Home / Pets

Submitting… Bounty 5 points

My dog barks non-stop when I'm at work, neighbours complaining, what to do?

I adopted a rescue dog and love him, but when I go to work he barks a lot and the neighbours have complained twice. I don't want to give him up. Is there a way to fix this without leaving my job?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 8 hours ago ·3 views ·2 answers

2 contributors answered

Yasmin Beginner First-hand experience
Rescue dogs often bark from anxiety of being left alone, mine did the same, and it got much better with work. What helped: a long walk and play in the morning to burn energy, leaving him a treat-dispensing toy and something with my scent, and slowly training him to be alone (leave for 5 minutes, then longer, rewarding calm). A midday dog-walker or a neighbour/friend popping in can break the long alone stretch if you can arrange it. Some people use a pet camera to check and even talk to them. Please don't consider giving him up first, this is very trainable. If it's intense, get a professional trainer or ask your vet, sometimes there's an underlying cause. And keep your neighbours updated so they see you're handling it responsibly.
Chris Beginner First-hand experience
From my experience, barking when alone is usually separation anxiety or boredom, both fixable without rehoming, so don't panic. First, tire him out before work: a proper morning walk and play so he's calmer and sleeps. Leave enrichment, a Kong stuffed with treats, chew toys, or a snuffle mat to keep him busy. Practice gradual alone-time training, leaving for short periods and building up, so he learns you always come back. Background noise like a radio can help. If it's severe anxiety, a vet or a certified dog trainer/behaviourist can help, and rule out any health issue. It takes weeks of consistency, not overnight. Also keep talking to your neighbours so they know you're actively working on it, goodwill goes a long way here.

Answer this

or Log in Answer with your account and build reputation.

Related questions

0
Pets 4 answers Solved

Want to adopt a cat but condo says no pets, how?

I rent a condo and the management says no pets. But so many people keep them quietly. What…

785 views
5
Pets 4 answers Bounty 5 points

What are things you wish you knew earlier before adopting a cat in Malaysia?

Planning to adopt a kitten from a local shelter. First time cat owner. What do people usua…

3,564 views
4
Pets 4 answers Solved

Want to adopt a cat but staying in condo, is it cruel?

I stay alone in a small condo in Old Klang Road, work office hours. Really want a kucing f…

261 views
3
Pets 3 answers Solved

Nak ambil kucing jalanan jaga, kena buat apa dulu?

Ada kucing kecil selalu datang depan rumah, nampak sihat tapi kurus. Aku nak adopt jaga da…

159 views
13
Pets 3 answers Solved

Where to adopt a cat in Klang Valley, not buy from breeder?

Want to adopt a kucing instead of buying. So many strays around my area, feel bad. Where a…

5,721 views
1
Pets 3 answers Solved

How much should I budget for a puppy's first year vaccine and vet?

Just got a rescue puppy. Never had a dog before so no idea about the vaccine schedule and …

689 views