Why Do German Shepherds Whine? 7 Reasons & How to Stop It
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As a dog parent, you know that German Shepherds tend to whine at the most inopportune times. You’ll be watching television in your pajamas, ready to settle in for a long night of movie-watching, and then the dog starts whining.
German Shepherds are supposed to be stoic dogs that aren’t scared of anything, so why is your faithful companion whining? It could be several things, including the dog being sick or in pain. However, before calling the veterinarian, you can examine our list of seven reasons German Shepherds whine and how to stop it.
The 7 Reasons Why German Shepherds Whine
1. Your Shepherd Needs to Go to the Bathroom
The reason your German Shepherd is whining could be as simple as the dog needing to go outside to potty. The dog might whine, then run to or stare at the door, trying to tell you they need to go outside. You should never ignore your dog’s whines to go potty, as it’s not good for the dog to hold it for long or good for your house if they decide they can’t any longer.
This whining usually happens right after your dog wakes up from a nap or in the evening before bedtime, but it depends on their individual habits.
2. The Dog Wants Attention
You already know that your German Shepherd is an affectionate, loving animal, just like most dogs. The dog could be whining because they want your attention and are ready to cuddle or play. These are attention-seeking animals, and if you haven’t paid the dog attention in a while, they will let you know it by whining until you do.
It’s best not to give in when your Shepherd whines for attention initially. Instead, distract them until the whining stops, then give them the attention they’re craving. You don’t want your dog to start associating whining with getting their way, or you’re in for a disaster.
3. Your Pet Is Bored
German Shepherds are a very active breed. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise or being mentally stimulated, it’s possible that they’re bored and whining about it. You can fix this by ensuring your dog gets at least 2 hours of physical exercise daily and providing them with many challenging games and toys. A hyperactive, bored German Shepherd will become destructive, aggressive, and whiny, so make sure your dog gets the exercise and mental stimulation they need to be healthy and happy.
4. The Dog Is Happy to See You
Dogs, including German Shepherds, are usually happy to see their pet parents when they walk through the door in the evening. Your German Shepherd may whine when they first see you out of sheer excitement.
However, if the whining is excessive or your German Shepherd suffers from separation anxiety, you should wait for the dog to calm down before you greet them, as you don’t want it to become a habit.
5. Your Dog Is Sick or in Pain
Unlike cats, dogs that are injured, sick, or in pain sometimes whine to show you something’s wrong. If the whining is accompanied by a lack of appetite, drowsiness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, a firm abdomen, or any other signs of illness, you must take the dog to the vet for a prompt examination.
An illness or injury should never be ignored because it can quickly get worse, cause other severe health issues, or even become life-threatening if not addressed by a veterinarian and treated promptly.
6. Your Shepherd Is Stressed
Although German Shepherds are known for being fearless dogs, they get scared, anxious, and stressed. If your German Shepherd is whining and none of the reasons above apply, your dog may be stressed, anxious, or afraid of something.
Some events that could be stressing your dog and making them whine include storms, fireworks, and even a stranger in the home. You never know what will scare or stress your pet, so ensure you’re prepared for every eventuality. If your dog is whining because they’re scared, try to identify the stressor so you can avoid it or at least minimize it.
If it continues, speak to your vet and a canine behaviorist. Your vet can prescribe a calming medication to help relieve your German Shepherd’s fear and stress if the source of it cannot be successfully avoided.
7. The Dog Is Trying to Apologize
While dogs don’t and can’t apologize, they can act submissive if they feel they’ve done something wrong. It’s not that they feel guilty about chewing up the furniture or getting out of the yard; it’s that they can tell you’re upset with them and they are trying to make up for it. Never use punishment if your dog has done something unpleasant; instead, focus on positive reinforcement, which will allow you to grow a strong bond with them that’s filled with trust.
How to Reduce Whining in Your German Shepherd
Now that you know the reasons for your German Shepherd whining, you’re probably wondering how to reduce the whining to an acceptable level. However, this breed of dog needs a lot of attention and dedication from their owners, and some whining is still likely to occur. That’s what makes them unique, and German Shepherd owners are very familiar with this feature.
- Ask your vet for recommendations and ensure whining is not related to pain or illness
- Ignore and redirect any whining intended for attention seeking unless your dog needs to go potty.
- Give your dog plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and frustration.
- Train your pet to be confident.
- Identify any stressors or causes for anxiety.
- Distract the dog.
- Speak to a canine behaviorist.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are known for being courageous, loving, protective, and loyal pets. However, they do tend to whine a bit. Whether it’s because they are sick, suffering from separation anxiety, or one of the other reasons on our list above, you can effectively stop the whining when you determine the reason. However, you should make an appointment with your vet if the whining continues to ensure your dog is not suffering from an injury or illness.
- Related Read: Why Do German Shepherds Have Moles? (And What Are They?)
Featured Image Credit to DanaTentis, Pixabay
