- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
As new pet parents, we’ve all been there—after an exciting day with your puppy, you feed them, take them out, and put them to bed in their crate. Then it starts: the puppy whining. You try putting a blanket over the crate door or providing a toy but to no avail. Your puppy must be exhausted (you know you are), so why are they whining?
First, it’s important to note that whining is normal puppy behaviour. Like human babies, puppies make noise to communicate a need, from hunger to a need to pee or test a boundary. If this scenario sounds familiar, we’re here to help. We spoke with Kristi Benson, a certified trainer (CTC) and professional canine behaviour consultant (PCBC-A), to learn more about how to get a puppy to stop whining.
Why Is My Puppy Whining?
When puppies are young, whining alerts their mother that they need something. Whining is a way puppies can get their mother’s attention quickly so she can act fast to help them. For instance, a baby pup may whine to:
- Let their mother know they’ve been separated from their littermates
- Get help being moved back to the warmth of their siblings
- Signal hungry or potty needs
Once a puppy is old enough to go to a home of their own, they may continue to whine to signal something’s not okay. But now it’s up to you to figure out what they’re trying to communicate.
When a puppy whines, they could be:
- Afraid of something unfamiliar or new in the environment
- Scared of being alone
- Bored or needing attention
- Needing to potty
- Hungry or begging for food
- Testing your limits and their boundaries
Determining the source of your puppy’s whining requires paying attention to what they were doing before they started whining. By addressing their needs, you will help soothe and calm them.
How To Get a New Puppy To Stop Whining at Night
If your puppy only whines at night, they may need to use the bathroom. They could also be missing their littermates or be afraid of being “alone” for the first time in their life. Here’s a deeper look at a few common reasons your puppy may be whining at night and ways to address it.
Reason 1: Your puppy needs to use the bathroom
Solution: Take your pup out right before bed so they don’t wake you up in the middle of the night to go out.
Keep in mind, though, that most puppies cannot control their bladders until around 16 weeks old. After 16 weeks, you can estimate how often your puppy needs to go out by adding one hour to their age. For example, if your puppy is three months old, they can hold their bladder for about four hours.
Reason 2: Your puppy is lonely
Solution: Ensure your puppy is warm, comfortable, and close to you.
Puppies are less likely to whine, bark, or cry in distress if they sense your presence nearby. Keeping your puppy’s crate right next to your bed is helpful, especially for the first few nights home when they’re still adjusting to a big change in their little life. This way, they can smell you and hear you through the night. Heartbeat toys can also help soothe a puppy dealing with separation anxiety, as they mimic their mother’s heartbeat.
Reason 3: Your puppy is scared of night sounds
Solution: Play a white noise machine or soothing music to drown out any scary or triggering sounds at night.
Outside noises like traffic, thunderstorms, and neighbour dogs barking can all frighten a new pup. During the day, work on desensitising your pup to these noises by playing them at a lower level (slowly increasing the sound). Pairing the sounds with treats, food, and play can also create positive associations around them.
Ruby testing her Snuggle Puppy
How To Get a Puppy To Stop Whining in a Crate
Crate training is often an effective and popular management tool many pet parents use to keep their puppies safe. But crate training will likely take some time, since this may be the first time your puppy has ever truly been alone. “Puppies are social animals and can find separation and confinement to be unpleasant or even scary, so training is often needed for them to sleep comfortably in a crate,” adds Benson.
Here are common reasons your puppy may be whining in their crate and what you can do about it.
Reason 1: Your puppy doesn’t want to be separated from you
Solution: Practice leaving your puppy alone in the crate in short, positive intervals.
Benson recommends placing a crate or pen where you and your family tend to hang out so they know they’re not alone. You can even put the crate so close to your bed that you can hang an arm over the side and let your pup sniff and lick your fingers for reassurance. The main thing is to let your pup know they’re not alone. Using a heartbeat toy may also help soothe your puppy while they’re alone in the crate.
