Excessive Dog Barking When I Leave [Tips & Techniques To Hush Your Puppies]

It's hard to leave our dogs when we go to work or on a trip. And it's hard for our dogs too! They hate when we leave and can become lonely, bored, and even anxious.

 

There are a lot of reasons dogs bark in general, including when we leave the house and they're left home alone. If you don't want your dog to bark every time you're away (and get complaints from the neighbor because your dog barks excessively), the first thing to do is pinpoint why your dog is barking and what's triggering them.

 

Then, you can find natural ways, maybe even seeking help from a certified applied animal behaviorist, to stop your pup's ferocious dog bark when left alone.

 

 

Common Types of Dog Barking

Dog barking is one of the louder ways pups communicate with each other and with us. To better express themselves to humans, dogs will use a variety of different barks. It can be a good thing when they alarm us of an intruder or some kind of danger but it can become excessive and need correction:

 

• Territorial Barking: Many dogs naturally exhibit territorial behavior, which often leads to barking when they perceive a threat to their space. You can identify territorial barking if your dog's behavior changes—becoming more alert or aggressive—when a person, animal, or even another dog approaches what they consider their territory. This territory typically includes your home or yard but can extend to areas like your car, the sidewalk, or any location your dog frequently visits.
• Alarm Barking: Alarm barking occurs when your dog reacts to a sudden noise or sight, signaling that something unusual is happening. This type of barking serves as a warning, alerting you to potential threats like a stranger at the door or unexpected weather. Unlike territorial barking, alarm barking isn't limited to familiar locations; it can happen anywhere, even outside your home, as it's more about responding to unfamiliar stimuli rather than defending a specific space.
• Greeting Bark: A greeting bark is typically more relaxed than an alarm bark, often accompanied by a wagging tail and possibly some whining. Unlike the aggressive tone and stiff body language seen in alarm barking, a greeting bark signals your dog's excitement to see familiar people or other animals. It's your dog's way of expressing happiness and enthusiasm when encountering those they are fond of.
• Attention-Seeking Bark: Dogs quickly learn that barking persistently can effectively capture your attention. This type of barking is a common behavior they use to communicate their needs or desires. Whether they're hungry, want a toy, crave attention, or are eager for playtime, your dog may bark to make sure you notice them.
• Frustrated Barking: Frustrated barking occurs when dogs are unable to achieve something they desire, similar to a child yelling or crying out of frustration. Your dog might start barking when they're restrained or tied up but want to be near you. This type of barking is also common when they see another dog or animal they want to interact with but can't reach.
• Bored Barking: Bored barking often occurs when dogs lack the stimulation they need to stay engaged and content. Dogs require a certain amount of social interaction, physical exercise, training, and mental challenges to keep them occupied. When they're left alone for long periods or have little to do, they may start barking out of boredom.
• Compulsive Barking: Compulsive barking is characterized by repetitive, almost obsessive behavior, where your dog barks continuously and may engage in other repetitive actions like running back and forth, pacing, or circling. This type of barking is often linked to underlying anxiety, stress, or nervousness.
• Social Barking: Social barking occurs when dogs bark in response to other dogs barking, often as a form of communication or mimicry. If your dog hears a neighbor's dog barking in the distance, they might instinctively join in, feeling compelled to participate in the canine conversation. This behavior is common among many dogs, especially those who haven't been properly socialized. Early socialization is crucial for dogs, as it helps them learn appropriate responses to other dogs and reduces the likelihood of excessive barking triggered by social cues.

 

 

Why Does My Dog Bark When I Leave?

Dogs are social creatures. They love to hang out with us, even if we are reading in bed or doing laundry. And they like to be brought with us to the park, on errands, and even on trips. So it's no surprise that dogs get upset when we leave. Some dogs will react to us leaving by barking. But what does this mean

 

 

Separation Anxiety

Barking is often a behavior associated with separation anxiety. This is when a dog feels anxious and upset about being away from you. It goes beyond just being sad you're gone and leads to many destructive and anxious behaviors. According to the ASPCA, here are some common symptoms of a dog with separation anxiety:

 

• Urinating or defecating
• Destructive behavior, like chewing and scratching
• Excessive barking and howling
• Trying to escape
• Change of Family

 

Dogs get extremely attached to their owners. So when they are surrendered to a shelter or given to a new family, dogs can develop separation anxiety. They get scared that you may be gone forever when you leave. This fear often manifests in behaviors like excessive barking, whining, or destructive behavior when left alone. It's important for new pet parents to be patient and provide reassurance to help their dog adjust to their new environment and build a sense of security.

