How to address howling/whining with dogs.
Introduction
Howling and whining are natural ways for dogs to communicate. However, excessive howling or whining could be a sign of overstimulation, stress, or an attempt to get attention. It is important to address this behavior early on to prevent it from becoming a problem.
Common Misconceptions
- Some people believe that howling and whining are just a part of being a dog. While it is true that some dogs are more vocal than others, excessive howling and whining is not normal behavior. If your dog is howling or whining excessively, it is important to address the underlying issue.
- Others believe that ignoring howling and whining will eventually make the dog stop. This is not true. In fact, ignoring howling and whining can actually make the behavior worse. When a dog gets attention for howling or whining, even negative attention, they learn that this behavior is effective in getting what they want.
Howling/Whinning - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Identify the triggers. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause your dog to howl or whine. Once you know the triggers, you can start to work on desensitizing your dog to them.
- Teach your dog an alternative behavior. Once you have identified the triggers, you can start to teach your dog an alternative behavior. This could be something like sitting, lying down, or going to their bed. When your dog is in a situation that typically triggers howling or whining, give them the command for the alternative behavior and reward them for following it.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Variously reward your dog for avoiding being vocal. Once your dog has learned the alternative behavior, you can start to variably reward them for not howling or whining. This means that you do not always have to give them a reward every time they are quiet. This will help them learn that being quiet is the expected behavior.
- Correct your dog for unwanted vocal behavior. If your dog does howl or whine, be sure to correct them immediately. This could be a verbal correction, a leash correction, or an e-collar correction. The correction should be firm but fair.
Proofing Phase:
- Incorporate more distractions, energy, and triggers into each training session. As your dog gets better at not howling or whining, you can start to incorporate more distractions, energy, and triggers into each training session. This will help them learn to be quiet in a variety of situations.
- Correct your dog for howling or whining inappropriately. It is important to continue to correct your dog for howling or whining inappropriately, even in the proofing phase. This will help them learn that this behavior is not acceptable in any situation.
Maintenance Phase:
- Continue to practice the alternative behavior with your dog. Even after your dog has learned the alternative behavior, it is important to continue to practice it with them. This will help them maintain the behavior and prevent them from regressing.
- Be consistent with your training. It is important to be consistent with your training, even in the maintenance phase. If you are inconsistent, your dog may start to howl or whine again.
- Do not punish your dog. As I mentioned earlier, punishing your dog for howling or whining will only make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on rewarding your dog for being quiet.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who howls and whines excessively when he is left alone. His owners tried ignoring the behavior, but it only made it worse. They then tried punishing Charlie, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Charlie in a training class where he learned an alternative behavior to howling and whining. Now, when Charlie is left alone, he goes to his bed and takes a nap.
- Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who howls and whines when she is excited. Her owners tried ignoring the behavior, but it did not work. They then tried rewarding Sadie for being quiet, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Sadie in a training class where she learned the command "quiet." Now, when Sadie is excited, she knows to stop howling and whining and to sit quietly.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to address howling and whining in dogs. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately.
- Be consistent. It is important to be consistent with your training. If you are inconsistent, your dog will not learn what you are trying to teach them.
- Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when your dog is being quiet. This will help them learn that being quiet is a good thing.
- Do not punish your dog. Punishing your dog for howling or whining will only make the behavior worse.
Conclusion
Howling and whining can be a frustrating behavior for pet parents. However, it is important to remember that this behavior is often a sign of something else. By addressing the underlying issue, you can help your dog stop howling and whining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog only howls or whines when I am not home?
A: If your dog only howls or whines when you are not home, it is likely a sign of separation anxiety. This is a serious condition that can cause dogs to exhibit a variety of destructive behaviors. If you think your dog may have separation anxiety, it is important to seek professional help.
- Q: What if my dog howls or whines when they are in pain?
A: If your dog is howling or whining when they are in pain, it is important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. Pain can cause dogs to exhibit a variety of behaviors, including howling and whining.
- Q: What if my dog howls or whines when they are bored?
A: If your dog is howling or whining when they are bored, it is important to provide them with more enrichment activities. This could include giving them toys to play