Why Is My Shiba Inu Whining? (9 Reasons & Fixes)

A Shiba Inu that’s whining can be a source of concern and may leave you wondering about the cause. Is it a mere call for attention, or is there something more significant at play?

When your Shiba Inu whines, regardless of the time, understanding the reason behind it and knowing the appropriate response is crucial.

This article will provide all the necessary information to address this behavior. Let’s get started!

Why Your Shiba Inu Whines

Essentially, when your Shiba Inu whines, they are attempting to communicate with you. Whining is a fundamental form of expression for dogs.

It’s important to note that not all whining indicates a serious problem, but it usually means that something is bothering your Shiba Inu.

Understanding the reasons behind the whining is key, and paying attention to the timing and context of the whining can help you pinpoint the cause more effectively.

The main reasons why your Shiba Inu might be whining include:

• Needing to go outside for a bathroom break
• Whining behavior being unintentionally reinforced by owners
• Anticipating a regular event (like mealtime or walk time)
• Seeking attention due to boredom
• Feeling overly excited or anxious about something
• Experiencing anxiety or nervousness
• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Experiencing discomfort or physical pain
• Suffering from a health issue

In most cases, your Shiba Inu’s whining will fall into one or more of these categories.

When Does Your Shiba Inu Whine? (Is It Serious)

Addressing a whining issue effectively requires understanding its root cause.

Observing WHAT triggers your Shiba Inu’s whining and WHEN it occurs is crucial.

This observation can help you determine whether the whining is a sign of something serious or just a behavioral quirk.

🎯 When whining is probably not serious:

If your Shiba Inu whines while anticipating something, it’s generally not a cause for concern. This behavior is often understandable and normal. For instance, they might be indicating their need for a bathroom break or signaling that it’s mealtime.

Your Shiba Inu might also whine to express excitement, such as when you return home from work or in the morning to wake you up. This is typically a sign of their enthusiasm and affection.

🎯 When whining indicates a problem:

If your Shiba Inu continues to whine even after their basic needs have been met, it could signify an underlying issue.

In these instances, whining can be a symptom of emotional distress, indicating feelings of stress, unhappiness, fear, frustration, or even pain.

It may also suggest that there’s something amiss in their daily routine, lifestyle, or environment, causing them discomfort or distress.

Inadequate daily routines can lead to increased levels of:

• Stress
• Anxiety (including separation anxiety)
• Boredom
• Frustration
• Fear

These factors can contribute to a Shiba Inu’s whining and overall dissatisfaction.

Underlying Causes of Whining in Shiba Inus & Solutions

Let’s delve into the common triggers of whining in Shiba Inus and explore effective solutions.

1. Lack of Stimulation (Physical & Mental)

Shiba Inus, with their keen intelligence and active nature, require continuous mental and physical stimulation. Without it, they can become restless and express their discontent through whining.

A common reason for whining in Shiba Inus is the lack of mental engagement. While many owners are good at providing physical exercise, the mental stimulation aspect is often overlooked.

Shiba Inus need engaging activities that challenge their minds. Without regular mental stimulation, they can become frustrated and anxious, leading to behaviors like hyperactivity, misbehavior, and whining.

🎯 Solutions to this:

Assess the amount of mental stimulation your Shiba Inu is receiving.

Are they engaging in activities like command training, puzzle toys, or socializing with other dogs? It’s ideal for a Shiba Inu to participate in a variety of stimulating activities each day.

Ensuring they have sufficient mental engagement can keep them calm and content, especially during quieter periods.

Physical exercise is also crucial. Aim for at least an hour of physical activity each day, ideally split between morning and evening sessions.

Morning exercise is particularly beneficial as it helps to release energy accumulated during sleep, positively impacting their behavior for the rest of the day.

How this will help:

• Reduce whining caused by boredom or frustration
• Address whining due to low-level anxiety
• Minimize attention-seeking whining
• Alleviate whining related to crate training
• Decrease random whining throughout the day

Enhancing your Shiba Inu’s physical and mental stimulation will not only improve their behavior and obedience but also contribute significantly to their overall well-being.

2. Accidental Reinforcement of Whining

This issue could be occurring between you and your Shiba Inu, often without realizing it.

Unintentionally reinforcing undesirable behaviors is surprisingly easy, and it often relates to our immediate response to these actions.

It’s a natural reaction to attend to your Shiba Inu when they whine. You might inquire about their needs or give them attention to address the issue. Sometimes, owners may even play with them or offer treats.

