Dear Cathy,
I just got a nine-month-old puppy. He’s a good-sized dog, about 50 pounds. My problem is, I need to figure out how to stop him from barking when I leave the house. It’s bad. He’s very loud, and he barks all day. I can hear him when I come home from work. I live in an apartment, and I am going to get into trouble if I can’t resolve this problem. He is in a crate all day, so I don’t understand what’s going on. – Beattie
Dear Beattie,
It’s great to hear from someone who is actively trying to solve the problem for both themselves and their neighbors. Barking isn’t just an outdoor issue; inside dogs can cause just as much of a disturbance, particularly in an apartment setting where walls are thin and sound carries.
Your puppy is still very young and, at nine months old, is full of energy. That boundless enthusiasm, combined with being alone for hours, is likely fueling his barking. Dogs don’t just bark to be disruptive; they bark because they’re bored, anxious, scared, or responding to noises they hear outside. Since he’s in a crate all day while you’re at work, he may also be barking out of frustration, excess energy, or separation anxiety. We don’t want him in a crate all day, so let’s break down some steps you can take to help ease his barking.
Managing His Environment
First, think about the sounds and sights that might be triggering his barking. If your apartment is near a busy walkway or has lots of external noise, your puppy may be reacting to people passing by, other dogs, or even distant sirens. Try these adjustments:
- Close the blinds or curtains to remove visual stimuli that may be prompting his barking.
- Play white noise, calming music, or leave the TV on to help mask external sounds. Classical music or special pet-calming playlists can be effective.
- Leave a light on if you’re gone past sunset. A sudden shift to darkness can make dogs anxious, and they may bark more if they feel isolated.
Rethink Crate Use
Crates are a great training tool, but leaving a young dog in a crate for an entire workday is too long. If he’s not fully house-trained or tends to get into mischief, you might feel like you have no other option, but being confined for so many hours can contribute to stress and frustration, leading to excessive barking. Consider:
- Hire a pet sitter or dog walker to take him out midday for a bathroom break and a short walk. Even a 20-minute outing can help break up his day and relieve pent-up energy.
- Use a larger, puppy-proofed area instead of a crate, such as a gated-off section of your apartment, like a bedroom, where he can move around more freely. Being confined all day is too much for any dog.
- Provide puzzle toys and chew items to keep him occupied. A frozen Kong filled with peanut butter or a treat-dispensing ball can engage his brain and reduce boredom.
Increasing His Exercise
A tired dog is a quiet dog. Puppies, especially large-breed puppies, need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Since he’s barking all day, he’s likely not getting enough exercise before you leave for work. Try these adjustments:
- Wake up 30 minutes earlier to take him on a brisk 20-minute walk in the morning before work. This will help burn off some of his energy before he’s left alone.
- Give him another walk as soon as you get home, before feeding him. This helps structure his day and gives him something to look forward to.
- Engage him in active playtime in the evening, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or obedience training sessions, to work both his body and mind.
Separation Anxiety Considerations
If his barking is driven by separation anxiety rather than boredom, you’ll need to work on helping him feel more comfortable being alone. Some techniques that may help include:
- Practice short departures by leaving for just a few minutes and gradually increasing the time you’re away.
- Desensitize him to your departure routine by picking up your keys or putting on your shoes without actually leaving, so he doesn’t associate those actions with being left alone.
- Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers and collars, anxiety wraps (such as a Thundershirt), or over-the-counter or vet-recommended supplements if anxiety seems to be the root cause.
But I think the root cause is your puppy’s frustration at being confined all day. With a combination of exercise, stimulation, and environmental management, his barking should decrease. By giving him more outlets for his energy and ensuring he does not feel anxious or bored, you’ll make your apartment quieter and help your puppy become a happier, more well-adjusted companion.In the meantime, consider talking to your neighbors to let them know you’re actively working on the issue. They might be more understanding if they know you’re taking steps to resolve it.
Cathy is a longtime animal advocate, syndicated pet columnist, animal welfare consultant, and children’s author. Send your pet questions to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. For more information on Cathy’s books, posters, stickers and tattoos, and workshops, visit CathyRosenthal.com.