 

 

Fear of Being Alone

Many dogs, especially young puppies, get scared when you leave them home alone. This is similar to separation anxiety, except that instead of barking because they want their owner to come back, they bark because they are afraid of being left alone. The excessive barking in this scenario comes from fear rather than desire. You can address the problem by making the home safe and comfortable for your anxious dog.

 

 

Change in Their Schedule

Dogs can adjust to patterns and schedules, sort of like us. When that schedule changes, dogs can get a bit anxious. If you leave for longer than usual or go on vacation, your dog may start to feel stressed about the sudden change. This anxiety can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, pacing, or destructive behavior as your dog tries to cope with the disruption in their familiar routine. Maintaining consistency or gradually introducing changes can help reduce your dog's stress during such transitions.

 

 

Loss Of a Loved One

If a family member, two-legged or four-legged, passes away or leaves, dogs can sometimes develop separation anxiety. They might become worried about you leaving as well whenever you leave the house, not understanding what's permanent and what's just a new in-office job for their pet parents.

 

This anxiety can manifest when you leave the house, as your dog struggles to distinguish between temporary absences and permanent loss. Without understanding the situation, they may become overly clingy, worried, or exhibit behaviors like excessive barking or whining when you're gone. Providing extra comfort and maintaining a consistent routine can help ease their anxiety during this difficult time.

 

 

Is It Common for a Dog to Bark When Left Alone?

Yes! When dogs are alone for long periods, they grow bored or sad. This can lead to unhappy puppy barking. Howling, barking, and whining are common ways dogs express themselves. But when the dog barking is excessive and repetitive, it may signify that your dog has separation anxiety or another serious problem. If your dog's barking becomes a consistent problem, it's important to address it promptly to ensure their well-being and prevent the behavior from escalating.

 

 

How to Train a Dog to Stop Barking When You Leave

Don't worry if your dog barks while you're away. This is completely normal. If it's just a case of your dog being sad and lonely, there are, luckily, natural home remedies and training tips that'll keep your dog calm and comforted while you're gone:

 

 

Don't Respond to Barking

A good first step on how to get your dog to stop barking is to ignore the barking. When you're home and hear your dog barking, don't respond or react. This will teach your dog that barking gets attention, which encourages them to do the same when you're gone. Instead, say "quiet" in a calm, firm voice (not loudly) and then only acknowledge your dog once they are silent. Reward them with a treat or attention once they stop barking.

 

 

Reward the Absence of Barking

Any professional dog trainer will tell you that positive reinforcement for proper behavior is much more effective than punishment for unwanted behavior. When your dog does stop barking, reward them. A delicious treat like HolistaPet's premium CBD treats and soft chews can do the trick ! It might take a few weeks, but your dog will come to associate being quiet with the positive experience of getting a treat in due time.

 

 

Get Them Tired

One of the ways on how to stop a dog from barking when you leave is to tire them out beforehand. Start by engaging your dog in a vigorous play session—whether it's a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or letting them run freely in the backyard. A long walk or a run can also help expend their energy. The goal is to make sure your dog is physically exhausted so that they're more likely to rest and relax in your absence.

 

 

Try CBD Treats

Any dog loves a good treat, and one that can help relax them is even better. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid within the hemp plant. It's a natural compound that benefits your dog's overall well-being due to the way it interacts with their endocannabinoid system (ECS). Not only that, CBD dog treats taste great and often carry tons of healthy supplements to keep most dogs crate training ready!

 

Our Calming Treats include l-theanine, a supplement backed by science that offers anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects that can help your dog in times of stress. Give your dog CBD treats before you leave, soothing and relaxing them. It will take your dog about 30 minutes or less to feel the effects. Your dog will be less nervous and stressed, which will help them to feel calm while you're away. You can even try adding CBD for dogs to their kibble to give them additional benefits!

 

 

Give Them Distractions

To keep your dog from excessive barking while you're away, it's important to provide them with distractions that engage their mind and keep them occupied. Offering activities and toys that stimulate your dog mentally can significantly reduce their urge to bark out of boredom or anxiety. Consider leaving them with a squeaky ball or a puzzle toy that dispenses treats, which can keep them entertained for an extended period as they work to get the reward.

 

 

Provide Familiar Sounds

If your dog is afraid of being left alone, you need to remind them that the home is a safe place even when you aren't there. In order to do this, it helps to recreate the sounds that are typically present in their environment when you are home. If you often watch TV or listen to music at home, try leaving them on when you leave the house, so your dog has a familiar sound to comfort them.

