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?

[jd_1984]

I am a total dork and have put this in body & soul your answers are welcome none the less!

[mccfluff]

lol, i saw "stopping a dark barking" in b&s and thought it must be some new disease....

anything changed to upset him recently?

[ABAuntie]

moved to Animals & Nature for you jd :-)

auntie xxx

[janbee]

JD, there is an excellent item called Schnug Bark Stop. It can be left at a door, in the garden, anywhere in fact and has a radius of approx. 25 ft(or is it metres?) It is free standing and can be moved about. It even works through walls. It emits a noise we can't hear but the dog can. It's not harmful to the dog and is approved by various animal charities. Good luck xx

[jd_1984]

Thanks AB auntie

[jd_1984]

mcfluff, not particularly they moved house 6 months ago but he settled in fine, this has been for about 5-6 weeks.
They are tending to go out for slightly longer periods as my dad has some work commitments

[woofgang]

janbee, i have looked at the barkstop website and can't see anywhere where it is approved by dog charities, have you got a link please?
I don't think its kind to stop a a dog barking if it has separation anxiety and considering it a cure any more than its kind to teach a child not to cry when it is upset and saying that it is no longer upset. If you stop the dog barking, then the behaviour can escalate to chewing and other destruction or the dog can even start self harming. I wouldn't be leaving ANY dog all day. if you need to go out all day then don't have a dog!

[jd_1984]

Will take a look janbee, cheers

[woofgang]

JD the antibark collars are cruel and should not be used.

[jd_1984]

woofgang you cant say that only people that go out all day shouldn't own dogs. My folks don't really have a set pattern, some days they are out for the day, others they stay in all day and sometimes they go out for an hour or so. The dog is walked twice a day regardless and is very healthy and happy apart from the barking which likely is due to the separation from the owners. Maybe it is the lack of routine? i.e each week is different

[whirlyhurly]

As you say, he can't cope with being left alone. Then please don't leave him in distress.

[mccfluff]

i take it there is no-one who could dogsit?

[jd_1984]

Yes, but again there is nobody routinely.
I don't want to paint my folks in a bad light, they care a great deal for the animal he isn't left alone every day and mosy days it is only for a couple hours. Occassionally they need to go out together for perhaps 6-7 hours

[AlwaysConfused]

What breed is the dog? Important to know because of behavioural traits.
Sounds as though the dog is bored. Leave challenging toys for the dog, such as a kong filled with treats. Check out this website for interactive dog toys to give you an idea - if you see something that may be of use go to e-bay or amazon to find a cheaper version. http://www.traininglines.co.uk/interactive-dog-toys/
Do not make a fuss of the dog before leaving the house, either. Just place down the treats/toys and go.

[jd_1984]

Always confused - Thank you these look interesting.
He is a puggle half pug and half beagle

[AlwaysConfused]

then this may be of interest to you
http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/puggle
I suggest that your folks give him a good walk for 15 minutes before going out, may help settle him down

[AlwaysConfused]

also, puggles enjoy barking, so it could take quite a bit of training to get him out of the habit.

[Brinjal]

Take him to a doggy day care centre.

[woofgang]

I can and do say that a dog shouldn't be left alone all day. There are options such as daycare or a dog sitter.

[dannyk13]

One way too stop a dog barking is to teach it to bark on command the link below should help you.


http://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Dog-to-Speak