How To Stop A Dog Barking At Everything by Nicki Brace - HTML preview

Why Your Dog Barks When Left Alone

A lot of dogs do this, and even more will do it after everyone returns to work after a prolonged time at home – such as being furloughed from work due to COVID- 19.

Dogs like to be around their pack, this is one of the reasons they follow us to the bathroom! They like to be safe and secure in their family group and get uneasy and lonely when left alone.

If your dog is used to you being at home all day and then you suddenly get a full- time job, they are going to miss you like crazy and not understand why you have abandoned them all day – which to them will feel like an eternity.

A dog will bark and howl when you are out of the house because they feel lonely and are trying to call out to you. Dogs assume that we are the same as them and that we will hear their howl from 5 miles away and realise they are sad, and we need to go home immediately.

Barking while you are out can become a problem for your neighbours if you’re lucky you have enough distance between your houses not to bother them or they might be understanding people…

If not, that’s even more reason to try and reduce or stop the barking while you leave them alone.

It’s difficult to stop your dog barking when they are alone, but it can be done.

Dogs are susceptible to separation anxiety because they are so hardwired to be around their family group, they thrive on company and are incredibly social animals.

If your dog is barking or howling a lot when left alone, they may be suffering with separation anxiety.

Here are a few reasons that your dog might be anxious when you’re gone:

• Some dogs may be a rescue or been rehomed and be used to different routines and rules.
• Some may get bored easily and decide they need to bark to ease their boredom.
• It might be that they have had a scary experience in the house or when alone – maybe someone knocked on the door while you were gone and frightened them.
• They might be scared of something outside – this could be weather, or a person, a neighbour's dog or even a cat! (Haven’t you ever seen a big bad stray cat?? Scary!)
• Your dog thinks you are vulnerable or ill and they need to protect you while out but can’t get to you.

The main reason for dogs to develop separation anxiety is simply because they aren’t used to being alone.

Has My Dog Got Separation Anxiety?

If you dog barks a lot when you leave them alone, it may be due to separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety can be mild or very severe. A vet or a dog behaviourist can help you accurately diagnose anxiety, but here are a few signs you might be able to recognise yourself.

• They bark when alone.
• They chew things of yours when alone.
• They have toilet accidents when alone, even if they’ve been out not long ago.
• They pant or drool a lot.
• They pace the room or garden when alone.
• They howl or whine when alone.

I’m not saying these exact things mean separation anxiety and I’m not saying there won’t be other signs – these are just a guide to make you think and then get help if needed.

If your dog barks when alone and are anxious, you will have to go back to basics to help ease them into the idea of being alone. Even if they are an older dog.

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