Incessant Barking

[Bernie J]

Hi guys,

Louie's 18 weeks now and has been the perfect puppy. He has always been crate trained until about 2 weeks ago, I started allowing him to roam the house because I noticed he seemed to be getting more restless, chewing stuff inside and around his crate, etc. The crate fits him (enough space to stand, turn, etc) so I know it isn't that problem. Anyway, I thought I might allow him free reign of the house (which as I am writing this has struck me as a completely stupid idea), and I'm even exercising him much more than what I used to (bearing in mind he is only 18 weeks, and I'm even feeling as if I may be over-exercising him). Yet, ever since then, I've heard him barking incessantly the moment I walk out of the door. When I go back in to discipline him, he keeps quiet, for maybe, an hour, and then the barking starts again (according to my neighbour). He is never alone for more than 6-7 hours (and I don't remember any neighbours ever complaining that he used to bark), and when we're home, we give him plenty of attention. I did some reading and some sites say that he may have separation anxiety; it may be possible because I work shifts so some days I'm home all day and when I work at nights, my partner is home; while some days, I can be out and he is alone for some hours.. Does anyone think that may be a possibility? 

Louie gets heaps of socializing with people and other dogs, has chew toys, stuffed toys, snacks, bones, just about anything I could think of giving him, so I don't know what I'm doing wrong! Also, he never barks when I'm around so there is no chance to discipline him. I'm so very confused and I hope someone could give me an idea what to do! 

Thanks guys. 

[Bernie J]

Thanks for your help :) Most days he's alone from about 8 - 12, but some days I may push it to about 2. He does get an afternoon meal and accidents are not frequent (thankfully). I will most definitely try to not leave him for more than 5 hours in future and leave him some treats! Hopefully he gets better in time. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. My dogs, 3 and 4 years old are still crated when I'm not home. They go eagerly to their crates knowing a treat awaits them after they get in. They could probably turn somersaults in their crates, since the crates are quite large. They seem much more content in the crates than when I leave them free for short periods if I'm doing an outside chore and don't want them in the way. They wait for me by the door, to my mind anxiously, when not in their crates. They do not do more than a rare bark when crated. When they were young, four hours was the outside limit for crating.

[Bernie J]

Thank you for that :) Yes Louie hardly barks when I'm around so it's quite difficult to understand him barking when I'm away. I have restarted crate training him and I hope the last few weeks of allowing him to roam free has not done any irreparable damage :( Thank again!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with the others ideas and also that 6-7 hours is too long--a puppy that age should be getting a mid-day meal and can he really go that long without going potty? See if someone can give him a break during the day. I agree that the free roam thing has decreased your "control" over him and his situation--he is getting the idea that he can be the boss and when you leave and he doesn't like it, he is having more trouble dealing with that situation. If you have more control over his actions when you are home with him, he may be more docile when you are not--takes lots of training and patience.

Now if all else fails, I like my bark collar--it has to be on pretty tight but it does work and gives them a vibration on their vocal cords if they bark too many times in a row...it is not cruel since they quickly learn not to bark if it is on. You can find them online if you are every interested--but it would be a last resort.

[Bernie J]

Thanks for your help :) Most days he's alone from about 8 - 12, but some days I may push it to about 2. He does get an afternoon meal and accidents are not frequent (thankfully). Yes I have restarted crate training him as I think that works best for him and me. I think back then I just found it to be cruel leaving him in that enclosed space but I will adjust to that thinking! I have considered the bark collar but as you suggested, that would be my last resort. Did you have a particular type/brand that you think worked well? Thanks!