| They’re FEELING something | Anxiety, frustration, excitement, stress | Address the emotion kindly |
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
In the salon, puppies often whine because everything is new and a bit overwhelming. We don’t punish that—we acknowledge it calmly and keep things moving. The puppies who learn “this is fine, nothing to worry about” are the ones whose handlers stayed calm and confident, not the ones who got scolded.
Decoding the Whine
| Whine Type | Signs | Response |
|---|---|---|
| “I need to toilet” | After waking/eating/playing; pacing; circling | Take them out—better safe than sorry |
| “Pay attention to me” | When you’re busy; escalates when you look | Ignore until quiet, then attention |
| “Let me out” | In crate/behind gate; scratching at barrier | Wait for 2 seconds quiet, then release |
| “I’m anxious” | Higher pitched; stressed body language | Address anxiety—don’t punish |
| “Something hurts” | New/sudden; whines when touched | Vet visit |
Whining at Night
This is hardest in the first few nights.
Why it happens:
- They miss their littermates
- New, unfamiliar environment
- They need to toilet
- They’re not tired enough
What helps:
- Crate beside your bed (your presence comforts them)
- Something with their scent from their old home
- Toilet break just before bed
- Adequate exercise during the day
The hard part: Distinguish “I need to toilet” from “I want attention.” For the first few weeks, err on the side of toilet breaks. Once confident they can hold it, you’ll need to wait out attention-seeking whining.
Whining in the Crate
Fix it by rebuilding positive associations:
- Feed meals in the crate
- Give high-value treats only in the crate
- Leave door open and reward voluntary entry
- Build duration gradually—seconds, then minutes
- Never use crate as punishment
Rule: Never let them out while whining (unless you genuinely think they need the toilet). Wait for even 2 seconds of quiet. Then open the door calmly.
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
The “extinction burst” catches most owners off guard. When you first start ignoring attention-seeking whining, it gets WORSE before it gets better. Your puppy is thinking “this used to work, I’ll try harder.” If you give in at this point, you’ve taught them that more whining works. Push through those first few tough days.
Whining for Attention
How it develops: Puppy whines → Owner responds → Puppy learns whining = attention → Whining increases
How to stop it:
- Complete non-response. No eye contact. No talking. Turn away.
- Wait for quiet. Even 2 seconds of silence.
- Then give attention. Reward the silence.
- Teach an alternative. Reward calm behaviour throughout the day.
What NOT to Do
| Don’t | Why |
|---|---|
| Punish whining | Doesn’t teach what TO do; makes anxious dogs worse |
| Respond inconsistently | Teaches them to whine longer (sometimes it works!) |
| Give in “just this once” | Undoes your progress; intermittent reinforcement is strongest |
Age Expectations
- 8-12 weeks: Lots of whining is normal—they’re adjusting
- 3-4 months: Should improve as they settle into routine
- 5-6 months: Whining should be situational, not constant
- 6+ months: If excessive, assess whether it’s habit or anxiety
Written by Marine Ponchaut
Marine is the founder of WoofSpark, a professional dog grooming salon in Cessnock, NSW. Since founding WoofSpark in 2019, she has helped thousands of puppy owners navigate the early challenges.
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We talk to puppy owners every day about these challenges. Book a puppy groom or contact us.