Why do German Shepherds Whine so Much?

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Why do German Shepherds whine? If you have noticed that your GSD has been incessantly whining lately, it can not only be annoying but concerning as well. A pet owner knows that whines are likely related to something going on with their dog, but it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason behind it.

So, why do German Shepherds whine? There are 4 major reasons why your German Shepherd could be whining:

  1. Your dog wants attention
  2. He’s anxious
  3. He’s sick or in pain
  4. Your German Shepherd is bored

Being able to tell the different types of whines and how to help is key to stop your German Shepherd from whining. We’re going to discuss the 4 major reasons why a German Shepherd might whine, and what you can do to solve the situation quickly.

Are German Shepherds Whiners?

German Shepherds are a sought out dog because of their loyalty, protective nature, and a can-do attitude. They are great for families with kids as they are likely to be a gentle breed if trained correctly, while still being able to guard the house for their owner.

The downside to the German Shepherd is that they are extremely vocal, and that includes whining. It all dates back to where they came from as well as their ancestry, which links to the wolf.

The German Shepherd was bred in Germany as a working dog, where they used their loud vocal cords to help out in different situations. He has a keen sense of smell and will warn their owner of different situations, such as sheep leaving the herd or a stranger coming into the yard. The howling you can thank the wolf for.

As far as whining is concerned, that is just one of the many loud sounds your German Shepherd will make. The whining is just as loud as the bark but is caused by other reasons. The most simple reasons include anxiety or boredom, but we’re going to break it down even further.

How to Stop German Shepherd Whining If…

If you have noticed that your German Shepherd is a bit more whiny than usual, you need to consider that one of 4 things might be going on:

1. Your Dog Wants Attention

The main reason why almost any dog starts whining is that they want attention. Dogs are very social animals, which is why we enjoy having them as pets in the first place. However, whining because they are in need of attention can become troublesome to the owner who doesn’t have time at the moment to give their dog the attention they’re craving.

Solution: Don’t give in to your dog when he whines because he wants attention. Ignore him. When he is done whining and realizes that isn’t the way to get your attention, then you can begin playing with him and cuddling with him. This teaches him that whining won’t solve this problem, and he needs to be patient.

However, always make sure that you’re giving your dog ample amounts of attention. He really shouldn’t have to whine for attention in the first place, but some pets crave it more than others, and sometimes owners simply don’t have that much time.

2. He’s Anxious

Another major reason why your German Shepherd might whine is that he’s anxious. A dog with too much stress in their life will whine and also show these symptoms:

  • Pacing the floor
  • Circle around far more than he should
  • Excessively lick himself
  • Shake and tremble
  • Show a decrease in appetite
  • Sleep far too often
  • Hide when there’s other dogs, animals, or humans around
  • Pant excessively
  • Have digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation

Solution: Discover what is causing stress in your pet. It could be for any of the following reasons:

  • Separation Anxiety. If he becomes stressed and anxious while being alone, you need to teach him that you’re going to come back. Consider ‘fake leaving’ multiple times, making sure to return somewhat quickly and extending the amount of time each time.
  • Excessive Noise. Some German Shepherds don’t like too much going on around them. The best thing to do is give him a quiet place where he can go to when he’s feeling overwhelmed.

3. He’s Sick or in Pain

If your dog is in pain or sick, he will try and alert you by whining. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Bad breath
  • Drooling excessively
  • Gaining weight
  • Losing weight
  • Drinking too much water
  • Urinating excessively
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Is showing difficulty when moving
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Panting irregularly
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Sores on the skin
  • Cloudy eyes that may be dry and red
  • Digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting (EPI in German Shepherds is common)

If your German Shepherd is showing any of these signs it’s important to get him to a vet right away. It may be a simple cold or flu bug, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. And since your dog can’t tell you exactly what’s going on, it’s best to have a professional assess the situation.

4. Your German Shepherd is Bored

The German Shepherd is a very energetic dog that needs to be played with and get plenty of exercise on a regular basis. A bored dog is surely going to whine because he isn’t able to get his energy out, which can ultimately lead to disruptive behavior.

Solution: If your GSD is whining and becoming destructive, it may be a simple matter of not getting enough exercise and fun into his life. The best thing to do to help a German Shepherd in this situation is to provide them with enough exercise and playtime on a regular basis.

A German Shepherd should have a large enough space in the backyard to run around, but that doesn’t mean he should be left to his own devices. Here are simple ways to bond with your pet (and also let him release that pent up energy):

  • Take him for a walk or run
  • Hop in and take your GSD for a swim
  • Go on a dog park tour in your town or surrounding areas
  • Play tug-of-war or other games
  • A simple game of catch with a Frisbee or fetch with a ball

Related Questions

Do German Shepherds get separation anxiety?

Yes. If the German Shepherd isn’t confident in himself and in the fact that their owner will return, they can certainly have separation anxiety. The best thing to do is to teach your dog from a young age to socialize and be confident, and to train them to know that you will always return.

You can make sure that your dog is confident by providing him with a good atmosphere and plenty to do while you’re away. A companion dog is something to consider, as they will be able to occupy each other. Give him plenty of space, toys, and food and water, and don’t forget plenty of love and affection upon your return.

Do German Shepherds bite their owners?

The German Shepherd isn’t an aggressive dog, but they will bite their owners for a variety of reasons. (Note: German Shepherds will never bite without a reason.)

The main reasons why a German Shepherd might bite their owner is because they are upset about a situation, bored and have too much energy pent up, or are feeling threatened. These are some of the major triggers and should be dealt with accordingly.

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