Note: This post has been expanded into a guide with more tips to stop your dog from crying and barking all day.
Stop your dog from barking and crying all day when left alone
Most dogs or puppies will settle down and stop crying or barking within a half-hour after they are left alone. However, some dogs simply cannot relax. They bark or cry for the entire eight hours their owner is at work. Obviously, this can result in some angry neighbors or an apartment eviction. Some people are even faced with giving up their dogs because they feel like they can’t leave the dog alone barking all day. They feel like they have no choice but to find the dog a new home.
There are ways to overcome this problem. Some people will call the problem separation anxiety. You can call it what you want, but in most cases what the dog really needs is more exercise and rules. “Separation anxiety” is an overused term by vets and trainers. Most dogs do not have anything wrong with them, but they are crying or barking because of pent-up energy and boredom.
Stop a dog from barking all day
Here are some tips to help your dog feel more relaxed when left alone.
Run with the dog every single morning.
A lot of dogs are said to have “separation anxiety” when really they are not getting enough exercise. So, run with your dog for an hour in the morning before you go to work. Some people will laugh when I say this, but it’s not a joke. Run her (or at least walk fast) for a minimum of 45 minutes every single day, even if she is a small dog. How can you expect a dog or puppy to sleep all night and then go in her kennel all day while you are at work? Leaving her loose in the house is no different. To a dog, a house is just a big kennel. To stop your dog from crying all night or day, more exercise is a must.
If you are not a runner, then take your dog biking or rollerblading or to the dog park.
Buy a dog backpack.
The dog backpack will help drain even more energy during the dog’s morning run. A dog can carry a small amount of weight in the pack and it will make her physically more tired. It will challenge her mentally by giving her a job to do. This will make it easier for the dog to sleep when you are gone, and you will stop telling people, “My dog cries all the time.”
Buy a kennel.
If you don’t already have a kennel, get one. Don’t use it as a punishment for the dog. Give the dog a treat when she goes in the kennel, and tell her she’s a good dog. Leave her in the kennel for a few minutes at a time, maybe one minute at first, and only let her out if she is not crying. If she throws a tantrum for 20 minutes and is quiet for 30 seconds, let her out during those 30 seconds when she is actually quiet. Work with her until you can leave her in the kennel while you are away. The goal is for your dog to feel safe and secure in her “den” and know it is a place for her to rest quietly. Once you have a dog that can stay quietly in a kennel all day, you can begin to leave her loose in the house.
Ignore a dog that is crying or barking.
The worst thing you can do is return to a dog or let the dog out of her kennel when she cries or barks. Make sure she learns she can only come out if she is calm. If the barking or crying really escalates, then firmly tell her “No!” Yelling at her will not help. It will only increase her anxiousness. Just let her know that the behavior is unwanted. Putting a blanket over my dog Ace’s kennel helped when he was learning to stay quietly in his kennel.
Gradually leave the dog for longer periods.
Once the dog can stay in the kennel for 10 minutes quietly, increase that time to a half-hour. Try this while you are home with the dog. Once she is OK with that, you can act as though you are leaving by just stepping outside for a few seconds. Then leave for five minutes. Slowly increase the time until you can leave for a half-hour or an hour to go shopping. Eventually the dog will be able to be left while you are at work all day. Ideally, you could practice leaving her in the kennel on the weekend or days you are home with her so she is prepared to be left during the work week.
Don’t make a big deal about coming and going.
When you leave, just quietly exit like it is no big deal. Don’t tell your dog she is a good girl over and over. Don’t say “Goodbye, Honey! It’s OK! Mommy will be back soon!” This just gives her a reason to feel anxious because she will pick up on your excited, worried energy. Put your dog in her kennel a few minutes before you go to work, and then leave without saying anything. When you come home, wait a few minutes before you let her out. When you do, just calmly let her out and take her outside. Don’t throw a small party for her every time you come home for work or you will be encouraging your puppy to cry all day. You do not want to “reward” your dog when you return because then she will anticipate your return. You want to “reward” her when you leave so that she actually looks forward to getting a treat when you leave.
Exercise your dog again when you come home from work.
Another hour-walk or run would be ideal for a dog that has been left home all day. If this isn’t possible for you, then at least take your dog on a brisk 20-minute walk and then play with her in the backyard. If you are someone who asks, “Why does my dog cry all the time?” what you should really be asking yourself is “Why don’t I make more time to exercise my dog?”
Use Kong toys to entertain your dog.
Buy three of four Kong toys and stuff them with different goodies like treats, peanut butter or squirt cheese. Then put them in the freezer overnight and give them to your dog before you leave for work. These should keep your dog entertained for at least a little while. The chewing will help her relax and getting the treats out will give her mind something to focus on. Also look for any kind of interactive toys that make the dog work to figure out how to get a treat.
Buy a dog Thundershirt.
There is a product called the Thundershirt that basically fits snuggly around the dog so she feels “swaddled.” I have not tried this with a dog yet, but many people swear the product helps dogs feel much calmer. It’s not going to cure the problem, but it might help.
