home alone barking

Hi rook,

Does your dog show any other destructive behaviour when you're gone, like chewing things up or ripping into things he shouldn't?

Have you tried leaving noise playing when you're gone and the dog is by himself? A TV on, a radio, anything with people's voices, so that he's a bit distracted and it sounds more like it does when you are home.

If you've got friends who live nearby and are able, see if they'd be willing to come by your house in the middle of the day while you're gone, and play with him or walk him for a bit. Letting some energy out during the day could really help him, and a social visit to break his alone time will probably make him more comfortable.

You can also look into anti-barking collars, like a citronella collar, or a buzz collar, there are many options out there that don't harm the dog at all, just give a simple unpleasant stimulus when he barks.

Similarly, you could look into a DAP pheromone plug-in, which could help with anxiety, if thats the reason for your dog's barking (which is why I asked if he's showing any other destructive behaviours).

If you think he's just bored, try the TV/radio/friends over. Also look into interactive, stimulating toys, like kongs and noisemakers. Anything to keep his mind occupied a bit more. Hide toys/treats around.

Anytime you are home, reward and praise him when he's quiet, and try to give "no" commands when he barks with you. You want to make an effort to get the idea that barking isn't good across to him.

Hope these ideas help, other members might have more. I hope this problem does get sorted, I'd hate the council to take action!