Say Woof to Barking!

We have lovely new neighbors--with two cute dogs. One can NOT be left home without literally hours of barking. I'm hoping his guardian will accept some free advice.

But it's not FAIR! The pup barks because he's having separation issues. Whose fault is that? Even if a pup is barking for another reason--like boredom--whose fault is that? You can't always take your dog with you everywhere then once in a blue moon leave him alone for eight hours! No fair!

If you have a dog, you have to fix the problems YOU create. Simple, free tips to start making the pup feel better before actual training to fix the anxiety:

1. Don't give the dog the whole apartment. Especially a dog in a NEW place.

2. Try leaving on a radio or TV for distraction noise.

3. Give the dog a LONG walk and some mental training work before you leave.

4. Give the dog something different to do while you're gone: a frozen Kong full of treats!

5. Give the dog a cookie before you leave.

6. Don't make a fuss when you leave or after you return.

Now you can call a trainer to guide you in helping the pup adjust to being on his own.

Here's to a more peaceful life for humans and dogs--and neighbors!