Did your dog ever have crying/barking issues when left alone? How did you solve the problem?
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Actually it depends a lot on how you have trained your dog to react when she is alone. I’ve seen dogs feeling comfortable to stay alone at home during day hours. On the contrary, I get to hear complaints about dogs being destructive when allowed to stay alone at home. So, your tips will help them to identify the cause of such undesired acts and find a solution.
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Very good tips! I’m thinking I will print a copy out and tape it to my neighbor’s door!! Their dog makes us crazy with barking ALL the time. I think they just leave it alone too much… it’s lonely and wants its people!
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Great tips! I was lucky with my dog – she was not a whiner at all…just a chewer.
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I hate putting the dogs in their kennel but hate getting them out even more. When I do let them out I don’t say a word and I require that all three sit quietly. Of course, the second I open the gate they rush out and nearly knock me over. lol But I’m glad that they don’t howl all day when left in their kennel.
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Great tips… getting a crate (vari kennel type) is the most effective when used with talk radio when leaving.
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We just had someone contact Sheltie Rescue because they were facing eviction due to their 7 mo. old Sheltie’s barking all day while they are at work. The dog is crated, and they claim that they are exercising twice daily for an hour at a time. We gave them several suggestions, (most what you have posted above), but I don’t think anyone mentioned a backpack, so I think I’ll doublecheck and then make that suggestion too! Thanks.
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Hi! i don’t have a dog but I carefull read through. It seems a common sense but I find your tips very helpful and practical. It is uniqgue as well. Is that your dog in the image?
Hi
I just got a New Jack Russell puppy as a companion for my other dog who is a year old and a collie mix the older dog is really frightend of the new puppy and runs away if it comes near her.. Also the new puppy wont stop crying all the time regardless of where she is can someone help..
Do something your older dog loves, like throwing a ball in the backyard or go for a walk or car ride and bring the pup along so the older dog associates the pup with positive things. Don’t push it, I think they will get along with time. When the puppy is sleeping, you could bring it over to the older dog and let her smell it. Other than that, just give the older dog breaks from the pup, especially when it is getting really rambunctious and nipping, etc.
As for the crying, the puppy should get over it with time. Try the tips I mentioned in this post. For a young puppy, the crying just means it wants attention, so don’t give in. Praise it for being calm and make sure it is getting enough exercise. I would definitely crate train the puppy if you haven’t already, just so it has a quiet den to retreat to for some down time when you need a break.
I have a puppy at 4 months old who whines when I am at work and toilets inside!
We have an 8-week-old English Staffy pup.
I don’t want him to be an inside dog but as he is so small, he can fit through the gate. I feel he is too small to be out there at the moment as we have a double story house and a really big backyard. We put him in the laundry room (downtairs) at night. He cried. He was easier to ignore before, but he is getting louder. There has been a lot of rain, so exercise has been out of the question. My daughter runs around with him undercover while we toilet him. He seems to cry when he is not with us, e.g., on the veranda, although he can hear us. He wants inside all the time. He starts whinging a lot. I’ve never had a pup before, so I need some tips. We just bought our first home and don’t want to make enemies with the neighbors. Anybody, please help.
Exercise is not out of the question. He is a young dog and he needs it. An hour a day minimum should be about right for a young dog rain or shine.
How long have you had the dog? If you continue to exercise him and then leave him along for short periods with plenty of his own things to do – like really good things to chew (pigs ears, raw bones, etc), he should be OK. They key is to ignore the crying and whining. Don’t scold, yell or give in by letting him be with you. Let him be by you after he’s been quiet.
Good luck with your puppy. Be patient. I always ask my neighbors if they can hear my foster dogs barking so I can apologize and so I know if the dog barks when I am not home. Most people are understanding when the dog is going through an adjustment period.
I have three dogs , a Shih tzu who is 6, a Rottweiller who is 8 and a Rottweiller pup who is 17 weeks. They all get along fine and sleep together in the kitchen at night with no problem, but at 5:30 every morning the pup starts crying and barking. If I ignore him he bangs the door and begins scratching. He wakes my children up and then they are tired for school. I have tried letting him out for a wee and then going back to bed. He goes mad as soon as I go. I won’t feed him until 7:30 no matter what time he wakes up. If I stay with him he is fine and goes back to sleep. I have had him sleeping in the bedroom, but he cries to be with the other dogs at night. Any suggestions, please!
Make sure the pup is getting outside late enough at night so having to go to the bathroom is not the issue. If he wakes up when it gets light out, then do what you can to keep the room dark.
Other than that, the best thing you can do is kennel train the dog. Then, when he cries, ignore him. After a week or two, he will stop crying. If you go and let him out every time he cries, then he has you trained.
My dog sleeps down in our living room on his dog bed and every morning when it gets light, he comes upstairs and cries at our door. This is usually around the time we get up so it’s not a big deal, but if I don’t want him to cry, I put him in his kennel in the laundry room where it’s dark and he waits quietly for me to come to him.
