why do labradoodles whine

Why Do Labradoodles Whine?

If you own a Labradoodle you may have noticed that this particular breed of dog can have a tendency to whining, whimpering, and crying.

So, why do Labradoodles whine? The exact reason(s) why Labradoodles whine, whimper, or cry is often unknown. Like most dogs, Labradoodles whine as a way to communicate. Some Labradoodles may whine or whimper is because they are stressed, looking for appeasement or attention. They could be in pain, or it may even be because whining has become a trained behavior. 

These are just some of the reasons why Labradoodles may be behaving the way they do. Whining and crying can mean several things. To fully understand why a Labradoodle is behaving the way he/she is, we have to look at other factors. 

Why Do Labradoodles Whine

There are different factors into why Labradoodles whine and cry. Some of it is due to biology and other reasons are related to training. In a moment of pains or distress, a Labradoodle can also whine. 

To determine precisely why a Labradoodle is whining can be quite hard because no two dogs’ aren’t exactly the same, and your dogs’ reasons might be different than my dogs’. 

Here are the most common reasons as to why Labradoodles whine and cry. 

1. Labradoodles Whine As a Communication Method

Pretty much every single dog-owner wish that they could understand exactly what their dog is trying to tell them, especially if the dog communicates by whining.

Labradoodles are a very social and communicative breed and are quick to show when they are concerned or woried about any specific situation. 

As with most other dog breeds, Labradoodles can use whimpering and crying as a method to communicate a need or a want from their owner. Labradoodles are known to make whining sounds when they get anxious, excited, are in pain, frustrated, or pretty much just looking for attention.

This whining is actually just like when another dog is howling or barking, or even like a cats meowing. It’s just a method they use to communicate and it isn’t necessarily a sign that something bad is wrong. 

2. Labradoodles are Prone to Separation Anxiety 

Due to how sociable Labradoodles are they are sadly also quite prone to separation anxiety. They love people and other animals and they want to be around them as much as possible, and spend every waking hour with other living things, so if they are ever alone it can be very hard for them.

Separation anxiety usually occurs when a dog becomes closely attached to his/her owner. And if the owner is gone for even a shorter amount of the, the dog can become stressed and worried. 

This can lead them to end up whining and crying as a way of dealing with being left alone, even if it is only for a short amount of time. 

Anxiety in a labradoodle separation anxiety in labradoodles why do labradoodles whine

Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Labradoodles

If you suspect that your Labradoodles whines due to separation anxiety, there are several ways that you can help reducing their stress and make him/her feel a lot more comfortable with being alone. 

Many Labradoodle owners have discovered that leaving the TV on or putting on soothing music can help calm their dog. Background noise can give a dog the illusion that someone is home. 

Another common method is to leave a light on if the house is dark to help your Labradoodle to combat their separation anxiety.

You could also consider getting another dog if you currently only have one. 

Another thing that might also help improve a Labradoodles’ anxiety has to do with how you behave when you are leaving home. This is also known as the “leaving ritual.” 

Many dog owners have a tendency to go overboard when leaving and end up making a big deal out of it.

Instead of excessive amounts of hugging, patting, or kissing your dog before you leave try and place him/her in an smaller enclosed area roughly fifteen minutes before you leave and continue to get ready as if nothing out of the ordinary is about to happen. Then you just quietly leave. 

This might seems very difficult and almost counter-intuitive, but many professional trainers report back it has been shown to help Labradoodles cope with their separation anxiety. 

Other Reasons Why Labradoodles Might Whine or Cry 

  • Appeasement – Your dog just wants to make you happy and that usually can often make your Labradoodle vocal and emotional. 
  • Attention – Labradoodles use whining as a way to get the attention of their owner. This behavior is often something they learn as puppies and then repeated when they discover it gives the desired results.  
  • Excitement – Labradoodle owners will agree that they can often whine and whimper out of pure joy and excitement over a specific situation (such as their owner coming home or the promise of a walkabout to happen). 
  • Frustration – Dog owners will typically also notice that their furry friend will whine when their favorite toy is stuck under the couch. This very common behavior is also how they express their frustration.
  • Pain – Expressing any pain through whining or whimpering is also a very common occurrence. Typically a dog won’t vocally express if they suffer any chronic pain. 
  • Instead, older Labradoodles will usually whine or cry more often due to chronic pain or a decline in brain cognition as a result of old age. 
  • Stress – Labradoodles can also express stress about a specific situation through whining and whimpering. As mentioned above, separation anxiety is a type of stress and is therefore typically expressed through whining. 
  • Trained Behavior – You can train a Labradoodle to communicate with you when someone is at the door or when they have to go outside to go potty. Unknowingly, many Labradoodle owners may have trained their dogs to be use whining and crying as a method to get attention, food, or a toy. 
  • Uncertainty – It is also quite typical for dogs to whine when they meet new people for the first time. This is usually because they aren’t sure of the situation or lack confidence in this new person they are suddenly meeting.

Chronic Whining and Crying in Labradoodles 

Whining and whimpering are, generally speaking, instinctual behaviors, but they can also be a learned method a dog can use to get more attention, food, and so on. Sometimes “whining” in dogs can become chronic. Chronic whining isn’t normal behavior and can end up being quite problematic. 

Try to avoid giving in to the whining from your dog. This is basically the same principle used when raising children. Having a overly spoiled dog isn’t a desirable situation.

If a Labradoodle displays any unwanted and chronic whining behavior, there are a few things that a dog owner can do in order to change this. 

The first step you should do is to figure out why your Labradoodle has a chronic whining problem. Are they whining because they are looking for more attention? Are they crying due to a stress-related situation? Once you have identified why you will be able to better understand how to address and fix the issue.

The simplest way to stop chronic whining in Labradoodles is to just ignore your dogs’ behavior. If your Doodle is whining for the attention it’s a very good idea to just ignore him/her in order to stop this kind of behavior.

If the whining from your dog is due to stress or nervousness, his/her confidence will have to be improved. As an example, if your dog is nervous with new people, you should try and increase their exposure to such situations. 

Labradoodle Tear Stains are Common

It is important to note that it is common for Labradoodles to have tear stains below their eyes. This isn’t in any way related to the whining or whimpering behavior of a dog. These tear stains are caused by certain physical characteristics that occur in Labradoodles and is something they have inherited by the poodle genes in this breed. 

So even as it has nothing to do with the whining and whimpering, Labradoodles can get tear stains under their eyes, and it will be more common on brighter colors of dogs.

Labradoodles also have a risk of developing blocked tear ducts also known as Epiphora. This happens when the tear ducts don’t properly drain, which leads to a brownish build up under the eyes. 

What Causes Tear Stains 

“Tears stains” on Labradoodles can be due to many different factors including: 

  • Allergies 
  • Ear infection
  • Eyelash or eyelid abnormality 
  • Reactions to additives from certain dog foods 
  • Tear duct blockage
  • Teething 
  • Unfiltered tap water

Tear stains can be helped by keeping your Labradoodle in good health and cleaning his or her face often.

You could also consider swapping your dogs’ diet to a better alternative, such as Ollie – Healthier Food for a Healthy Dog, that I have personally used for years with great success.

Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners

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If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!

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