Barking while out

[Steve D.]

My daughter has a 6 month old long haired weimaraner. He seems to be suffering form seperation distress. They have received complaints from next door that when they leave the dog starts barking, They have tried a collar that emits a sound when he barks but this has not worked. They have bought him a large crate which he is very happy in and uses himself when they are home. They have tried trial leaving, where they leave the house and come back after a short time and vary the return but this has not worked either. They have tried more exercise and walk him more than is recommended for his age. They cannot change his diet as he has a very sensitive stomach.

Any idea what else they can try?

Thanks
Steve D.

[kjd]

How soon after they leave does he start barking?

[Steve D.]

As soon as they leave the house. They have tried the blankets with scent on and radio left on. They have also now bought a pheramone plug in. They left him at our house and we went out leaving him in a pen 1 metre high which he jumped. We shut the kitchen door and he took everything off the table and kitchen units and chewed up all the boxes. I have read numerous books including the section in the 'Kingdom of Pets ' book.

[kjd]

Sorry my questions don't all come at once. However, does he show any reaction to their leaving BEFORE they leave the house? When does he first seem to realize they might be leaving: when they pick up the keys, when they approach the door, when they put on their coats? Surely he doesn't lie quietly until the front door shuts, then begin barking. That is when he starts the barking, but he must be indicating some kind of uneasiness or excitement before that door shuts. What your daughter needs to do is find that first clue and turn it into a non-event. Trying to stop the barking after he has himself totally worked up is, as she has discovered, extremely difficult.

Let us know if she can identify that first clue and what exactly it is.

Good luck.