I have an 8-month-old beagle. I’ve only had her for about a month. I have covered her cage with a blanket to make it dark and safe. I have tried leaving her in her cage, going out and stepping back in my flat, rewarding her for being silent and saying “no” when bakring and howling. I managed to get her up to being alone for an hour and a half, but then today is was as if all the training had been for nothing. I tried going out for 2 hours and after 20 minutes alone she strated barking and howling and tearing her cage appart. I really dont know what to do anymore. I can’t keep the dog if I can’t get her to stay camly in her cage. Do you have some more tips or reasurance that today is not a step back?
Be patient. I know how frustrating it is. I’ve dealt with many similar dogs. They do get used to their kennels, but for some dogs it takes longer.
The biggest thing is probably exercise. If the dog is tired, she will be less likely to freak out in the kennel, so if you aren’t already walking her for at least an hour every single day, make sure to do so. Run, Rollerblade or bike with her if you can. And do it right before you put her in the kennel.
Another thing is maybe she is spending too much time in the kennel. For example, if she’s in there at night and when you’re gone, try putting her in there only when you’re gone.
Do what you can to make that kennel as positive as possible. Stock it with the best treats. I put peanut butter in Kong toys or hollow bones and then freeze them so the peanut butter takes longer to get at. A friend of mine uses squirt cheese.
Feed her in her kennel if she loves eating.
And try not to always have the kennel mean you are leaving. You could try having her in her kennel next to you while you are watching TV or put her in there while you are doing vacuuming and cleaning, things like that.
Always reword when she’s quiet. It’s usually best to totally ignore any barking or crying completely. Let her out only when she is quiet.
If all else fails, you could always bring her to doggy daycare. That would be better than giving up the dog.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes and if you have other questions.
Oh, and talk radio helps too!
I just got a 4-month-old Chihuahua two days ago. All is well until it is night time. There was lots of crying last night for about five hours straight. How long will this last? I hope my neighbors don’t get too upset.
Puppies will often cry at first because they are not used to being alone. Just be consistent and ignore the crying. I’ve had puppies that only cry the first night and then they are fine.
Don’t teach the pup that if it cries, you will come give it any kind of attention. Just ignore. If you want, you could keep the kennel in your room with you. That might be enough to stop the crying because the pup will see that you are near. But only do this if you want the dog’s kennel to always be in your room. Get some ear plugs and apologize to your neighbors!
Good luck!
We just got a puppy … she is so cute and everything was going good until we had to leave her alone. she is in the bathroom (it’s large) with a kennel (her den that she loves), water and toys. I put the radio on soft music (will try talk radio).
She cires BIG time for 30 at least 30 minutes. I am on vacation and feel like a prisoner in my own home. I don’t want her to know I’m here!
Ok … she just heard me typing and started crying again. I go back to work on January 4th and we want her to get use to this system.
Yesterday I went shopping for 2 hours and she messed all over the floor!! It was terrible!!
I am a first time dog owner and do not know what to do!
Keep her on a very consistent schedule, kennel her every time you are gone and just be patient. Don’t just leave her in the bathroom, but actually put her in the kennel. This will prevent accidents because she won’t want to go to the bathroom in her kennel. Put her in the kennel a good 20 minutes before you leave and don’t let her back out until you have been home for five minutes or so. This will teach her not to get excited just because she hears you. Depending on how old she is, you probably don’t want to leave her for more than four hours or so.
You may also want to check out my post on housetraining a dog: http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/08/25/dog-housetraining/
Good luck!
Hi,
I have been reading the comments from other puppy owners.
I too am a first time puppy owner. He is a 9wk toy pootdle.
We have been on holidays and the dog has been sleeping inside, but we all must go back to work soon and I have been practicing leaving him outside with food/water/bed and some toys that he loves playing with. He has plenty of shaded cool area to rest away from the heat.
But he cries and just mops around and won’t play with his toys.
My question is, am I being cruel leaving him outside all day? I don’t mind if he is in the house when we are home but when we are at work we don’t want him in the house.
Can you suggest other toys to buy so he is not bored. He seems so lonely and sad out on his own.
Marianna
I don’t think it’s fair to leave dogs outside all the time, but many people do it successfully. Just make sure the dog has plenty of water and shelter from the weather and that he gets plenty of interaction with you when you are home.
Dogs are very social animals and want to be with their “pack.” They also need a lot of exercise, even if they are small, so make sure you take your little poodle on a lot of walks EVERY day, especially right before you leave for work. Walk him for an hour every day. That way he will be more content to rest while you are gone.
Most dogs won’t play with toys by themselves, but one thing most dogs can’t resist are Kong toys filled with peanut butter. You can freeze them to make the peanut butter last longer because it will be harder for the dog to get at. Just make sure your dog is in a safe area so no bigger animals will come and attack him or try to take his food.
