How to stop my puppy from barking when I leave?
 

I rarely ever have to leave him, but when I do, I put him into the bathroom with the puppy gate blocking the door. I leave my second yorkie on the outside because I feel that I can trust her and she is housebroken. I give him plenty of toys, his food and water, and his crate as well. Also, I normally turn up the TV or radio really loud to block out him barking/other noises. I know about gradually increasing the time I leave him, not make a big deal when leaving, etc. but does anyone have any tips on how to stop him from barking?

I left him alone tonight for about 5 hours and the people upstairs came down and complained about him barking so much.

Help! :rain:

This is really a serious problem and I wish there were an easy answer.

Of course, your neighbors are going to complain - rightfully so - there's nothing worse than having to put up with a dog's barking - and it isn't even their dog. I don't even like my own dogs barking. I would be going through the wall if a neighbor's dog was constantly barking, and I had to listen to it.

*** I suppose one solution would be not to live in an apartment-type complex. Or putting off owning a barking little dog until you have a house of your own.

I got my 8 week old pup and stayed home with him for about two weeks and then went back to work. He's confined in the kitchen/laundry room area. And - he has never barked. But he almost never barks anyway. So - I really lucked out.

If I were in your position - I'd be looking for a place to live where my dog's barking wouldn't bother the neighbors -- or if you can't do that - you'll really hate to hear this. I would be heartbrokenly considering rehoming my dog. I just couldn't let a pet of mine be such a bother to my neighbors. This just isn't right.

I sure hope people can come aboard with a solution for you.

Good luck - Carol Jean

The "gradually increasing the time I leave him, not make a big deal when leaving, etc." really will help diminish the barking. In addition, I'd give her a stuffed Kong to occupy herself with (I'd freeze it first so that it takes even longer to get all the goodies out). Also, although I realize it doesn't seem fair to your older dog, I expect containing them together would help, assuming of course that you can trust older dog alone with pup.

Get you baby lots of chew toys
 

I do the same thing when I leave, the Kitchen TV (but not too loud, just loud enough for them to hear it)....I also have just about anykind of chew treat there is. My babies love them, when I leave they all 3 get a chew to keep them busy. They usually chew a little while then fall asleep till I get back.

Good Luck and don't give up...it will work out fine.

Great ideas.. I will try the kong idea too as I haven't tried that. I know he will eventually stop, as my older yorkie did after awhile. Thanks guys!



I could never get rid of him.. esp. since him being alone is a rare occurance.. So that isn't even an option. :thumbup:

Dezi would bark and bark. I bought her Merrick Flossies and she is so busy with the flossies, she does not have time to think about barking. I hide it when I get home and give it to her when I have to leave.

Others here have had success with the barking control collars. There was a thread just the other day about this. The one mentioned was purchased I believe at Petsmart in the $70 range.

to keep them busy, try the kong, bullie stick, flossies or cow hooves.
they enjoy them really..

I keep hearing about the bully sticks are these in the shape of a curley q? iI went to petsmart but that was all I could find and I was worried she could choke on it while I was gone?? What are flossies??:confused:

I have two dogs also. My Yorkie is confined to the kitchen/laundry area when I'm gone --- and my other dogs is free to roam the rest of the house.

This has never been a problem. I wouldn't dream of confining my older dog. He has been left free in the house for years while I work - and enjoys the comfort of his "big old chair and window," etc. It wouldn't be right to confine him now because of the puppy.

BUT - neither of my dogs bark....

Carol Jean

I just wrote a thread about that in the Health section of that forum, since I've learned that this behavior is called "separation anxiety". I do have the same problem as you.

Bark collars
 

I was informed that you shouldn't use a bark collar on a dog unser 8 pounds. :( Is that not true?

Well I puppyproofed the bedroom and have been leaving both him and my other dog in there and he seems to be a lot better since he has her around.. no to minimal barking. :D

Thanks!