dog barks constantly when left alone.. any ideas on what i can do as neighbours complaining

[saycheese]

i have an 18 month old dog, he is very rarely left alone as i work from home and when i go out he comes too. however on the rare occasions he does get left he barks constantly, and neighbours have been complaining. i bought an anti bark thing that makes a noise if he barks and its meant to distract him but it doesnt bother him in the slightest. any ideas on what i can do

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

What kind of dog is he?

[dietstartstmoz]

Is he left somewhere comfortable? Leave the radio on or tv for background noise and some of those kong toys u can hide food in-should keep him occupied and happy. I'm not sure the thing to scare him is a good idea. He is just calling for his pack to come back. Get rid of it and try and make him more settled and happy when you are not there and less agitated.

[saycheese]

hes a staffy, hes a big softy and i think he has just got used to always going everywhere with us, its very rare, maybe once a month he is left in the house on his own, if i have a doctor/hospital appointment or if im taking kids for a meal/cinema, somewhere he cant come. hes left in the living room so pleanty of room, with tv on, hes got a kong toy, which granted he loves but he still barks. (my neighbours are already abusive so thats why we try to take him everywhere with us.)

[IAmBooyhoo]

does he really bark the whole time or could the neighbours be exaggerating?
video it and see what's happening.

[foolonthehill]

My mum trained her barker to bark on command...it solved the problem for her (and her neighbours) as he seemed to get the idea that like begging and hi 5 ing it was a fun rewarded activity and wasn't worth doing if no-one was around....... may be worth a try?

[saycheese]

to be honest they are probably exaggerating... with saying its the whole time. so maybe worth recording it to see. however they have reported me to dog warden and everytime shes been shes never once heard the dog.. so no action was taken. has anyone used the spray collars? i wouldnt use a shock one as i think thats cruel but im not sure if the spray ones are too? im not sure about that idea foolonthehill, will give it a go but im not sure how to train a dog to bark. as if i reward him everytime he does im sure he will do it all the time when im in the house with him? x

[IAmBooyhoo]

i'd say bark training (if he really is barking constantly) is a great idea. tehre are loads of website that will talk you through it. even some psoters on here could help.

[RobinSure]

You probably need to do some more separation anxiety training. Does the dog bark when you leave it in a separate room to you?

If yes, the trick is to leave it in say the kitchen, and when it shuts up barking, go back to it. Do this for longer and longer periods, but don't make too big a fuss of it when you leave and return.

If it only does it when you leave the house, go and sit on the front doorstep with a book. When it shuts up, go back into the house, again not making much of a fuss. Try and lengthen the time you are away from the dog gradually.

[foolonthehill]

www.ehow.com/video_2291375_teach-dog-bark-command.html maybe something like this

[CakeMeIAmYours]

If you leave Radio 4 on, at least he will be able to hold his own in a political debate

[BoatingLakeDiva]

Cakeme - that's funny

[BoatingLakeDiva]

or he could follow the Archers storyline!

[ragged]

Neighbours solved this by putting their dog in a cage when they go out. He is a very nervous rescue, firm boundaries suited him and he was quite happy with it.

[CakeMeIAmYours]

Best avoid Gardener's Question time though, might give him digging ideas!

[BoatingLakeDiva]

or terminal boredom!