Even cage training is causing issues because our 2 new rescue dogs will go to the toilet in their cage/bed. The crying/howling/barking is incessant when we attempt to leave them – if we cant break them out of it we will have no choice but to return them to the RSPCA
Unfortunately these dogs likely learned to go to the bathroom in their cages in a previous situation because they were never properly kennel trained or house trained. It is going to take a lot of time and patience to re-train them to understand the rules of your house and to become conditioned to being left alone. It will not happen over night, but it will take many weeks and months. Do not feel guilty about returning these dogs to the shelter if you are unable to take the time to properly train them. There are plenty of other dogs that need homes but do not have separation anxiety issues.
Below are some additional kennel training posts you may be interested in:
http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/01/06/kennel-train-your-dog-to-prevent-behavioral-issues/
http://www.thatmutt.com/2008/12/10/reinforce-kennel-training-with-your-dog/
we have a 11 yr old bichon/poodle and he is such a whiner! He has always been that way but seems to be getting worse. A few months ago he started going to the bathroom in the house, I think it is because my daughters got a cat and he doesn’t like that.
Well, we decided when couldn’t take it any more and now leash him up in the kitchen and that is where he has to sleep at night too. He barks and whines all night long! He was good for a few days on/off but now the last couple he is so bad…He gets lots of exercise, prob. 3-5 miles/day walk…between his peeing and barking/whineing we can’t take it anymore.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
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One suggestion I have is to allow the dog to sleep in your bedroom in a kennel. That way he will be close to you and probably won’t whine or have accidents. But if being away from you is not the issue or if you don’t want him in your bedroom, you could correct the whining/barking with a citronella spray collar or an electric collar with a remote. The spray collars will automatically spray citronella whenever the dog barks and the spray is unpleasant to the dog. With an e-collar, you can control when the dog gets a vibration and it should be given at the exact moment he does any crying. The second he is quiet, reward him.
It is also possible that he will get used to being leashed in the kitchen on his own and just needs a few days or weeks to get used to it.
As for going to the bathroom indoors, is he relieving himself or is he “marking”? With a new animal in the house, there is a chance that he’s marking and claiming “his” territory. If he’s relieving himself, it could be because of his age and being unable to hold it as long as he used to. Either way, he is not doing it because he’s mad about the new pet in the house. Dogs aren’t able to think that way.
Ive purchased a jackrussell puppy he is 9 weeks old and he hates being alone,ive put his dog bed in my bedroom so he would stop crying because he refused to sleep downstairs alone and his crying and barking would wake up my household because he just wouldnt stop,i put toys and treats in his bed but he still refuses to stop,i thought he would be happier in his bed near mine when we sleep but he isnt, all he does all night is cries/barks and scrathes at my bed to keep me awake but i dont want to give into him and let him on my bed…oh and my puppy allways gets a 2 hour walk before bed too!
Hey Kerrie. It does take some time for a dog or puppy to get used to being kenneled, often a week or more. Patience is the key and staying consistent. If you give in even one time then the dog will think that if he barks long enough, eventually you will let him out. Instead, only let him out when he is quiet. Below are some posts I’ve written about separation anxiety and kennel training that may help. I highly suggest buying some Kong toys and filling them with peanut butter and some yummy treats to keep the dog occupied while kenneled. Chewing also helps a dog relax.
http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/10/24/dog-kennel-training/
http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
Hi. A week ago I purchased a 6-week-old Labrador puppy. She uses her kennel really well at night time. She doesn’t whine or cry at all, and only wakes up once needing the toilet and goes straight back to sleep. My partner works full time, and I’m at uni and I work. I’ve taken the last week and this week off so I can be with her, but as soon as I’m not there she cries non-stop! The neighbours complained when I left her for a few hours, so I moved her inside instead of a semi inside/outside area. She has lots of toys, food, water and goes to the toilet on newspapers. I really need to be able to leave without her putting up a massive fuss and don’t know what to do. She’s too young for puppy daycare.
She should get used to a routine if you are consistent. Apologize to your neighbors and explain to them that you are working on the issue. I would follow the suggestions listed out in this post: http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
Hi,
We have a 4-month-old German shepherd dog – Sam. He is just great. After the first initial week of crying at night, we broke this by ignoring him. He sleeps outside under cover and has a stretcher bed with blankets and a kennel. He has plenty of toys. He goes to puppy kindergarten and has lots of training. The past three nights he has started to whine again and scratch at the door, not for long, only a few minutes and then settle down again – most unusual as he has been so good. Do you think he is just trying us out again? We are ignoring him again and hope this works.
Yes, I would ignore him but make sure his exercise needs are being met.
He may have started whining and pawing at the door again because he has gotten older and therefore needs more exercise. As you know, German shepherds are very active and intelligent dogs and they need a lot of challenges throughout the day. I’m not sure how much physical exercise he is getting in addition to going to puppy kindergarten and training, but I would definitely increase it. Two hours of walking every day is absolutely necessary at minimum.
