Why Do Dogs React To Puppies Crying? The Truth!
Contents
Many dog owners notice the same thing. When their dog hears a puppy crying, whether in real life or in a video, it perks up, whines or goes looking for the sound.
Why does this happen?
Dogs react to puppies crying because the high-pitched sound is an attention-grabbing distress signal. Many dogs become alert, curious or upset when they hear it, and some may be picking up on the puppy’s distress. Mother dogs respond most strongly. Not every dog reacts, and the reaction depends on the dog’s personality and history.
Below, we answer common questions about dogs and puppies, including why puppies cry.
Do Dogs Know What Puppies Are?
Dogs seem to recognize puppies by their size, smell, sounds and behavior. Adult dogs often treat puppies differently, tolerating behavior they wouldn’t accept from an adult dog.
Will Big Dogs Kill A Puppy?
It is rare, but an adult dog can injure or even kill a puppy, especially a much smaller one. The risk is higher with dogs that haven’t been around other dogs or that guard food, toys or space.
If you’re bringing a new puppy home, give it its own area at first. Introduce it to your older dog step by step, and supervise every interaction.
Your older dog will not love the puppy right away. It has routines, favorite toys, its own bed and its people, and it may not want to share them.
Puppies are also full of energy and haven’t learned manners yet. That can irritate an older dog.
Giving each dog its own space, food bowl and quiet time helps keep the peace.
Do Dogs Get Annoyed With Puppies?
Yes. Puppies are energetic and don’t yet understand other dogs’ signals, so older dogs often get annoyed.
An older dog may growl, lift a lip or snap in the air to tell a puppy to back off. Mild warnings like these are normal dog communication.
The old idea of an "alpha" dog running the household is outdated. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the pack hierarchy model isn’t an accurate description of how dogs relate to each other or to people.
Don’t punish your older dog for a mild warning, but step in if it bites, pins the puppy or won’t let up. Give the older dog breaks from the puppy, and watch them closely until they get along.
Why Does Your Dog Cry When Other Dogs Cry?
Dogs often join in when other dogs howl or whine. Howling is a form of long-distance communication that dogs share with wolves.
Some dogs may also be reacting to another dog’s stress, or simply to the sound itself. Researchers are still studying how much dogs feel what other dogs feel.
Dogs also respond to their owners’ emotions, including crying, though scientists debate how much of this is true empathy.
Why Do Puppies Cry?
Puppies cry to get their needs met. Common reasons include hunger, cold, pain, fear, loneliness and needing to go to the bathroom.
As a puppy grows, it may also learn that crying gets attention. This happens when crying has often been rewarded in the past.
If your puppy cries loudly and won’t stop, check on it. It may be hurt, stuck or tangled, hungry or need to go outside.
Final Words
Dogs react to puppies crying because the sound is a strong distress signal, and many dogs are sensitive to it. Mother dogs react most strongly to their own puppies.
When you bring a new puppy home, introduce it to your older dog slowly and supervise them. With time and patience, most dogs learn to live with a new puppy.
Sources
- Normal Social Behavior in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Aggression in Dogs, ASPCA
