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barking Dog!

Last post 09-04-2008, 4:19 PM by plobb. 1 replies.
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  •  04-17-2008, 2:03 PM 690089

    barking Dog!

    My West highland white dog 'Charlie' gets really upset when we go out without him. He has plenty of walks and outings but naturally he can't go everywhere with us!

    He will also howl if my husband or daughter goes out without him. We have tried the 'treats' etc but it doesn't seem to sto him.

    It can be quite disstressing for us to have to leave him at times.

    What can I do???

     

    Musicwoo

  •  09-04-2008, 4:19 PM 744368 in reply to 690089

    Re: barking Dog!

    Sounds like separation anxiety to me.  There are different methods for this.

     A good positive method is to teach your dog to get used to you coming and going.  In the past I have used a baby gate, so the dog is kept in the same space are you are, but he cannot see you or get to you when you are watching TV.  he can only hear that he is not alone.  During this time it is sooo important that you do not treat your dog.  This is encouraging unwanted behavior. As the dog whisperer would say 'no talk, no touch, no eye contact', for the period.  Don't ignore him for too long as this can also make them anxious.

    Every now and then put him in there for 5-10 mins at a time.  Once he is used to that, i.e.not barking, you can start to go out for 5-10 mins while leaving your televion or radio on.

    Gradually increase the time you are leaving the dog alone. Don't forget the dog will bark when you walk up to the house.  The important thing is he is not anxious about separation but just happy to see you. Which is normal and good.

    Don't say goodbye and talk to your dog when you are leaving, and only say hello to your dog when he has calmed down and stopped juming all over you.

    This helps the dog to be more stable and less emotional about your coming and going.

    It is worth mentioning that barking is it's own reward.  The dogs endorphins are being released in this repetitive act of barking.  This may call for slightly negative methods by using a spray bottle and the word no!  It is important that you only let the dog back in when he is not barking.  This is the only hard part of dealing with this problem.

     Good luck

     

     

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