If he seems to be very attached to you, then try challenging him a bit by leaving him alone for a few minutes here and there. For example, close the door behind you when you go to the bathroom if he’s the type of dog that will follow you right in. Or, close him in your bedroom for a few minutes here and there. Reward him when he’s quiet. If he has a good down-stay, then practice putting him in a stay while you walk around the house. Again, reward him for being quiet and staying. Just look for little ways to reward him for being apart from you so it doesn’t develop into separation anxiety.
Here’s my post on separation anxiety. Your dog doesn’t have it, but it’s something to be aware of:
http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
Thanks Lindsay,
I will start walking him further as of today. The breeder I got him from who has been breeding for 25 years said at this age not to walk him too far as his bones are still developing. But after this post I will take him on a walk. We do playtime a few times a day, before I go to work. I usually work in the afternoons so he is usually only on his own for 4 to 6 hours a day, and has been that way since we bought him home at 8 weeks. Now he is 4 months. He generally just lays around the house when I am home. He has plenty of inside time with us until it’s bedtime. He has been so good for 6 or so weeks with bedtime. It’s just been the last few nights he started up again and only for a few minutes. I am sure we will cure it – going for a walk now.
A long walk should definitely fix the problem then if he isn’t getting that kind of exercise. Running can be hard on their joints and bones at a young age, but walking is absolutely a must! If you are concerned at all about your dogs bones, talk to your vet. Walk him every day for at least an hour and he should be much better. Playing in the house is great but it tends to get them more riled up than anything. A structured walk (with the dog at your side) really challenges them mentally and physically. Plus, they get time to bond with you! Good luck!
Hi Lindsay,
Well, the walk seemed to fix the problem. Obviously, I was not walking him far enough before. He slept all night and not a peep out of him. Thank God!
The vet said also not to walk him too far at this stage as his little bones and hip sockets are still forming so he goes for two walks a day at 20 minutes each. We also live on the land so he get plently of exercise chasing birds which he finds most amusing. Thanks for the tip – gave us a great night’s sleep.
I’m so glad the extra walk helped. I’m glad you checked with your vet about how much exercise he can handle. He will need more and more exercise as he gets older.
I have recently had to have my German shepherd rehomed due to a break up and being left with a baby and two dogs – she had severe separation anxiety. Ironically my springer spaniel, who has never been any bother when left, now howls and barks continuously until I come home. I am desparate not to have to part with her to. Any ideas? I will consider anything.
A lot of dogs develop anxiety issues when there are drastic changes to their routines. It’s not a surprise that your springer is having issues due to a new baby, a breakup and losing your other dog.
The most important thing you can do is stick to a routine so she understands that you will always come back.
You can also try leaving her for a few seconds and return the second she stops crying/howling. Slowly progress to longer periods. I’m sure you’ve tried leaving extra goodies for her like Kong toys filled with peanut butter and frozen. Most dogs love those. Leave the radio on for her – talk radio often works well. If you can hire a dog walker to come check on her, that might be an option. If you haven’t checked out my post on separation anxiety, here’s a link to that. There are some good tips in the post and in the comments from others:
http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
So we have a 4-month-old pup. She is really good about sleeping through the night and is surprisingly potty trained. We take her for at least an hour or more (probably closer to two) of walks during the day, so we think she is getting quite a bit of exercise. She has also been with us for over a month. But every time we step out of the house – even for 10 minutes – she cries and barks very loudly. We have done what we can to establish an alpha relationship, so that she dosen’t think she needs to take care of us when we leave, but it isn’t getting better.
Our neighbors are complaining a lot, and we are struggling to get her used to being home alone. We have minimized our leaving and coming greetings and looked up seperation anxiety and are trying to adhere to its advice. Also, we do put her in a kennel when we leave. We have a Kong that she plays with and licks peanut butter out of, but even that dosen’t keep her calm. She also cries the whole time – she dosen’t calm down after 30 minutes. What do we do?
If you haven’t checked out my post on dealing with separation anxiety, I suggest you check it out for some info and suggestions. The comments from others can also give you some ideas. http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
Good luck and be patient!
I have a 10-week-old Jack Russell terrier. He cries, barks and goes crazy everytime I leave the house. He will cry for hours on end. I live in an apartment and my neighbors are getting very upset. Is there anything I can do?
Increase his exercise. How much are you walking him now? You should probably triple that. I know it’s winter and he’s only 10 weeks, but JRTs are high-energy breeds, and smart. They get bored and they need a lot of interaction, exercise and challenges. I know one in Fargo that runs 10 miles every day. He also does agility. Obviously your pup can’t run 10 miles yet, but he still needs a long walk.
Also, stick to a routine when you leave. Do the same thing every time so he can start to realize that it’s the same every time and you always come back. Ignore him for at least 20 minutes before you leave. Don’t say goodbye. Don’t even look at him. Ignore him for another 5 minutes when you come home. You coming and going should not be an “event” or anything to celebrate or get upset about.
