Stopping A Dark Barking

[jd_1984]

So, my folks have a dog and for some reason now, (aged 2) he has decided to bark the entire time that they are out of the house. We know this as the neighbours have complained. He isn't a bad dog and has a good nature but clearly cant cope with being left alone. Often they need to go out, sometimes for an hour, sometimes all day. They now feel imprisoned as not to upset the neighbour.
I have suggested the below.

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=477&pf_id=63890&;utm_source=ShoppingFeed&;utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CMTU77qt8MMCFabHtAodkksAFg

Any advice please?

[RATTER15]

//I can and do say that a dog shouldn't be left alone all day.// Totally agree Woofgang!

We have three very large hounds, they never get left for more than a few hours and very rarely that long. If we are going to be gone long then they come with us!

If people are unable to be with their dogs for the majority of the day, then they shouldnt have a dog!

[islasmum]

Sometimes leaving a radio on can calm a dog down, and as said above, a good walk just before he is left alone so he is a bit tired. Could your folks not take him with them when they go out? My Isla would prefer to be in the car, knowing that we will return to her, rather than left at home.

[jd_1984]

This dog is not left alone all day (every day)
On average it is alone for 6-7 hours once a week and a couple of hours most days. It is walked twice a day at least an hour each time and looked after as well as any dog I have ever come across.
I find that "dog people" can be very judgemental towards those who cant spend all day, every day with them. A dog is a pet, not a family member and sometimes they will need to be left alone and I am asking for suggestions how my family can do this without the bark. If the solution is "you cant leave dogs on their own" they would simply need to get rid of the animal, so hopefully a solution exists

[whirlyhurly]

Perhaps you should have acquired a more placid breed of dog who doesn't bark. My lurcher is as quiet as a mouse.

[theshedman]

Friends of ours used to leave a radio on as islasmum says and that worked for them. The dog used to bark and whine non stop when on his own until they started doing this.

[jd_1984]

A family friend had a litter and the parents were reasonably placid they were told. My mum fell in love with him and that was that. I realise some larger breeds are quieter. The truth is whatever could have been done in hindsight is irrelevant. They have the dog and are committed to keeping it healthy and happy under the circumstances

[chaptazbru2]

jd - are the neighbours who complained dog lovers at all ? Would they consider helping out by taking the dog in or walking it maybe ? I had this problem with my dog once (only he howled), but I was lucky a very dear friend took him in every time I had to go out and he's much calmer now as he's elderly.

[jd_1984]

No, it wouldn't appear as though they are dog lovers.
They are in their seventies and have lived in the property 50 years. My folks are "the new neighbours" with the barking dog, its on the verge of causing stress.

[douglas9401]

The answer is obvious, the poor thing's overtired.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=puggled

[jd_1984]

Very good Douglas!!

[ladybirder]

jd have a look and see if this service is offered in your area. It's free once you've paid a £47?? joining fee (might be annual, not sure). It's people who are dog lovers and for whatever reason can't have one of their own but will look after other people's dogs for free. Your folks could perhaps find a match for someone to take care of their dog on the days when he is going to be left for a long time.

https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/how-it-works

[Psybbo]

Have they tried leaving a radio on?

[scruffbag]

I agree, Doggy Day Care. My two leonbergers go to one and they are superb . Good luck x

[ladybirder]

Thanks for the back-up scruffbag. Just hoping jd sees our posts.