While these actions might temporarily halt the whining, they can inadvertently reinforce it. Your Shiba Inu quickly learns to associate whining with positive outcomes, encouraging them to repeat the behavior.

🎯 Solutions to this:

It’s essential to provide positive reinforcement when your Shiba Inu exhibits desired behaviors, not when they act out.

This concept seems straightforward, yet it’s often overlooked in practice.

Owners tend to ignore their dogs when they’re calm and only respond when they exhibit unwanted behaviors. This approach is counterproductive.

When your Shiba Inu is quiet or behaving well, that’s the ideal time to give them attention, praise, and rewards.

This approach helps your Shiba Inu understand which behaviors are rewarding. It also teaches them that whining is not an effective way to gain your attention.

While it’s not advisable to completely ignore your Shiba Inu if they whine — as there could be a legitimate concern — it’s important to be mindful of how you react. Avoid unintentionally rewarding the whining.

How this will help:

• Address whining that stems from attention-seeking
• Break the habit of whining developed over time

3. Excessive Alone Time

Shiba Inus, known for their independent yet affectionate nature, can still struggle with being left alone for extended periods.

Prolonged and frequent solitude can lead to stress, anxiety, and general unhappiness in Shiba Inus, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Separation anxiety is a particularly challenging issue that can develop from this situation.

You can gauge if this is an issue for your Shiba Inu based on how much time they spend alone each day. More than about four hours alone can be enough to trigger excessive whining upon your return. While some breeds may handle extended periods of solitude better, Shiba Inus can find it more challenging, often reflected in their behavior.

🎯 Solutions to this:

Determining if loneliness is the cause of whining can be tricky, but if you suspect your Shiba Inu’s whining is linked to your absence, it’s time to consider some changes.

If your Shiba Inu typically spends over four hours alone daily, exploring options like pet sitting, arranging for a midday visit home, or asking friends or family to check on them can be beneficial.

Addressing this issue might be challenging, but it’s important to minimize the amount of time they spend alone to alleviate their distress.

How this will help:

• Reduce whining due to stress and anxiety
• Alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Decrease whining caused by boredom and frustration

Shiba Inu Puppy Whining Overnight:

Explained Nighttime whining is also a common issue with Shiba Inu puppies, so rest assured, this is a normal experience.

This behavior typically stems from the puppy still adapting to their new environment and feeling uneasy about being alone at night, away from their mother and siblings.

Although this behavior often resolves naturally, it’s better not to rely solely on time to fix it. Let’s explore some proactive steps you can take.

👉 Establish a Bedtime Routine

Creating a consistent bedtime routine can significantly help your Shiba Inu puppy sleep through the night. Implementing this routine is definitely worthwhile.

Ensure your Shiba Inu’s last meal, treat, and drink are given no later than 6 pm. Take your Shiba Inu out for multiple bathroom breaks before bedtime. Spend about 20 minutes giving your puppy a gentle belly rub before settling them into their crate. These steps are key to a successful bedtime routine.

Allowing time for digestion and frequent bathroom breaks helps minimize the need for midnight potty trips. Plus, a period of calm, focused attention can soothe your puppy and prepare them for sleep.

👉 Bring the Crate to Your Bedroom

A lot of nighttime whining is due to the puppy feeling scared or lonely. This can be alleviated by placing their crate in your bedroom.

With the crate nearby, your Shiba Inu puppy can sense your presence through smell and sound, which can significantly reduce their anxiety and, consequently, their whining.

Duration for Seeing Results in Shiba Inus

Resolving your Shiba Inu’s whining could range from just a few days to several weeks, depending on the underlying cause and the duration of the behavior.

Whining that has become a long-standing habit, or that stems from deeper issues like stress, may require more time to address effectively.

The key factor in reducing and eventually stopping the whining is consistency in enhancing your Shiba Inu’s daily routine and overall lifestyle.

By ensuring their routine meets their needs and provides sufficient mental and physical stimulation, you’ll likely see a gradual decrease in whining. Patience and persistence are crucial in this process.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Whining can occasionally be a sign of a more serious issue in Shiba Inus, making it essential to recognize when veterinary assistance is needed.

It’s advisable to contact your veterinarian if:

• The whining has been ongoing for an extended period and you’re unable to resolve it.
• Your Shiba Inu whines constantly.
• There are additional symptoms accompanying the whining, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other unusual behaviors.
• Attempts to address the behavior have been unsuccessful, or the situation is worsening.

Remember, it’s always better to be proactive and consult with your veterinarian early. If you’re uncertain about the reason behind your Shiba Inu’s whining, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this guide has been helpful!