Needing Advice

[Holly Paterniti]

Hello everyone :)

 

I need some advice on my Bear :)  My family is one of the victims of the economy and had to downsize not by choice.  So anyways, we have found a temporary apartment to live in with Bear (thank goodness!).  We did live in a house previously, so no one really complained about his barking if we were not home.  Since we have moved to the apartment, Bear is barking at every noise which I know is because he is protecting us and is nervous of the new place.  No one has complained about his barking yet and our neighbor is so understanding and has told us how is feels sorry for him since this is a big change for him.  She says he mostly has a nervous bark.

 

Long story short, I do not want to get anyone annoyed with his barking and realize he needs to become accustom to the noises, but I am worried.  We do have a radio on during the day, but I really do not think it is helping him any.

 

Does anyone have any ideas?  He is crated because he will destroy things if he is not.  I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me..........I would rather not get one of those collars that shock him to stop the barking............

 

Thanks everyone :)

 

Holly

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Holly, I'm sorry to hear about the changes your family has gone through. I hope things get better soon!
Does Bear have any chew toys, bones, etc., to occupy him when you're not home? Maybe a Kong stuffed with something yummy that he has to work to get, or a similar treat-filled toy? It should be something he only gets when he's in the crate, so he will look forward to being there. Maybe that would help.
Another thing that might help is to put an unwashed object of clothing that a family member has slept in, inside the crate with him. Some dogs are comforted by that. Or a pillow from a family member's bed. This is only a good idea if you know Bear won't chew it up.
I hope you get lots of other good suggestions. Big hugs to you, your family, & Bear!

[Amanda and Quinn]

Holly, we are also apartment-dwellers and when Quinn went through a barking phase as a puppy, we borrowed a citronella collar from a friend. I know a lot of people don't like them, and I totally understand the reasons, but it was a miracle worker for us. Quinn barked twice with it on, and that was it. Never again. I hate shock collars but these are painless and when you're living on top of other people, it is a quick fix.

http://www.petco.com/product/6659/Premier-Gentle-Spray-Bark-Control...

[Amanda and Quinn]

I also meant to say I'm so sorry about all the changes you have gone through, and these collars don't work for everyone. A friend's chihuahua mix emptied the whole canister without flinching. :)

[Diane]

Before we got Ringo, we cared for a friend's doodle who reacted to all the sounds outside our home at night. I'm sure it was much like your situation as every home has different environmental noise. Anyway, we turned a fan on and the "white noise" produced seemed to drown out all the outside sounds. Good luck with the challenges you're going through.

[Camilla and Darwin]

We have a lot of success with taking Darwin to doggy daycare once or twice a week. We found a great place that charges hourly, instead of a full day. So while we are at work (for a five or six hour shift) We drop him off and he plays his heart out. Even though it's only two days a week, it really helps him stay happy and exercised. I think it helps him be more comfortable and less bored the rest of the week.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, and there are also "white noise" machines that are very inexpensive and drown out all but the loudest noises. This should prevent him from barking at unfamiliar noises he's hearing outside. We used one of these for Guinness when he was a puppy and we had to leave him in the crate. It was Summer and with the windows open he could hear noises...and bark. The machine helped quite a bit with that. I also am so sorry that you're going through such a difficult time. I really hope things get better for you.

[Deirdre]

My Cheasie "Bear" has a BIG bark and barks whenever he is left alone without Gus. I use the following devise it works great.
http://www.guardianpet.net/getdoc/aa3a8a65-1faf-4d04-9227-4dd304a5d...
We also have the outdoor one for at our summer cabin because Bear will not stop barking until someone throws the ball for him. Cheasie's are subborn thank goodness Gus hasn't learned this. I hope this helps. With time I'm sure Bear will become accustomed to his new surroundings, it must be hard on all of you. Sorry you have to go through this at least you're all together. Bear is one beautiful Dood same color as my Bear.

[Valarie]

So sorry that you are dealing with all this. Everybody needs time to adjust including Bear. I'm sure if the neighbors get to have the pleasure of his doodley attention they will not be as worried about the barking. Sorry I don't have any good advice but lots of long distance hugs and prayers that things will settle down and Bear will feel safe and happy. Sophie sends doodle kisses to Bear.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Fudge likes to bark too at noises. We bought a fan and I run that when we go out and at night. I swear someone could land a plane on our roof and we might not hear it when the fan is on high. I also leave the TV on when we leave. I am glad your neighbors are being nice about it. Good luck.

[Kyoko]

Holly, I am sorry to hear about the current situation.... I wish we were closer so that I can get bear out on my lunch with Charlie..... :-(

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Hi Holly,
Do you have any family members close by who could drop by and give Bear a break from the crate. There are some things you can get at your Vet for separation anxiety, Bear maybe having some issues with that and talking with your vet might help some. When you are at home and Bear barks, always reinforce the "No Bark" command, when he stops give him a small treat and tell him "Good Boy"...if he keeps barking, you might try removing him from the noise, again when he stops barking, give him lots of praise and a reward. Hope some of these ideas will help.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Holly, I am so sorry you and your family are having to go through such tough times.
Our dogs have started barking when we leave them in the RV - one especially howls from anxiety. We bought the electronic thing that Diedre suggested. I haven't been able to figure out if it helps curb barking yet.