Separation anxiety related barking?
May 22nd, 2009 | 
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I recently adopted a female lab/pit mix from someone who could no longer keep her. She's about a year old. I've been working really hard with her the past couple of days and taking her on two hour long walks a day to wear her out before I have to leave for work. She is crate trained, so yesterday afternoon I put her to bed and went to work for a 4 hour shift. I got home to a note from my downstairs neighbor saying she had barked for hours and he would report us to our landlord if it continued. We have a past noise violation and this is our last chance.
I've been leaving for short periods of time, slowly increasing the amount of time I'm gone, making sure I don't make a scene when I leave/arrive home so as not to get her excited or stressed. I know if I stick with this, I will (hopefully!) see long-term results, but until then, I am in dire need of a way to prevent her from barking. I don't want to be evicted and I don't want to give up on this pup like the last people did!
I should also mention I bought a collar that starts as a "tingle" and progresses after each bark, but upon reading training websites and many yahoo answers, I decided that I would only use the collar as a last resort. I don't want to do more harm than good to her. But since i spent $50 on the collar and opened it, my anti-bark funds are kind of limited. i.e. I can't go buying any more special collars.
I hope someone can help! I have 3 days off until my next shift and then i'll have to leave her alone again. Thank you for your time!
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I know this sounds mean but it gets them to stop. Spray them with a water bottle everytime she barks.
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Like Allie said, water bottles work GREAT! My dog is totally bark free unless someone aproaches the house or I tell him to speak =)
GOOD LUCK!
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Bark collars are crap. You need time which it sounds like you are pressed for. The only way for a quick fix is to have someone stay with her until she is adjusted to her new life. A friend, family member, or trusted neighbor needs to be with her when you are gone. Or you need to take her to a daycare. Sorry, but it is like you said, if you do not do it right and in the time she needs to learn and adjust you will just do more damage than good.
Add: a water bottle ****** in the face is not going to stop a dog from barking when you are gone!!! Do not get your hopes up on that one.