Whining is instinctive for puppies when they are hungry, tired or cold. Mother dogs provide a safe place to sleep, warmth and milk to their puppies when they whine.

Eventually, puppies connect the two actions and begin to whine deliberately. This tells the mother that her puppy wants something or there is a problem.

Puppy adoption should occur between eight and ten weeks of age. It’s at this time that puppies realize that their whining doesn’t have any impact with their new family; or they may use whining to coerce their new mother (you!) into giving them what they require.

Because of this, it is generally believed that new puppies should be left on their own on their first night in a new home. If you react to puppy whining with sympathy, cooing, cuddling etc., your dog is sure to feel that whining will get him what he desires.

For a great course to stop your pup from whining, I recommend that you check out: Puppy Whining.

Naturally, you will need to be reasonable and show good judgment. A nervous puppy will need affection, reassurance and attention. The secret is to respond quickly so he doesn’t think that puppy whining is what got the desired result. Your pup must not be conditioned to whine every time he wants something.

In order to train your puppy to be content when he is on his own, leave him alone even while you are at home. This will help to prevent separation anxiety when you leave the home. When you know that all your puppy’s physical needs have been met and you have taken the time to get him used to isolation, then he must be taught that whining is inappropriate.

This does not mean that a puppy that is really worked up, whining, and crying, should be cold-bloodedly ignored. You should show him some love and help him to relax once the whining has stopped. As some puppies will whine for several hours, you may not be able to wait until the whining has completely ceased.

In this instance, you don’t need to extend your puppy’s anguish - as soon as he stops whining for even a few moments, you should open the crate door. Although this is far from perfect, it’s likely to be the best you can do.

Most dogs have grown out of puppy whining by the time they are six months old. Puppies that still whine after this time are probably doing it by instinct, or they have figured out that it gets them what they need.

For more details on how to deal with puppy whining, visit Stop Dog Whining.