One of the toughest parts of crate training for pet parents is dealing with the whining their dogs are likely to do when they’re in this new crate situation. Whining is a frustrating sound, and it’s one that’s tough to ignore no matter how softly (or loudly) they do it. Whining isn’t reserved for dogs new to their crate, and they might break out the whining tactic for a few different reasons – any of which will need to be addressed in order to get the whining to stop.
Why Dogs Whine
Before learning how to get dog to stop whining in crate, it’s important to learn a little bit more about why dogs whine in the first place. A few reasons why a dog might be tempted, or prompted, to whine are:
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They’re nervous – This is one of the most common reasons why dogs whine when first getting used to their crate. According to the AKC, or American Kennel Club, this is just one way a dog may express feelings of anxiety or stress. For this type of whining, your dog may show additional signs like trembling, panting, or drooling along with their whine. To help to ease this form of whining, providing your dog with praise or comfort for being in their crate, and using a happy voice, can help to let them know that there is nothing to be afraid of. Anxious whining may take some patience, however, as it is likely to last until they begin feeling more comfortable with their surroundings.
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They’re in pain – In a well-sized crate, a dog shouldn’t be feeling pain. However, laying on a hard surface can cause pain or discomfort in older dogs who are affected by the signs of aging like arthritis. If your older dog who never whine in their crate before begins whining whenever they’re in their kennel, it may be time to incorporate some comfort items in order to ensure they have a soft place to lay. To solve this whining issue, a soft blanket or a comfortable crate pad might be all you need to solve what your dog is trying to tell you is a problem.
- They’re trying to ask you for something – Dogs can use their whine to get what they want, and some dogs are particularly good at it. This type of situation can be somewhat tough for pet parents when it comes to whining in the crate. The dog may be whining because they know if they whine long enough, they’ll eventually get you to cave to their desire – and that desire might just be getting out of the crate. If you know your dog is comfortable, well hydrated, has recently eliminated outside, and needs nothing, you may need to simply ignore this sort of whining until the dog understands it’s not going to win you over this time. According to PetHelpful, giving in to this type of whining during crate time further rewards the dog for using this tactic, reinforcing an undesirable behavior. An effective strategy to stop the whining may be giving a firm “No” or “Hush” and ignoring the dog until they’re quiet. Once the dog quiets down, rewarding with a treat or positive attention can help to teach the dog that whining isn’t the right way to get what they want, and your word is law.
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They just want attention – If you’re busy at home, you hear a whine, and you see your dog laying on the floor, looking in your direction, and letting out a whine, there’s a good chance they’re asking you for your attention. In these moments your dog is likely a little bored, and they want you to play, pet, or otherwise interact with them positively. This can occur in the crate as well, especially with puppies who tend to ask for attention more often than adult dogs. If you know that your dog has received ample physical and mental stimulation throughout the day, this may be one of those times when you should give them a firm “No” or “Hush” command and walk away. Providing attention when they whine for it can reinforce this behavior and lead to more whining in the future.
- They’re excited – Whining for dogs is a lot like talking for humans. What they’re doing when they whine is simply expressing what they’re feeling inside, and this rings true for happy emotions as well. If your dog is in their crate when a favorite person walks into the house, and they can’t run to that person to greet them right away, you might be met with a whine as they express this excitement. Excitement whines are usually shorter, unlike the type of whining a dog may do when they’re asking for something, and relatively easy to ignore because of it.
Training Strategies To Put A Stop To Unwanted Whining
Whether your dog is whining in their crate, in the car, on a walk, or just sitting in your living room, it’s not a behavior you want to continue. There are training strategies pet parents can use to put a stop to whining. During crate training, these strategies can help to make the crate training process much easier and less frustrating. According to VetExplainsPets.com, some strategies you may want to incorporate into your crate training (or everyday training) include:
- Positive reinforcement training – Positive reinforcement training uses treats or praise to let your dog know what the correct behavior is, and therefore encourages them to carry out that behavior more frequently. In terms of whining, this will mean denying your dog attention, praise, or favorite items when they are carrying out the unwanted behavior. As soon as your dog stops whining, however, they will receive the reward. In the context of crate training, you will ignore your dog when their whining begins, and as it continues. As soon as your dog stops whining for a period of about 30 seconds to 1 minute, you’ll provide a treat, praise, or favorite toy. This teaches your dog that whining doesn’t have a reward but being quiet actually gets them something good.
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Ignore the whining – For dogs that whine for attention or to be released from their crate, the worst thing a pet parent can do is reinforce the behavior by giving into it. This can be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement training or alone, but it’s crucial that pet parents consistently ignore the whining to let the dog know that it won’t work to get them the attention they want.
- Use mental stimulation – Dogs that are prone to whining due to pent-up energy might benefit from having some mental stimulation toys in their crate with them. If your dog has proven that they can safely play with these toys without ingesting or destroying them, an interactive toy or puzzle in their crate along with them can be all they need to have their needs fulfilled in a healthy manner. According to PetHelpful, mental stimulation is important for every breed, but some breeds may require more than others. If you have to put your dog in their crate for a longer period of time, you may not have the opportunity to provide that stimulation to them yourself. For instance, if you have a travel day planned, you’re leaving early, and you plan to be in the car for a period of 6 to 8 hours – you might notice some whining as your dog grows bored in the car. An interactive toy can be an easy solution.
- Routine – If your dog tends to whine due to anxiety, the solution may be less about training strategy and more about establishing a routine. Anxious dogs, according to VetExplainsPets.com, thrive on a routine, and the reason why makes sense. A dog with a stable routine is a dog that knows what to expect, a knowledge that provides them with more confidence in their everyday lives.
For dogs prone to nervous whining, crating, feeding, walking, and playtimes held at the same time each day can help them to feel more at ease.
Patience And Consistency Are The Most Important Rules Of All
For any pet parent leaning how to get dog to stop whining in crate, the most crucial things to remember are to stay patient and to remain consistent. Your dog isn’t whining just to bother you, they’re trying to express themselves in one of the only ways they know how. What they’re really looking for is you to teach them how to be confident, how to self-soothe, how to remain calm, and how to meet their own stimulation needs. While incessant whining in the crate is certainly frustrating, patience will ensure a shorter and more successful training experience.
Along with patience is consistency. While some pet parents may get fed up with the whining and decide to drop the crate altogether, you’re not doing yourself or your dog any favors. A quality built, comfortable, and well-made crate is a tool that will provide your dog with comfort and safety throughout their entire lives. When approaching how to get dog to stop whining in crate, choose your strategies and stick with them. What you’ll find is that, with consistency, your efforts pay off tenfold for you and your dog.
From puppy to senior, whining is a behavior that just about all pet parents will have to deal with at some point in their dogs’ lives. Knowing the why of the whine, and the how to stop it makes a world of difference in your peace and quiet.