How to Stop Dogs From Barking When the Owner Is Not Around

A dog owner can be confronted with the shocking news from a neighbor that when he or she leaves home, his or her dog suddenly isn't a perfect angel. Barking can cause disruption in a community, ultimately leading to police intervention in some cases. But action can be taken and solutions can be found using different methods, products or resources.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape recorder
  • Box fan
  • Radio
  • Dog treats
  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a tape recorder, which can record while you are away, or ask a neighbor for their assistance, so they can listen for barking and report to you what resulted. Enlisting the neighbor's help also lets your neighbor know you're serious about changing the behavior.

    • 2

      Identify why your dog is barking, and use trial and error to find a solution. If your dog barks because neighborhood children play outside or there is a bird's nest outside a particular window, move the dog to a room on the other side of the house, block access to the window, or remove the nuisance, such as the nest. If you sometimes leave the washing machine running, causing the dog to bark, laundry may need to be done only when you are home. Something to block out the noise can also be helpful, such as a loud box fan or a radio.

    • 3

      Desensitize your dog if he is barking due to separation anxiety, which can be caused by a change in routine, or a divorce, move, or death in the family. Start by taking very short trips, such as a trip out to the mailbox, and leave treats and toys for your dog. As the dog learns not to bark, slowly increase the length of your trips, asking the neighbor or utilizing a tape recorder to see if the dog barked while you were away. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist should be contacted if the dog still continues barking, and medication and other desensitization treatments may be needed.

    • 4

      Spend quality time with your dog and train it regularly while you are home. Spend one-on-one time that is fun on a daily basis, teaching your dog that you give attention regardless of barking. Never reward barking with affection, which only reaffirms the act, and verbally reprimand unnecessary barking when you are home, using a small, sharp "No!"