Dogs whimper for a variety of reasons when they see their owner. This behavior is often a sign of excitement, anxiety, submission, or even distress. Understanding the context around your dog’s whimpers can help you determine why they are exhibiting this behavior.
Excitement
One of the most common reasons dogs whimper is out of excitement when seeing their owner. This type of whimpering is often accompanied by other happy behaviors like wagging tails, jumping, licking, and panting. The whimpers are your dog’s way of communicating their joy at your return. They are eager to greet you and let you know how much they missed you.
Dogs may start whimpering as soon as they hear cues that you are returning like the sound of your car pulling in or the jingling of keys at the front door. The anticipation builds until they can finally see you, and the excitement overwhelms them. These eager, happy whimpers are nothing to be concerned about. In fact, you should take them as a compliment – your dog is so happy to have you back!
Why excitement causes whimpering
Dogs whimper from excitement because they have excess energy and emotions they need to release. Since barking can be intimidating, dogs often channel all that enthusiasm into high-pitched, whimpering sounds. They are simply overflowing with joy and this is how it manifests.
Puppies are especially prone to whimpering when excited. That’s because puppies have less control over their emotions and impulses. While an adult dog may greet you with a wagging tail and a big smile, puppies can’t contain themselves and whimper with joy.
Anxiety
In some cases, a dog may whimper not from excitement but from anxiety when seeing their owner. This type of whimpering may be low-pitched and mournful. It can indicate that the dog is feeling anxious about being separated from you.
Dogs are pack animals, meaning they crave constant companionship. When left alone for long periods, they can experience anxiety at both your departure and return. The whimpers are their way of vocalizing that stress.
Signs your dog is whimpering from separation anxiety include:
- Whimpering begins as soon as you leave
- Excessive drooling and panting
- Chewing or scratching at doors or windows
- Accidents in the house despite being house-trained
This kind of whimpering may escalate to howling, barking, or whining if the dog is extremely distressed about you leaving. seperation anxiety can cause serious distress for dogs, so it’s important to identify and address it.
Why anxiety causes whimpering
Dogs with separation anxiety may whimper when you return because they are communicating their stress over you leaving again soon. The coming and going is very unsettling for them.
These dogs feel most comfortable and secure when you are present. When you leave, they are left alone without the reassurance of your presence. This can create feelings of vulnerability and fear.
Dogs with separation anxiety may have lacked proper socialization as puppies. Without positive exposures to being alone, they fail to gain confidence in their independence. As a result, they become overly attached to their owners later in life.
Submissive Urging
Submissive whimpering is another common reason dogs vocalize when seeing their owners. Submissive behaviors are how dogs communicate to more dominant members of their pack that they are not a threat. A dog may display submissive postures like cowering, rolling on their back, or avoiding eye contact. Whimpering is another way they convey their harmless intent.
Submissive whimpering is often very high-pitched and may occur alongside other submissive body language like:
- A lowered head
- Tucked tail
- Floppy ears
- Avoiding eye contact
- Licking lips
- Low crouching
Unlike excited whimpers, these sounds have a nervous energy. The dog is communicating their deference to you as the “pack leader.”
Why submission causes whimpering
You may notice submissive whimpering most when you first arrive home. Your dog is greeting you respectfully and affirming you as the dominant member of its pack. Some dogs may also whimper submissively when being scolded or disciplined. They are conveying that they understand your correction and are not a threat.
This behavior has roots in the hierarchical nature of dog packs. Each member has a position, with dominant alpha dogs at the top. Submissive sounds and postures relay accepting lower status to avoid confrontations.
If your dog excessively whimpers submissively, it may indicate a lack of confidence. Make sure to use plenty of positive reinforcement to build their self-assurance.
Distress
While most owner-directed whimpering relates to positive emotions like excitement or submission, in some cases it can signal that your dog is under distress or pain. If the whimpers sound urgent, pitiful, or incessant, it’s important to check your dog over for potential causes.
Situations where your dog may whimper from distress when seeing you include:
- Illness or injury
- Needing to go potty urgently
- Hunger if missed a meal
- Discomfort from being confined too long
- Anxiety from environmental stressors like loud noises
These types of whimpers are often more frantic with a sense of urgency. Your dog may seem agitated, pace, or show other signs of physical or mental anguish.
Why distress causes whimpering
Dogs in distress whimper because they have an intense, unfulfilled need, whether it stems from illness, fear, or something else. The whimpering is an appeal to you for help and relief.
Dogs rely on their owners completely to provide for their basic needs. If those needs go unmet for too long, they will vocalize their discomfort through desperate cries and whimpers.
As pack leader, your dog looks to you for solutions when they experience distress. Unlike wild canines, domestic dogs have learned that their human caretakers can be relied on to provide aid and care when urgently needed.
How to Respond to a Whimpering Dog
When your dog whimpers upon seeing you, the appropriate response depends on why they are whimpering. Here are some tips for responding to common whimper scenarios:
Excited Whimpers
- Smile, praise them verbally and reward with pats/treats
- Avoid overly stimulating play or attention
- Ask for a calm sit before giving affection
- Redirect to a toy or game for an energy outlet
Anxious Whimpers
- Speak calmly, approach slowly and give affection
- Take them on frequent walks/potty breaks
- Provide stimulating toys when leaving
- Don’t make departures overly drawn out
Submissive Whimpers
- Greet them warmly but avoid looming over them
- Get on their level and gently pet their shoulder or chin
- Use a calm, relaxed tone of voice and body language
- Build their confidence with training games and praise
Distressed Whimpers
- Check for signs of illness, injury, or need for potty
- Provide expected meals and walks on schedule
- Give access to water, comfortable bedding and toys
- See a vet if the cause of distress is unclear
When to Be Concerned About Whimpering
In most cases, whimpering when your dog sees you is nothing to worry about. But in some circumstances, it may signal an underlying problem that needs veterinary attention. Contact your vet if the whimpering is accompanied by:
- Signs of injury or illness like limping, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Unusual discharge from eyes, nose, or other body parts
- Frequent tremors, seizures, or balance issues
- Biting, nipping, or showing other unusual aggression
- Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching themselves
- Difficulty rising, walking, or navigating stairs
- Loss of housetraining or failure to reach potty area in time
You should also let your vet know if the whimpering increases suddenly in frequency or intensity. This could signal an escalating medical condition or emotional distress.
Stopping Excessive Whimpering
While most whimpering is natural canine communication, excessive or incessant whimpering can become disruptive. Here are some tips for curbing frequent whimpering when you arrive home:
- Give your dog a puzzle toy stuffed with treats when leaving so they are occupied until you return
- Provide plenty of exercise before departures so they are tired and calmer
- Praise and reward your dog for being silent and calm when you get home
- Ignore attention-seeking whimpers rather than reassuring your dog
- Use calming supplements or pheromone diffusers for severe separation anxiety
- Consider professional training if anxious or submissive whimpering is excessive
However, remember that mild, happy whimpering when a dog sees their beloved owner is perfectly natural. There’s no need to eliminate all whimpers – just excessive ones related to stress or neediness. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to control their excitement and limit unnecessary vocalizations.
The Takeaway
Dogs whimper around their owners to express a variety of emotions from elation to distress. Pay attention to the context, timing, and body language that accompanies your dog’s whimpers. This will help you decipher the root causes behind this vocalization.
With an understanding of your dog’s whimpers, you can respond appropriately to meet their needs. While occasional whimpering is nothing to worry about, contact your vet if it becomes excessive or is paired with other concerning symptoms. With care and training, you can help your faithful companion feel safe, secure, and comfortable when you return home.