howling dog

[Nikster5678]

My 9 year old springer spaniel is causing me much trouble. Whenever he is left alone he howls causing much distress to my neighbours. I love him very dearly but it is becoming a big concern. I was married but now live alone he has been left alone for some parts of the day since i had him as i work from 9 till 2, he is well fed, walked for 1 hour twice a day and has had check ups at the vets and is healthy. I hate the distress he may be in and causing others but have no idea how to solve the problem. Any ideas please i'm desperate.

thanks

[logman]

Hi, I'm no expert in these matters, but it sounds like "over bonding" which has lead to seperation anxiety. Have you had the dog long,?he may need time to settle,i know they are a very active breed, if he has'nt been destructive or done any mess, i guess thats one consulation!

What i found effective once was a kind of hard plastic ball which is full of holes, the idea is you fill it with the right sized treats,which fall out of the holes as the dog rolls it around with his nose, it keeps the dog amused and occupied while you are out. I got my one from a large pet food store. Best of Luck..

[Nikster5678]

thanks for your answers. i've had him since a puppy, he's never destructive and has the run of the house when i go out. He is quite spoilt, he has always been a womens dog, doesn't really like men that much so i'm not concerned he's missing my ex. he only has cuddles with women. I've tried those toys with treats inside but they don't work. He knows when i'm getting ready to go out and even when i give him some of his favourite treats he refuses to eats them. he's always walked before we go out and goes to the toilet so i know its not that either. i'm clueless of what i can do??

[shaneystar2]

The best thing is not to make a big deal of the fact that you are going out. It is sometimes best to ignore him completely and just go. My dog used to bark the place down when we left him so I did the trick of going out and then returning after about five minutes Then going out for a bit longer each time.Then repeating this process for a while .Time consuming but it worked..You could try that although you may get some funny looks from your neighbours.! I also leave the radio on if we are going to be out ..not music ..voices.Sounds daft I know.
I never speak to my dog if I am going out or give him anything treats...because in effect you are giving him a treat for barking..I make sure he has plenty of his favourite toys lying around and he gets a treat when I come back.

[maggie01]

I do exactly the same as Shaneystar2. I always give them a treat when I leave but do not make a fuss. When I come home they are quiet untill I put the key in the door and all hell breaks loose then. The radio seems to do the trick.