Dogs bark when their owners leave for two reasons: they are either frightened or bored. You can follow a step-by-step system to curing separation anxiety in a dog, so an unattended dog will not bark.
Things You'll Need
- Dog crate
- Dog toys
- Television or radio
Instructions
Desensitize your dog to the leaving process. Many dogs bark when their owners leave because they have separation anxiety. Some dogs begin to become excited as soon as their owner starts doing the steps of the "leaving process." These dogs see their owners putting on their coats or shoes and begin to get upset immediately because they know they will be left by themselves. Try to get your dog used to the process of you leaving by making these departure motions less stressful to your dog by practicing them when you are not going anywhere. For example, put on your coat and shoes and then sit on the couch, or play with your dog for a few moments or make dinner. The dog will no longer associate these actions with you leaving, and will not begin to get stressed when you do these things. Get your dog used to you leaving and returning for short periods of time. Start by leaving your dog alone for 5 or 10 minutes when you run to the convenience store to grab a gallon of milk. Gradually work up to leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time, so that the dog understands that when you depart, you always return.
Find a comfortable place for your dog to rest when you are out of the house. Dogs bark when their owners leave because they are afraid. They do not know what to do with themselves, and may feel pressure to protect the territory since they are the only member of the pack that is at home. If you confine your dog to a small area, dogs do not feel this pressure and stress. Many people crate train their dogs. A dog crate can be a safe and comfortable place for your dog to rest when you have to leave the dog alone. If you plan on using a crate, it is best to start when the dog is a young puppy so the dog gets used to the crate. The crate becomes like the dog's den, and the dog will feel safe or secure inside it. Make sure the crate is a positive experience--the first few times you place your dog inside the crate, allow the dog to come and go as he pleases without closing the crate door. You can feed your dog in his crate, or put a T-shirt or article of clothing in the crate that smells like you to make the crate even more comforting and safe. Never use the crate as punishment or force your dog to go into the crate; that would turn it into an unpleasant thing instead of the safe haven it is supposed to be.
Leave your dog a toy or treat in the crate. This will give your dog something productive to do while you are out of the house, that does not include barking. Make sure the toy or treat is something very safe that the dog cannot choke on. There are many different treats that are specifically designed to keep your dog busy for long periods of time. Some owners will buy a durable Kong toy and place a treat or peanut butter inside. The dog can then spend his time trying to retrieve the treasure while you are out of the house. That way, the dog will be too busy and distracted to bark.
Leave a radio or television on for your dog. Dogs like comfort and companionship. A radio placing classical music or a television with people speaking can be very comforting to a dog that is left alone.
React calmly upon returning home. You do not want your dog to become overexcited upon your return. If you make it a low key event, and wait until your dog is calm before greeting your dog, your dog will begin to understand that your departures and arrivals are simply routine and nothing to become excited about.