From the description of the closet, I would go bonkers if that is were I was kept all day. Is there any way you could change the restricted area to either a larger room or area with a baby gate across the door or an ex-pen? Ex-pens are great. They confine the pup, but don't make them feel claustrophobic or boxed in a small space because they are open. It's the feeling of the large room, they just can't run around that room. There's space for bed, potty pad, and food & water. A much better atmosphere to be in for that long. Also, when my human boys were little, they shared a bedroom. That led to goofing around at bedtime. To distract them, I had a CD player that would play soothing music or stories at bedtime and that helped them calm down and go to sleep. Since you sleep on a different floor, would you be able to have a tv on low or music on low? I don't know if that would work, but I have always left the tv on for company for my dog when I leave the house. I think it also distracts him from outside noises that might upset him. I would really like to see where you confine the pup change. Her life has changed drastically. Please be sympathetic to that and try to understand how she feels. This is the root of the problem you are having. I understand you don't want her having total access to the house while you are sleeping or at work. Just please try to do a larger area or an ex-pen, something with a more open feeling. She feels her life went from being part of a family all day to being alone confined to a claustrophobic closet. This is why she is barking and whining. She is lonely and scared and wants to be with you. I think you can make her more comfortable by helping her to feel less isolated and still part of the family by having her confined area be larger and more open and homey. That's where I'd start. |