This is a tough one. Have you tried talking with your downstairs neighbor? In a non conflicting way, you can start out by letting them know when you left and came back and how you were unaware of your dog's barking when you left or came back. Listen to them carefully so you can find out what times he barks and for how long. Perhaps when your dog barks, others bark too or when other dogs bark, it causes your dog to bark. Maybe your dog is barking when someone walks past your apartment? Is there a cat meowing next door? Phone ringing?
Do you have a way to keep your dog occupied while your gone? Chew toys and bones available to keep him busy? Maybe change from a bone one day and a chew toy the next and a ball the next day. Make each day different, but keep it simple and inexpensive. There are small treat balls that you can put small kibble into and teach him how to roll it around to get a treat from it.
Can you take your dog for a walk before you leave in the morning or when you get back? A good amount of exercise will help to keep his energy level more stable,perhaps less likely to bark.
I have been both victim of a noisy neighbor Yorky and am currently the owner of an instigator barking Yorky.
I hope others have some helpful suggestions as well. |