 

You can also use a device like an Amazon Echo or Google Nest and have a video call to monitor your dog's behavior. Sure, they won't be able to hold up a conversation on the call, but if your dog barks excessively, the sound of your voice can really help to calm them down during these times.

 

 

Citronella Collars

Citronella oil comes from lemongrass plants. Its scent appears to bother dogs, making it a powerful, albeit negative, incentive to stop unwanted behavior. Citronella bark collars have a microphone, and they release a quick spritz of citronella "tough love" when they catch your dog barking excessively.

 

Many people consider citronella candles to be a humane alternative to more traditional anti-bark collars that deliver an electric shock to the dog. However, you should be cautious with any form of barking collar because they don't always function correctly. They might pick up the sound of other dogs barking and punish your pup for something they didn't do.

 

 

Non-collar Anti-barking Devices

There are several alternatives to a barking collar that you might want to try. One option is a free-standing anti-barking device in your home. These detect barking and respond by emitting a high-pitched sound that only a dog can hear. Perhaps the best way to curb unwanted barking is to offer your dog a distraction.

 

It might surprise you to hear this, but a standard chew toy can be an even more effective anti-barking device than a collar. Toys keep your dog engaged and distract them from any fears that may cause them to bark. This is another reason that treat-dispensing toys are so effective when training pets.

 

 

Are Anti-barking Shock Collars Cruel?

We believe that these collars are not only cruel but ineffective as well. How would you feel if someone strapped a pain-inducing device to your neck? These collars present the same reaction as citronella collars in that they can be triggered by other dogs barking. Shock collars can't distinguish between problematic barking and normal canine behavior.

 

Not all barking is an issue, and it isn't fair to punish your dog for natural instincts like happily barking to welcome you home. Using this kind of collar is far more likely to increase your dog's fear and distress than reduce them. It might get them to stop barking, but they will replace it with other fearful behaviors like hiding under the furniture.

 

Beware of any dog trainers who promote these collars and look for alternative deterrents. Citronella collars could be acceptable as a last resort, but you should try every alternative first. The best way to approach problem behaviors like excessive barking is by engaging the dog through toys and treats. Positive reinforcement is also key.

 

 

Get Another Dog for Companionship

If your dog deals with severe separation anxiety or fears of being alone, they could benefit from having another dog in the home. When you have multiple pets, they can keep each other company during the hours when you aren't home. Introducing a new pet to the home can be a bit tricky, especially if your first dog is very territorial. Fortunately, the Humane Society has some great tips for introducing new pets to your home.

 

You need to be patient, keeping the dogs separate for a period and gradually letting them spend more and more time together. Of course, this will be a lot easier if you have small dogs and/or a home large enough to accommodate multiple pets. If you don't have the space or resources to own multiple dogs, that's perfectly understandable. You can still take your pet to a doggy daycare where they can socialize with other dogs and get obedience lessons.

 

 

Hire a Dog Trainer

When your dog's barking gets out of hand, you can always benefit from turning to the professionals. Find a trainer or daycare center that your pup can go to at least once a week for a few months to learn essential skills and build confidence. It won't be enough just to leave your dog with a trainer all day

 

You need to take a hands-on role in your dog's training so that they learn to obey you, not just the trainer. A good trainer will work closely with you and your dog to build behavioral skills like how to maintain focus through eye contact and stop barking on command.

 

 

Hire a Dog Sitter

Some dogs may stay bored, even if surrounded by toys if there's nobody to play with. To break up the day, have someone come and walk your dog. This will let out some excess energy, which will make your dog calmer in the house. It will also allow your dog to socialize a bit and not feel as frustrated and lonely. If you're leaving for a longer amount of time, like for the weekend, you might even want to consider leaving your dog at a daycare or doggy inn. You can also hire a live-in dog sitter who keeps your dog company throughout a vacation or business trip.

 

 

Related: More Dog Care Tips

 

 

Final Thoughts - Excessive Dog Barking When I Leave

Dogs don't like when we leave, and it can even make them feel anxious. Separation anxiety is quite common for dogs, especially if they are rescue dogs or you recently moved homes.

 

But there are ways to help relieve your dog of stress when you're away and they're home alone. This can include CBD for dogs and hiring a dog walker. This will ensure that your dog is calmer and less stressed when you're not home. Check out our variety of high-quality CBD products and exciting special offers on our website!