Reason 2: Your puppy doesn’t like being in the crate
Solution: Build a positive association with the crate through training, play, and games.
You’ll also want to make the crate as comfortable as possible with a soft bed and snuggly blankets. “If a crate is uncomfortable for a puppy and they are whining and barking out of fear or discomfort, they should be removed from the crate immediately,” says Benson. “A crate training plan can be started; if needed, a small penned-in area can be used for the puppy instead.”
If you’re confident that your puppy’s needs have been met, gradually increase the time between your puppy whining and your response. Also, reward your puppy when they’re not whining so they know what behaviour causes treats to rain down.
Reason 3: Your puppy is bored in the crate
Solution: Give your puppy plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment.
Ensure their needs have been met (they’ve been outside to potty and had plenty of time to exercise, socialise, etc.) before putting them in the crate. Once inside, you can give them a puzzle toy to work on, which can help your pup wind down and prepare to rest.
Puppy Whining FAQs
Still have questions about your puppy’s whining? Here are some extra troubleshooting tips to help you address certain issues.
Q: Can I ignore whining from my puppy?
A: Usually, when puppies whine, it’s a sign that they need help or comfort. Listening to your puppy and ensuring they feel secure is especially important in the first few days and weeks. That way, your puppy quickly acclimates and feels confident in their new home. Ignoring puppy whining could hinder your journey together. Good communication skills will help you build trust and ultimately train new (preferred) behaviours.
Q: What should I do if my puppy is whining over something taken away?
A: You can’t always give your puppy everything they want. Otherwise, your shoes would likely end up destroyed. If your puppy whines when you remove something from their reach, try exchanging it with something of equal value, like a squeaky stuffy for a coveted sock. If your puppy continues to whine, use a positive interrupter, like a noise or your puppy’s name. Then, redirect their attention back to the toy.
Q: Do puppies go through a whining phase?
A: Though there’s no official whining phase, young puppies are more apt to whine. This behaviour extends from when they’re with their mother and verbally rely on her to care for them. As they transition to your home, puppies are also likely to whine a lot in the beginning. Try to be patient. They’re still learning how to communicate and coexist with you.
Q: How long should you leave a puppy crying in a crate?
A: You can expect some whining in the first few days of crate training. However, if your puppy is constantly crying or in distress, remove them from the crate and revisit your training plan, as you may be moving too fast.
Q: How do I get my puppy to stop barking in their crate?
A: If your puppy is constantly barking or whining in their crate, this is also likely a sign that you need to take a few steps back with your training. Practice tons of short repetitions throughout the day with lots of treats, food, and play, so they associate the crate as the place where all the good things happen. You can also help your puppy settle in their crate by giving them chews, enrichment toys, or lick mats to keep them busy and self-soothe.
Q: Should I cover my dog’s crate with a blanket to prevent whining?
A: Some dogs may prefer a blanket or cover over their crate. For example, if your puppy is reactive or has difficulty settling, covering their crate can help block out stressors and provide a cosier atmosphere.
Why Is My Puppy Crying So Much?
Though whining is normal puppy behaviour, excessive whining can signal a problem. Your pup may be sick, in pain, or need behavioural help—all of which you would never want to ignore.
“If your puppy is whining a lot, you should reach out to a vet or a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer and ensure you’re meeting your puppy’s needs,” says Benson. “A good puppy class that prioritises free play with other puppies and socialisation will really help.”
So what counts as excessive whining?
It depends on the situation—and the breed. Some dogs, like Huskies and Beagles, are famously vocal and use their whines, whimpers, and howls to communicate all day. Where whining can tip into concerning territory is when it indicates distress, and that distress is pervasive and long-lasting.
If whining is coupled with other obvious signs of pain or fear, like panting, pacing, or shaking, it’s important to get your puppy help right away.
If their anxiety is situational, remove them to a new location and offer gentle, calming attention, and try to locate the source of your pup’s distress. If whining continues no matter what you do, contact your vet, who can help you investigate medical issues.