You could also consider dog daycare if you have no other option.
Make sure to check out my post on dog separation anxiety: http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
I have a 10-year-old male shih tzu. He is always friendly, and quiet. But the past weekend I locked him in the room for a few hours because I had a party coming in. After that, he been crying every time I leave him alone in the house.
He must’ve really felt isolated during that party. Shihtzus really like to be with their people. Is there anything else that’s changed in your routine? If you can continue sticking to your old routine as much as possible, I think he will go back to feeling fine when left alone again. I wouldn’t make a big deal out of coming and going or it will reinforce in his mind that he has something to worry about. If you act normal, he’ll act normal.
I have a 2-month-old Doberman, and when the family is around he is a great dog. My whole family either has work or school so we are gone for most of the day. We set up a small pen next to the doggy door so he can easily access it. But if we leave him alone for 5 minutes, he cries incessantly and tries to climb the small wooden gate, mostly getting his paws stuck between them. I did read that we should leave him in his kennel, but he just cries the same. I also want to take him for exercise in the morning but since he is so little he hasn’t even gotten all of his shots. I just don’t know what to do to not disturb our neighbors and to make a comfortable environment for him.
You know, it’s just consistency and a lot of patience. Get the dog on a routine and IGNORE all crying. And start taking him for short walks every day, 10 to 20 minutes to start. Definitely keep him in a kennel so he is safe.
Check out my posts on puppy training tips: http://www.thatmutt.com/2011/01/09/how-to-train-a-puppy/
Kennel training tips: http://www.thatmutt.com/2008/12/10/reinforce-kennel-training-with-your-dog/
and separation anxiety: http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
Hello. Lots of good information on here! I have a Jack Russell terrior/ French bulldog mix, just about a year old. I used to crate her during the day until she got out of the puppy phase and have been leaving her in access to a living room and part of the kitchen and bathroom. I never used to have any problems but for about the past three weeks, my neighbors said she just started crying all day long and whining.
She doesn’t really bark, and is never destructive (except a chew on an occasional shoe here and there). I have tried the Kong with peanut butter, bones, slow release treat balls that I put her breakfast in, and I just don’t think it’s enough to keep her occupied. Can you give peanut butter every day? I have someone that goes over every day at about 1 p.m. for a couple hours, then again at about 4 p.m. for a little, then I get home. And they have every day since she was little, so it’s not like she is home alone all day long.
I am losing my mind. I don’t know what to do! Poor little girl sits at the door and cries until I get home. I have tried going down the street and coming back, and I can hear her at the door. I leave a radio on during the day with classical music. She used to just sit on the couch, and I would leave, no issues at all. And now I have to put some treat toys out so she doesn’t get in the way of the door and I can leave. I don’t understand what the problem is all of a sudden when she never had one before. Nothing has really changed. I’m guessing maybe she is bored? I don’t think it’s seperation anxiety, but it could be. She does sit on me constantly and with a small apartment, she is always in the same room with me. And I take her everywhere with me on weekends.
Please help! Thank you!
Have you tried going back to using a kennel? She maybe feels more secure in the kennel and knows “what to do” in there when you leave since that’s what she is used to. Dogs get very accustomed to a routine. Don’t feel bad about continuing to use the kennel for at least a few more years.
Another issue could be a lack of exercise. Jack Russells need a TON of exercise. How much energy does she have? And how far are you running with her every day? I would at least double whatever you are doing. Does the person who visits her in the afternoon take her running or walking?
Hi! I have 2 18 month old border collie x’s and they have recently started howling and barking whenever I leave the house irrespective of how long I go for. Its driving my neighbour up the wall and she continuously phones me to come home and sort them out!! They are walked everyday for a minimum of an hour and I try to let them have a good run in the field whenever possible. I’m a stay at home mom so am with them all day in the week. They are also inside dogs and sleep in the house at night. They have a sheltered room (enclosed balcony) with access to the garden when locked out with their comfy beds! Any help advice will be greatly appreciated
Give them yummy treats whenever you leave. Teach them that really great things happen when you leave. I recommend Kongs filled with peanut butter and then frozen, like two or three of these per dog.
And when you return, ignore them. You returning home should not seem like a reward to them, so don’t give them any attention.
I recently adopted a shh-tzu terries mix ,he is 4. He is such a sweet doggie. However he whines when we leave him alone. I think I have anxiety myself because I hate to hear him cry. It depresses me. My boyfriend tells me to let him cry and just shut the door, but it makes me feel like a bad doggy mom. I don’t want to return him because the kids and I adore him. Please tell me what I should do. We live in a townhome and I’m not sure if my neighbors hears him or not, but he whines and bark and beat at his crate.
How long have you had the dog? He may just need some time to adjust to your schedule and get used to being alone.
Put him in his kennel 20 minutes before you leave and completely ignore him. Put some Kong toys in his kennel with him, filled with peanut butter and frozen beforehand. Stick to a routine, and don’t give him any kind of attention before you leave. Ignore him when you return for at least five more minutes. Teach him that you will come and go throughout the day and it’s no big deal. You always come back.
