Hi Shannon

I am hoping you can help me with a barking issue. My boyfriend and I have an 11 month old, male Beagle, Zeki, who is full of energy and personality. Until three months ago our housemate was working from home and able to keep and eye on Zeki while we were at work, but he has since started working out of the house. We now leave Zeki outside in his kennel during the day to have free run of the garden.

Zeki has never been much of a barker and is not a very vocal dog either, he may let out an occasional bark while playing but he very rarely barks when there are people around - strangers or friends. This is why we were very surprised to receive numerous complaints from exhasperated neighbours who complain that he is barking and howling from about 11am – 4:30 pm every week day.

We have tried to create more stimulus for him while we are away by leaving toys and bones/hooves in the garden and food puzzles. But nothing is helping.

Do you have any suggestions for us?  

Thanks

Weekday Howler

 

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Dear Weekday Howler,

I feel your pain! I recently acquired a rescue dog who is a Best In Show barker. It is incredibly frustrating and tiresome and on the odd occasions that he is quiet I find myself tip-toeing around lest I disturb the “sleeping dog”. He is progressing rapidly, but I do understand exactly how difficult this problem is. Anyhow, enough about me!

I think Zeki's major problem is the huge change in his life. He has gone from having a constant companion during his crucial formative period to now suddenly being isolated. This demands an enormous adjustment, which Zeki is clearly battling with. I suggest you read all the pointers in this article.

You have started on the right track with the increased enrichment, but I think you should also consider that Zeki may have a degree of separation anxiety. Give the article a read in this respect.

I assume that when your housemate was working from home Zeki was allowed in the house during the day. If so, the solution is quite simple – allow him access to the house. It doesn't have to be the entire house. You could install a dog door and thus allow Zeki access into the (Beagle-proofed) kitchen or lounge for example. If this is what Zeki is looking for we have solved the problem and even if it isn't dogs are far less likely to bark when inside a house. So, this might solve your problem overnight.

Your other option is day care. Don't be tempted to get another pup to solve the problem as this could easily compound the problem if you haven't addressed the cause thoroughly.

Best of luck

Shannon