Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 3, 2023.
Is your pup howling when you’re away? Don’t fret – it’s often possible to get to the heart of why they bark and train them to stay peaceful with some care and effort.
Unraveling this puzzle takes a bit of time but can be done – so don’t give up on helping Fido find his chill!
Is your pup driving you crazy with incessant barking when you’re away for the day? As an owner, it can be hard to leave them alone and hope they won’t misbehave! Do you complain, “my dog barks all day while I am at work?
Check out this guide from Canine Pals for the best tips and tricks to stop your pup from constantly barking throughout the day while home alone.
Your neighbor tells you that your dog barks all day while you’re at work. You won’t want to believe him…at first. You know that if you were home and a dog barked all day, you wouldn’t like it either. One large aspect of being a conscientious owner of a dog is to make sure the way he behaves doesn’t negatively affect other people.
You know you can’t stay home from work and don’t want to be evicted. You also don’t want unhappy neighbors. However, you must stop your dog barking immediately, so what can you do?
How To Stop Barking Dog When Left Alone
The first step is to identify the trigger for his barking:
Why Do Dogs Bark When Left Alone?
- The puppy might be bored.
- The dog may hear or see things or people outside.
- He may be anxious and suffering from separation anxiety.
- Some dogs struggle with feelings of abandonment.
- Your dog may require exercise or even a toilet break.
- Maybe there has been a recent change in his life, such as moving to a new home or changing his schedule.
Is your dog barking all day while you are at work? This could be a sign of distress or boredom. Dogs bark to communicate, and when they are left alone, they can become anxious or lonely and start barking to try to get attention.
When it comes to dogs barking when left alone, the reasons can be varied. Dogs might bark simply out of boredom or loneliness, as this is a natural way to express their feelings.
They may also bark if they are anxious or scared due to being left alone in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, some dogs will bark if they try to communicate with what they perceive as another pet or person in the home. Some dog breeds, such as the Basenji, do not bark but yodel instead.
Fortunately, some steps can be taken to prevent your dog from barking when left alone. For example, providing plenty of toys and activities entertains the dog and reduces stress and anxiety.
How To Stop a Dog From Barking When Left Alone- The Top Tips
- Begin with regular exercise. If your dog is young and energetic, he’s probably not getting enough exercise. Don’t underestimate how much exercise he needs. Two 30-minute walks each day won’t be enough to tire him out. Some dog breeds need plenty of vigorous exercise for around two hours every day! Get up earlier each morning and take him for a long walk. That’s good exercise for both of you and once he’s tired, he’ll likely have naps during the day. Exercise isn’t just great for your pup’s physical health – it can also help create a deep connection between you and them. A regular workout routine boosts their sense of security when they are left alone, making solo time easier for both of you!
- Locate a good dog walker who will come to your home and walk your dog around lunchtime to break the monotonous feeling of being alone every day.
- Although it can be expensive, doggie daycare is a possibility. Your pet will be happy to be with other animals and ready to sleep once you take him home. It’s cheaper than moving house or fixing the damage a bored dog may cause.
- Let a pet sitter take care of your pup while you’re away. Not only can they watch over your canine companion, but their presence also helps to subdue any excessive barking and ensure peace in the household!
- Spend more time training him. It will have to be when you’re at home. Working with him to stimulate both body and mind, you’ll build a stronger bond with your beloved pet. The training will help to make his life a better quality one.
- Decrease what he can see outside. While people hate being unable to look outside, dogs try everything possible to get to what they see. If it’s “out of sight, out of mind,” your dog won’t try to bark or get out because he can’t see anything.
- Leave the TV on or play music for your dog to listen to. There are special CDs made for this very reason.
- Give him lots of things to keep him occupied. Food puzzle toys are ideal. They have kibble or other treats inside, and your dog can be kept busy for hours. Ensure the toy can’t get stuck under furniture, or he may start demolishing things to get at it.
- If you have a fenced garden, never leave him outside. He may consider your home his territory and guard it with his barking, trying to scare people away. Create a play area inside full of toys to keep him happy.
- Is barking something new he’s doing? As dogs get older, they may have some loss of hearing and/or sight. Their mental acuity may diminish, and anxiety may kick in. While he won’t need as much physical exercise, many other tips may still help. Ensure his bed is soft and cozy.
- If your dog gets sufficient exercise and stimulation and nothing stops the barking, perhaps the issue is separation anxiety. This isn’t an easy problem to fix.
- Don’t make lots of noise when you leave and return. Leave for short periods and increase the time gradually as he adjusts. Place one of your unwashed shirts on his bed. The scent can make him feel more secure.
- Crate Training: Give your pup some solo time while you’re still at home – create a cozy corner or pop them in the crate for some relaxation. With some patience and dedication, your pup will soon be comfortable spending time in their crate. This can help them get used to being alone so they’re better prepared for when you need to leave the house.
- Give your pup a fur-ever friend by getting another canine companion! For dog owners looking to provide their pup an extra dose of love and companionship, having a canine buddy around is the perfect solution! Having another dog in the house can often prevent any negative behaviors due to loneliness. Finding a playmate for your dog can benefit their physical and mental well-being. Make sure you choose a pup that is the right size, energy level, and temperament so they get along harmoniously!
- Your vet can give you anti-anxiety medication or other calming products to help. Treating your pup’s anxiety can be tricky. Fortunately, supplements are a helpful way to ease their worries! From CBD derived from hemp plants, relaxing chamomile, and calming L-theanine found in green tea leaves – there is no shortage of soothing ingredients that may be just the right fit for Fido. Pick wisely, though – each dog has different needs for finding blissful serenity!
- Find a professional dog trainer. A great trainer can help you and your pup achieve peace – teaching them to be quieter when alone! These results are possible through the use of behavior modification, along with positive reinforcement. With their expert aid, harmony in your home is within reach.
Can a Dog Get Sick From Barking and Howling?
Excessive barking and howling can indicate mental or physical health issues in dogs. Pay attention to your pup’s vocalizing habits, as too much could indicate underlying severe problems.
Dogs bark and howl for various reasons, such as play, boredom, fear, or aggression. When these behaviors become excessive, it could signal that something else is wrong with the pup.
Excessive barking or howling may indicate depression, anxiety, pain, or illness. If your pup is displaying these behaviors more than normal, it would be wise to have them examined by a veterinarian to determine if there is any medical cause behind their behavior.
Are There Laws Against Barking Dogs?
Could your pup’s persistent barking lead to a legal violation? It may be possible. If their vocalizations are overly loud and disruptive, you might be in breach of the noise ordinance. Also, if the excessive yapping is causing distress for those living nearby, it could even count as nuisance behavior punishable by law.
Violating either of these ordinances may have serious repercussions, including hefty fines or other penalties. In extreme cases, dog owners risk losing a beloved pet could be a potential outcome.
Taking control of your pup’s nuisance barking is just as crucial for their well-being – and yours! Invest in a solution that works best for you both.
How To Stop Dog Barking When Left Alone Conclusion
By following the steps highlighted in this article, you should be on your way to helping your pup adjust to being left alone more confidently. Remember that it is normal for dogs to bark when they’re nervous around new people or left alone at home.
With persistence and dedication, you can start training your dog to relax while waiting for its owner’s return. It takes time, but with patience and follow-through, controlling your pup’s barking can soon become more accessible and more natural.
Additionally, reaching out to animal behavior specialists may help give you additional suggestions for your dog. Try some of these tips; they will make a huge difference!
Copyright Caninepals.Com. All Rights Reserved.
