barking

[tortgirl]

I have a 6 month old puppy who has become worse at barking as we leave the house. Once he starts he finds it hard to calm himself - normally 1 - 2 hours - I have recorded him. Has anyone got any suggestions of how to prevent the barking starting.

[maggie01]

Just the usual answers. Try leaving him for shorter periods at a time. Leave a radio on. Totally ignore him when you go out. Give him a treat on leaving the house without speaking to him. I'm sure other people will have some other advice. Good Luck.

[doglady]

You could try giving him something really fun to do when you leave the house, that he only gets to do when you aren't there. Buy one of those balls that you put treats in, and he has to roll it round the floor to get the food out. You'll have to teach him how it works, and cut down on his normal food otherwise he'll be a big fat puppy. They're called BusterBalls. When he gets too good at it and empties in in 2 seconds flat, you can get a BusterCube, which doesn't roll as easily and is much harder to get the treats out of.

Just put it down before you leave, and pick it up again when you come back - it's a toy he only has when you're not there, and will keep him occupied during the first half an hour or so after you've gone, to stop him getting in a state and barking.

I would advise against actually giving him a treat he doesn't have to work for before you go - it makes it seem like you are asking his permission to leave the house, and will give him ideas above his station!! Also, don't make a fuss when you come back. Ignore your dog until he has calmed down, then you can say hello to him. Open the post, or make a cup of tea or something to take your mind off ignoring him, and don't even look at him. It's not his house, and you don't need his permission to come and go as you please.

Good luck with him.

xx

[carnat]

you could try these treat balls where the puppy is kept occupied trying to get a treat out of the ball keeps them going ages

[maggie01]

I disagree with doglady. I give my two dogs a small treat when I leave and they know I am going out. They take it to their space and are quite happy. Each to his own I guess. You will find what works best for you.

[=rizla=]

I heard somewhere that dogs hate long goodbyes, just leave without making a big fuss about it. The treat ball is a good idea and definitly worth a try. The being out for a shorter time may be a bad idea as he may think by barking its making you come home quicker. Radio/TV left on again is worth a try.

Maggie, our's sets herself into her bed and settles down now without a treat or us even saying anything, she;s just got used to our routine now, coat on, keys in pocket etc.