9 Real Reasons Why Your Schnauzer Cries So Much (And How to Calm Them Fast) 2025

If your Schnauzer cries or whines all the time, you’re not alone. Many Schnauzer owners notice their pup whining for attention, crying at night, or even following them around the house with sad eyes and little whimpers.

But don’t worry — it’s not always a sign of something serious. Schnauzers are an emotional and intelligent breed. Crying is their way of communicating. The key is to understand why they’re doing it — and what you can do to help.

In this guide, you’ll discover:
✅ 9 real reasons your Schnauzer whines or cries
✅ When to worry (and when not to)
✅ 5 powerful tips to stop crying behavior fast
✅ Pro training tricks used by behavior experts

Let’s jump in 👇

🐾 Why Do Schnauzers Cry So Much?

Most Schnauzers cry because of learned behavior — they’ve discovered that whining gets your attention. Over time, it becomes a habit.

However, crying can also signal:

• Emotional distress (like anxiety or boredom)
• Physical discomfort or pain
• Excitement or overstimulation
• Unmet needs (food, walk, potty, affection)

Understanding the root cause is the first step toward stopping the behavior.

💔 9 Reasons Why Your Schnauzer Whines & Cries So Much

1. 😍 Over-Excitement

Schnauzers are known for their lively, high-energy nature. If your dog cries when you come home, grab the leash, or talk in an excited tone — it’s their way of saying “I’m so happy you’re here!”

👉 Pro Tip: Teach calm greetings. Wait until your pup sits quietly before giving attention. This helps them associate calm behavior with love.

2. 💤 Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

A bored Schnauzer is a noisy Schnauzer. These dogs are working breeds — they crave mental and physical activity.

If you’ve been busy and your dog sighs or whines beside you, they’re saying, “Hey! I need something to do!”

✅ Fix:

• Daily walks (minimum 45 mins)
• Puzzle feeders or sniff mats
• Interactive toys (tug ropes, chew puzzles)
• Training sessions (5–10 mins daily)

🧠 Fun Fact: Schnauzers are as smart as a 2-year-old child — they need challenges!

3. 😨 Fear or Anxiety

If your Schnauzer cries during fireworks, thunderstorms, or when strangers visit, fear might be the trigger. You may also notice panting, shaking, or pacing.

✅ Fix:

• Create a safe, quiet space (like a crate with a blanket)
• Try calming music or pheromone diffusers
• Gradual desensitization: expose them gently to the trigger

If anxiety is severe, consult a certified dog behaviorist or vet for tailored support.

4. 🤕 Pain or Physical Discomfort

Dogs can’t say “ouch,” so they whine. Crying when moving, jumping, or being touched may mean arthritis, joint pain, or injury.

⚠️ When to Visit a Vet:

• Crying with no clear trigger
• Limping, stiffness, or shaking
• Loss of appetite or restlessness

Never ignore pain-related whining. Early diagnosis = faster recovery.

5. 💌 Attention-Seeking Behavior

If you’ve ever comforted your Schnauzer while they cried… you’ve (unknowingly) trained them to repeat it.

They’ve learned:

“If I cry → I get pets, food, or love.”

✅ Fix:

• Ignore unnecessary whining
• Reward calm, quiet moments with treats or praise
• Be consistent — don’t mix responses

It may get worse before it gets better (called an extinction burst), but stay firm!

6. 🗣️ Naturally Vocal Personality

Some Schnauzers are chatterboxes. They use whines, grumbles, and “talking sounds” to express themselves. It’s normal — part of their charm!

✅ Fix:

• Channel it with “quiet” command training
• Use short, calm cues — never yell
• Reinforce silence with treats

🎓 Training Tip: Use the word “quiet” calmly, then reward instantly when they stop vocalizing.

7. 🍖 Unmet Needs

Whining can simply mean:

• “My water bowl’s empty.”
• “It’s potty time.”
• “My toy’s stuck under the couch.”

✅ Fix:
Check their basic needs before assuming emotional causes.

Schnauzers are intelligent and use whining to remind you — just like a toddler asking for a snack.

8. 🐕‍🦺 Doggy Apology

If your Schnauzer chewed your shoe and starts whining with lowered ears and a tucked tail — it’s an apology.

Dogs show appeasement behavior to say, “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

✅ Fix:
Stay calm — yelling only increases fear and whining. Redirect their energy with training or a toy.

9. 💔 Separation Anxiety

This is one of the most common reasons Schnauzers cry excessively. These dogs bond deeply with their owners and struggle being alone.

Signs include:

• Crying or barking when you leave
• Destructive behavior
• Following you constantly

✅ Fix:

• Start short separations (1–5 minutes)
• Use treats & toys when leaving
• Don’t make departures or arrivals dramatic
• Try a snuffle mat or calming chew

For severe anxiety, consult your vet or a canine behavior expert.

🧠 5 Proven Tips to Stop Your Schnauzer from Crying

1. 🚫 Ignore Unnecessary Whining

Don’t reinforce bad habits. Wait until they’re calm and quiet — then reward with attention.

💡 Dogs repeat what works. Make silence work for them.

2. 🗣️ Teach the “Quiet” Command

1. Say “speak” → reward when they bark
2. Say “quiet” → wait for silence → reward
3. Repeat daily — stay consistent

This creates clear communication and gives your dog structure.

3. 🩺 Rule Out Medical Issues

If whining is new, constant, or paired with movement changes, visit your vet. Sometimes crying = pain, not behavior.

Better safe than sorry.

4. 🧘 Desensitize Fear Triggers

Expose them slowly to what scares them (doorbell, car rides, loud noises) — start at a low intensity, reward calm behavior, and build tolerance over time.

Patience pays off!

5. 👋 Downplay Greetings

Avoid dramatic hellos or goodbyes. Act calm, neutral, and low-energy. This teaches your Schnauzer that arrivals and departures are no big deal — reducing anxiety-related crying.

🐕 Quick Recap

🏁 Final Thoughts

A crying Schnauzer isn’t being “bad” — they’re communicating. Once you understand why they’re whining, you can respond calmly and effectively.

With patience, consistent training, and the right mental stimulation, your Schnauzer will become a happier, calmer companion 🐾💕