Howling dog - mine!!!

[eihpos]

We've recently moved house and each time we go out my 2 year old springer howls. The neighbours are being very understanding (don't know how long for) but I would hate to have to put up with it.

I've tried light and radio left on, I've tried leaving her in total darkness with and without radio. I just dread to go out.

Any suggestions will be very welcome.

[karenmac60]

Have you tried a DAP diffuser? You can get them from vet or online (cheaper), they release pheromones which calm your dog down. You can also get collars which emit an ultrasonic noise when the dog barks. It seems a bit cruel but they seem to work pretty quickly if you're really worried about your neighbours.

[swedeheart]

Dogs originally lived in caves and to this day they like the combined safety and supervision offered by three walls and a roof. I'm not a dog owner but I know this works for some:

Get a roomy dog cage and throw a couple of blankets over it to make it feel like a dog house (or a cave, really). Remove the cage door, you're not supposed to shut the dog in, it's her retreat not her prison. You may have to experiment with where in the house the cage should be placed - my first try would be not too close to the main door of the house but still in a place where she can see it. This should give her a sense of control and safety both. Engage your neighbours in it, tell them you're experimenting with where to place the cage and ask them to keep you informed of how different cage locations affect the howling.

[woofgang]

have you tried teaching her to be alone again? make sure she is well exercised and sleepy, settle with a special treat (stuffed kong works I find) leave for 10 mins, come back calmly say hello, no big fuss. The next day leave for longer and so on. I would combine this with making her a safe place.
I wouldn't leave the ultrasonic collar on a dog you are leaving a one in case it got caught in something and hurt her or malfunctioned and wouln't stop going off which would be horrible. I think the general advice is to only use things like this when you are around to supervise.