If you own a German Shepherd, you may find yourself dealing with a whining puppy. For many dog owners, this is concerning because they cannot determine the reason behind their dog’s whining. This is normal since a dog may be whining for so many reasons. So why does my German Shepherd whine so much?
German Shepherds can whine for many different reasons, including wanting attention, feeling afraid, or being in pain, alongside many other reasons. Knowing the signs to look out for can help you understand why your German Shepherd whines so often.
Thankfully, we have all the helpful information you need to better understand your German Shepherd’s emotions and understand why they won’t stop whining right here in this article! Be sure to read until the end not to miss a thing.
Why Does My German Shepherd Whine So Much?
German Shepherds may be whining for many reasons. Knowing how to handle the situation can be difficult for many Shepherd owners and lovers. Let’s check out some of the most common reasons for whining in this dog breed.
Barking and whining are natural behaviors for a dog, but the frequency and intensity of these sounds may mean something is wrong.
All dogs bark and whine at some point, but sometimes this is your German Shepherd’s way of trying to communicate that something is wrong, and there are indicators of what that might be.
If you notice that your dog whines after going for a walk to indicate that he wants to walk again, this can be a sign of a bladder or digestive issue.
Whining can be an indication that your dog is in physical pain. Paying attention to the activity that prompts the whining will assist in identifying the issue. This may include going up or down the stairs or jumping on the bed. Pain experienced from these activities could be a sign of arthritis.
Sometimes They Will Whine to Indicate They Want to be Noticed or Get Your Attention
Just like a child whines when they are not getting wanted attention, your German Shepherd may whine. They want someone to play with them and engage them and may need more exercise and mental stimulation.
A bored German Shepherd can lead to destructive habits such as chewing on the sofa or digging up your potted plants.
Fear, Anxiety, or Insecurity (Maybe You Have Left Them Alone too Long)
While German Shepherds are a brave breed, they can still get scared. Different situations such as thunderstorms or being surrounded by new people can cause anxiety in your dog.
Make a mental note if they exhibit this whining response during specific circumstances and provide extra comfort during those times.
If you leave your German Shepherd alone for long periods, this can be a reason for their whining, showing that they are lonely or insecure. A German Shepherd will hunch down and tuck his tail between his legs or pace nervously about if they are feeling insecure.
When They Want Something but Don’t Know How to Communicate It
Consider the whining as a way for your German Shepherd to communicate. It is their way of telling you that they want something or feel a certain way. They will make a special effort to let you know what they want, and it is entirely normal behavior.
Because of a Medical Condition
If your German Shepherd has begun whining recently, it could indicate that he is ill. Stomach sensitivity is a common issue among this dog breed, so monitoring is essential if he exhibits discomfort after eating.
German Shepherds are unfortunately susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, which can occur as a puppy or after adulthood. If your dog begins to whine during certain physical activities, it could be a medical condition that needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian.
Because They Are Lonely
German Shepherds are a loyal dog breed and can develop a hyper-attachment to their owners. This attachment can create anxiety about being alone, and they will try to let you know with their whining. It is similar to them communicating a plea for you not to leave them.
They love being with you and cuddling up more than anything else, and you are the highlight of their day. When you are gone, even for short periods, they become anxious thinking of when you will return.
They are afraid you may not return, and this could be because they are left alone for extended periods or were separated from their mother at too early of an age.
If They Are Left in a Kennel for Long Periods of Time
As your puppy ages, his sleep routine changes too, which means fewer naps and less sleep at night. So, if you do not change your German Shepherd’s kennel time to fit the needs of your dog, then he may begin to let you know that it is too much.
If your German Shepherd is wide awake when you put him in this kennel, then there is a good chance you will hear whining and crying.
German Shepherds also need consistent physical stimulation. Too much time in a kennel can lead to boredom. A bored German Shepherd will be a whiny one, and his routine needs to be adjusted to fit in the right amount of exercise.
To Communicate with Other Dogs in the Same Household
Whining is a means of communication among your canines. Your German Shepherd may whine to show that he is excited and wants to play with your other dog. This is a typical interaction that German Shepherds exhibit with other dogs.
To Get Your Attention to Take Them on a Walk or Play with Them
German Shepherds need daily exercise and mental stimulation. German Shepherds were bred to work alongside humans daily doing intensive tasks.
This means if they lack these things, they will try to let you know, which could be through whining.
Due to Separation Anxiety
Depending on the cause, separation anxiety can develop in your German Shepherd as a puppy or develop over time. There are various reasons that your dog can have this type of anxiety.
- Some dogs feel alone because they instinctively are a pack animal, and there is a fear of being hurt or lost when they are alone.
- If a dog has been rehomed for any reason, this can create a void and potential instability.
- Separation anxiety often occurs when a dog has been rescued from an animal shelter because it creates a fear of abandonment.
They Are Bored
If your German Shepherd does not have the physical and mental stimulation needed daily, they will likely whine to make you aware of this as they have plenty of time and energy.
German Shepherds are very energetic and need regular playtime regularly. Whining is usually the beginning reaction of your dog’s boredom, leading to destructive behavior if not addressed.
How to get your German Shepherd to Whine Less?
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise and Playtime
Your German Shepherd must receive adequate exercise daily. They are a high-energy breed and need an outlet to expel it.
Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd
When your German Shepherd becomes anxious and fearful of something unfamiliar, he will communicate this with whining. It can also lead to aggressive behavior. Thus, your dog must meet new people and be exposed to new places such as a dog park.
Keep Them Well-Trained and Fed
Providing a route for your German Shepherd can alleviate whining due to boredom or wanting to eat. Pay attention to what has prompted your dog’s whining and make sure that his needs are being met both mentally and physically.
Distract Your German Shepherd
Incorporate more play and activities into your German Shepherds routine. Provide toys and other activities to hold their attention and prevent whining unnecessarily.
Reward Good Behavior
Dogs thrive when they see they have pleased their owners. If your German Shepherd whines to get his way, ignore him and not reward that behavior. Then when he exhibits good behavior, show him that it is appreciated with words of commendation, extra playtime, or a special treat.
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Final thoughts
It can take some time to master the art of understanding why your German Shepherd is whining, but with patience, you will be able to notice different signs in your dog’s behavior that will help you determine the cause of your dog’s whining.
