How Do I Stop My Puppy's Barking When I Leave?

Separation anxiety is a common cause of barking for puppies since they are now in a new environment away from their pack. Uncertainty creates stress. Dogs use barking as a stress reliever like humans use crying or yelling.

How does one stop their puppy's barking when they leave?!

Separation anxiety requires different training methods than one would use for a dog barking at the front door or at the neighbor. I don't recommend using any ultrasonic sound devices for this particular type of barking. Imagine if you were stressed and you had an irritating sound bombarding you - It wouldn't make you feel better. In fact, I've found that dogs bark more, not less.

Comfort Shirt

While there are products, such as a comfort shirt, you want to incorporate other trainings along with changing some of your own behavior. Positive reinforcement is key along with a variety of behavioral trainings.

When you leave or come home, ignore your dog initially. This may sound mean and it may well be hard since our pets are always excited to see us. There's nothing like a wiggly, smiling puppy coming at you! For sensitive dogs, your excitement can make the anxiety deepen. Dogs feed off our energy. By ignoring your dog, who is a little too over the top for you, you will keep your high energy down, a step in the process of teaching your pup that it's not a big deal that you were gone.

Create an "I'm solo and I love it" experience for your dog. Give them something with your scent on it, such as a worn out T-shirt or blanket. You can easily turn a T-shirt into a pillow or stuffie that they can cuddle with to provide comfort.

Give them a very special treat that they only receive when you are away. A frozen Kong toy filled with peanut butter will keep your pup busy for hours, the perfect distraction!

Stuffed Kong Toy

If used properly, the crate can be an excellent way to keep your puppy feeling secure - along with keeping her from chewing your furniture (or brand new shoes like my pup did!) and relieving herself on your carpet. But you can't keep her in a crate for long periods of time. (Puppies under 6 months should only be left for about 3 - 4 hours.)

Exercise is often underestimated. Give your puppy a nice long walk or a robust bout of play before you leave. I can never say it enough, "A tired dog is a happy owner" - and a happy neighbor. Your pup will be tired, so sleep will most likely be what she does when you leave versus barking.

Creating a confident dog isn't always going to happen overnight. It depends on the dog. Some may only need a week or two of training; others need months. Stick with the process, though, because success is beautiful!

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