If you’re dealing with a whiny dog, you may be wondering if it’s time to seek the services of a dog behaviorist near Fredericksburg VA. At Wag Ur Tail Dog Training, we provide dog training in Stafford VA and dog training in Spotsylvania VA, working to help our clients better understand their dog’s behaviors to form a happier and healthier bond.
Dogs primarily communicate through body language, but they also use whining to communicate various mental, emotional or physical states. Sometimes whining is an appropriate behavior your dog is using to communicate a genuine need. Other times it can be an unnecessary nuisance that should be corrected with appropriate training. Frequent whining may indicate that your dog’s needs aren’t being met, causing them to escalate their attempt to get something like attention, stimulation or comfort. At Wag Ur Tail Dog Training, our dog behaviorist near Fredericksburg VA can help you get to the bottom of your dog’s whining and learn how to appropriately respond to the following types of behavior.
- Making A Request: When your dog wants or needs something, they may communicate by whining. We often see this behavior accompanied by body language that can help you to better understand what it is your dog is asking for. For example, a dog begging for food may put their head down and show you “puppy” eyes, looking hungrily at your plate. Or, your dog might need to go outside to relieve themselves, and they may try to let you know by whining while looking from you to the door or while gently nudging you.
- Excited Whining: If your dog is excited, they may whine while displaying erratic body language such as rapid tail wagging, jumping up and down, or running around in circles. Your dog is displaying a positive emotion, but that doesn’t necessarily make it appropriate. Whether you have small children, elderly neighbors or a desire to take your dog to public places, there are times when such behavior can be dangerous.
- Fearful Whining: As a dog behaviorist near Fredericksburg VA, we often meet dogs that whine during stressful situations such as veterinarian visits or thunderstorms. Other times, a dog may whine when meeting unfamiliar people or other dogs that make them feel intimidated. If your dog is communicating fear through whining, you might also see them putting their ears back, tucking their tail, or positioning their body low to the ground. While such submission isn’t always bad, a fearful dog may be lacking a healthy level of confidence.
- Expressing Boredom: Some dogs communicate boredom and the desire for activity by whining, often accompanied with a sigh. If your dog wants to go on a walk, they may whine while looking outdoors or they may ask you to play by bringing you a toy and whining for interaction.
- Whining Due to Discomfort: Sometimes a whiny dog is simply uncomfortable. Your dog may whine if he or she feels sick or is experiencing physical pain. If your dog is lying down and not exhibiting body language that would suggest another explanation for their whining, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out illness or injury.
At Wag Ur Tail Dog Training, our dog behaviorist near Fredericksburg VA has worked with dogs of all shapes and sizes to minimize inappropriate behaviors and help owners develop a positive bond with their dogs based on effective communication. If you can learn to understand what your dog is trying to say to you, they’ll be happier and feel more secure. We provide dog training in Spotsylvania VA as well as dog training in Stafford VA, and we’d love to help you and your furry friend. Call us today to learn more about our dog training classes.