Hi Lindsay!
We just got him a few days ago. He is our first pet therefore I am new at this and I am searching for any advice. I am still learning, and I just want to make sure I am doing what is right. Thank you so much for your feedback. As I read through others comment I feel better knowing I’m not alone.
Take your boyfriend’s advice and just let him cry. Unfortunately that’s about all you can do! He should get used to being alone. I know it’s hard. Hopefully your neighbors will understand.
My poodle cross whines. If anyone in the house moves in the morning, she starts whining in her crate until someone comes and lets her out. If I leave the room, she whines. As soon as I arrive home, she whines. I found out she is whining when I am out too. I have tried everything; treats in her bed (but she won’t eat at all if her crate door is closed so that didn’t work), leaving her for longer and longer periods, banging the crate, saying no loudly, spraying with water …. I even bought an ultra sonic collar but whining doesn’t seem to set it off. Can you offer any other suggestions?
Sounds like she wants to be near you at all times and that she experiences some anxiety when she is not with you. I would start stretching her limits by encouraging her not to be with you every possible second that you are home. Don’t allow her to follow you around all the time. Ignore her if she whines for attention. Definitely ignore her when she whines in the kennel.
You could try the Thundershirt, which is designed to help dogs calm down in different situations. I’ve gotten mixed feedback on it. But you may be willing to try anything at this point. http://www.thatmutt.com/2011/07/06/does-the-thundershirt-for-dogs-really-work/
Also look into my suggestions for preventing separation anxiety in dogs: http://www.thatmutt.com/2011/02/02/how-to-prevent-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/
Hi,
We have a 10month old Border Terrier, who is generally obedient, eager to please and a great dog to have around. We walk him for 20 minutes in the morning and an hour at night. We both work full time, but I come back at dinner to let him out of his crate and walk around. We also put him in his crate at night. Initially we only used the crate until he was around 5 months old but he kept urinating and deficating everywhere. When this didnt improve we started using the crate again and there have been no accidents.
However, he cries at night, sometimes all night, most of the time it is just for 20 minutes. It is a high, piercing cry which is hard to ignore. He also cries at around the time we usually get up which we can cope with. He cries/barks when anyone comes to the door even though we do not make a fuss with coming or going. We have tried making him sit and stay, which if he listens and follows command it does calm him down. He also cries when both of us are here, has had a long walk, food and played with. We can’t figure out a reason why he cries so much! When he isnt crying he seems to be happy! When we visit my mums chocolate lab he does not stop following him round and mounting him, constantly! Is there anything else we can do to stop this behaviour? We are trying extrememly hard!
Thanks,
Laura
Border terriers are extremely high energy. I know your dog is not getting enough physical or mental exercise. Increase his exercise as much as you can. Take him running or roller blading. Get a dog packpack for him to wear. Take him to the dog park to run around.
Do you ignore his crying or do you give him attention for it? Make sure you are not giving him unintentional attention when he cries by talking to him, looking at him or going to him. Just ignore! Leave the room if you have to. But do make sure his exercise needs are being met. In addition to needing a lot of exercise, border terriers are very smart and they need a job. It doesn’t sound like your dog has a job. Do you work on obedience with him? How about agility?
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks so much for your reply. Certainly we can increase his excercise, I run with him a couple of times a week, and walk him everyday and take him to the fields in additional to this. I will look into the back packs, it is very hard to wear him out.
We completely ignore his crying, we asked our vet about this very early on. We do not have eye contact with him at all. I have noticed he is very clever, and responds so well to training. He sits, stays, lays down, goes to his bed, goes outside, shuts cupboards, spins round, stands up and runs back to us both perfectly. Do you have any more ideas on training? Anything that involves him rolling over we cant do, he hates being on his back. We have a tunnel only, but will look into agility training. When you say a job, could you explain this more? I am not sure I know what you mean!
Many thanks again for your help, it is very much appreciated.
Laura
A job could be going rollerblading with you every day for an hour. Or it could be training for agility. Or wearing his backpack on walks. Or visiting nursing homes. Really, anything that gives him a sense of purpose and a challenge.
Sounds like you are really trying to give him enough exercise, so that’s great. I’m sure he could always use more if he’s anything like the border terriers I’ve know. But, it’s not possible to run, run, run all the time, either. So one thing you could do is work on things that actually force him to practice self control and relax. Like, can he reliably lie down and stay quietly for five minutes on a rug or dog bed? That could be a good goal. Teach him a release command like “free!” Then build that up to ten, 15, a half-hour and so on.
For mental and physical exercise, I love your tunnel idea. I’m sure he loves that.
You could teach him the word “speak!” and also the word “quiet.” Also, when you take him running and walking, make him walk in a formal heel position at your side. This will also put him in a calmer state of mind while teaching him some self control.
