I just lost it on my dog and I feel awful

[Anonymous]

I am SO effing sick of my dog barking and howling when I leave my home (I live in an apt so this can't be going on). There's no rhyme or reason to when he decided to act up either, meaning it's not every time but I constantly have to be on alert and come home/cancel plans if the cameras show barking. I have tried multiple bark collars, none work. I feel like a prisoner in my own home, he is making my life miserable. I just tried to leave and I heard him barking, I came back and lost it, screamed at him to shut up, that he was a brat, why did he do this to me. Now I hate myself. I love my dog so much but I can't live like this.

[Anonymous]

How old? Have you taken him to the vet to address? Our older dogs have often begun to bark more as they age due to dementia or just due to changes in their senses (hearing starting to go, cataracts, etc.). They get disoriented and flip out. We have used anti-anxiety meds from the vet or just doggie melatonin if at night. I also find it helps to restrict their space more as they get older so that when they are alone they can be in a more predictable space—like locking them in the bedroom vs having the full run of the house and closing the blinds so they can’t get triggered/stressed about things they see outside.

[Anonymous]

Anti anxiety medication

[Anonymous]

He's barking because he's scared, not to be a brat. He's scared and anxious with you gone - either he's worried about being alone, worried about you being out by yourself, or worried you won't come back. But bottom line, he's worried. You need to work on his separation anxiety.

First, take him to the vet to rule out neurological issues - is he old and getting confused?? Is he in pain?

Next, get a trainer to help with separation anxiety. Invest in your and your dog's happiness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's barking because he's scared, not to be a brat. He's scared and anxious with you gone - either he's worried about being alone, worried about you being out by yourself, or worried you won't come back. But bottom line, he's worried. You need to work on his separation anxiety.

First, take him to the vet to rule out neurological issues - is he old and getting confused?? Is he in pain?

Next, get a trainer to help with separation anxiety. Invest in your and your dog's happiness.

Can trainers even help with that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's barking because he's scared, not to be a brat. He's scared and anxious with you gone - either he's worried about being alone, worried about you being out by yourself, or worried you won't come back. But bottom line, he's worried. You need to work on his separation anxiety.

First, take him to the vet to rule out neurological issues - is he old and getting confused?? Is he in pain? Next, get a trainer to help with separation anxiety. Invest in your and your dog's happiness.

Can trainers even help with that?

Of COURSE they can!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am SO effing sick of my dog barking and howling when I leave my home (I live in an apt so this can't be going on). There's no rhyme or reason to when he decided to act up either, meaning it's not every time but I constantly have to be on alert and come home/cancel plans if the cameras show barking. I have tried multiple bark collars, none work. I feel like a prisoner in my own home, he is making my life miserable. I just tried to leave and I heard him barking, I came back and lost it, screamed at him to shut up, that he was a brat, why did he do this to me. Now I hate myself. I love my dog so much but I can't live like this.

Have you tried giving him treats when quiet? Ignoring the barking? Is he getting enough exercise and mental stimulation?

[Anonymous]

OP you can do this! Trainers can help with situation anxiety. Also maybe your dog would bark less when you walk him before you go out?

[Anonymous]

Leave a big frozen long when you leave. My dog used to howl, now she can’t wait for me to leave to enjoy her treat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Leave a big frozen long when you leave. My dog used to howl, now she can’t wait for me to leave to enjoy her treat.

Kong

[Anonymous]

Bark collar will rapidly fix the behavior with a marginally bright dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bark collar will rapidly fix the behavior with a marginally bright dog.

Do NOT use a bark collar. As others have said, your dog is scared/anxious. Using a bark collar will only exacerbate that. There are lots of ways to work on separation anxiety - medication, working with a trainer, distracting/keeping the dog busy with a frozen Kong. I know it’s hard and frustrating, but realizing that it’s the dog being scared may help with your patience. Good luck, you can definitely do this!

[Anonymous]

Get rid of the dog. Pets are there for enjoyment not to make your life harder. Get rid of of it and get a different one if you really want a dog.

[Anonymous]

Just imagine how your neighbors feel. They need to listen to it too, and they didn't even choose to get a dog.

[Anonymous]

If you can, move to a townhouse or house where it’s quieter. Some dogs just don’t do well in apartments with all the strange sounds from neighbors.