Hi,
I have an 8 month old Yorkshire terrier female. I got her when she was 2 months and ever since she has been whining and crying every day! We have tried everything for her to like her crate but everytime she’s in there she cries no matter how much time she has been out excercising during the day. The reason why we still put her in there is because we can’t seem to get her potty trained. Sometimes she’ll even “act” like she pees outside twice and then walks in the house and pees/poops anywhere! My parents want to give her away and I really don’t want that to happen but i dont know what to do anymore! She’s gotten a little better because she actually plays byherself when we’re watching tv or doing hw…she never cries when she’s out of her crate but it’s impossible not to put her in there because she will definitely pee or poop somewhere when she’s out, she was even starting to pee in her crate! Please help me!!!!! How can i potty train her now? Are the pads a better idea? How do i get her to stop whining so much when she’s in her crate at night and in the early morning?
L
The first thing you have to do is decide whether you are able to commit to helping your dog. It will be a time consuming and difficult task. It will take a lot of patience.
I recommend you follow all the steps in these posts about ways to prevent separation anxiety and also the steps to stop it.
http://www.thatmutt.com/2011/02/02/how-to-prevent-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/
http://www.thatmutt.com/2010/05/08/dog-separation-anxiety-2/
You need to teach your dog to be comfortable by herself. Purposely create distance between you and your dog. The same goes for anyone else in your family who she is attached to. Don’t pick her up all the time. Don’t give her attention if she whines or cries or barks. Only pet her when she is calm and quiet. Don’t allow her to follow you everywhere. Close the door on her and don’t let her through until she is quiet. Put her in her kennel for short periods when you are home and let her out only when she is quiet, even if she is quiet for five seconds. If she loves to eat, only feed her in the kennel. Use extra special goodies in her kennel like Kong toys filled with peanut butter.
For the potty training, check out the tips in this post: http://www.thatmutt.com/2009/08/25/dog-housetraining/
When potty training a dog or puppy, simply do not give them the opportunity to have an accident. Take her outside to the same spot each time. Give her a treat when she goes. If she doesn’t go, then put her back in her kennel and take her out again in 20 minutes. Repeat until she goes. Once she’s gone outside, then give her a bit of freedom but always supervise so you know where she is and what she is doing. Whenever I get a new dog or a dog comes to visit me, I keep it on a leash and near me 24/7 until I know it is 100 percent housebroken.
I never recommend puppy pads. They teach the dog to go in the house, which is not what you want.
I just bought an 8-week-old mini dachshund and she is crying all day when I am at work. I don’t know what to do. We get up early every morning so we have time for play and I try to take her on walks before work but she doesn’t really know how to go on a “walk” yet. What do I do? My roommate is really upset becuase she said she crys all day long. Help please!!! I don’t want to have to get rid of her
Give it time. Don’t scold her when she’s crying. Completely ignore the crying. Return to her (or have your roommate return to her) whenever she is quiet. Give her lots of goodies in the kennel like Kongs filled with peanut butter. Use two or three of these and freeze them over night so it’s harder for her to get the peanut butter and/or treats out. Take her for walks the best you can to get her tired. Don’t let her out right away when you get home, especially if she is barking. Wait until she is quiet, even if she is quiet for 15 seconds. You have to start small. Try not to make a big deal when you are “reunited” because you don’t want her to associate a reward with you coming home. You want her to anticipate rewards (treats, Kong toys) when you leave. Also sticking to the same routine every day will help her adjust and predict the schedule, making her more secure. Leaving a radio on near her might also help.
Just know she is a pup in a new environment and it will take her a few days or weeks to get into the routine. Make sure you are not rewarding her for crying by going to her, even to scold her.
Hi Caitlin, I know its been a while since you posted but I wondered how your mini dachshund was getting on and if she overcame her anxieties? We’re having some issues with our 9 month old boy!
hi everyone my sister just gave me a 10 month old golden lab she got rid of both of her dogs because she didnt have the time i got one and some1 else got one he was okay for the 1st week or so now were into the 2nd week and he cries after me all the time even if i am upstairs or even in the room sometimes any suggestions to wat i can do?
How much exercise is the dog getting? I recommend at least an hour of running with you every day. If that is not possible, then at least 90 minutes of on-leash walking. My guess is he is just bored and wants to play constantly. You can also work on obedience with him. Teach him a solid down-stay so he learns some self-control to stay in one place for up to a half-hour at a time. Start small with only a few seconds. Release him with the word “Free” or “OK.” Also, make sure you are not with him at all times or he will be too dependent on you. So give him some alone time each day, even when you are home. Leave him in another room or in a kennel for a few minutes and let him come out when he is quiet.
And never look at him or pet him when he’s crying. He cries for your attention, so the worst thing you can do is acknowledge him. Just ignore the crying. If he won’t stop, then purposely sit with your back to him or get up and walk right out of the room, closing the door behind you without saying a word. Return after a few seconds only if he is quiet. If he cries, leave again.