My dog howls the whole time I'm at work. Neighbours are noticing
Our rescue dog is fine when we are home, but my partner says the neighbour in the next condo unit mentioned howling for hours after we leave. We both work in the office three days a week. Has anyone solved separation anxiety without giving up the job? What actually worked for you, and what did not?
4 answers
A pet camera showed us he was fine for the first 20 minutes, then it got bad. We hired a dog walker to come midday on office days, which cut the howling a lot. Ask your vet if it is severe, as some dogs need professional help.
HelpfulIf you can, daycare two days a week gave our dog a tired, happy evening and a quiet neighbour. Ours now sleeps through the whole afternoon, and the neighbours even send a thumbs up now when they see us in the lift. Persistence pays off.
HelpfulWe started with very short absences, five minutes then ten, and left a worn T-shirt with her. We also gave a frozen Kong right as we walked out, so leaving became the good part. A morning walk before work helped too. It took about a month.
HelpfulDon't make a big goodbye or hello. It sounds harsh, but calm leaving and coming back lowers the drama. Radio on low also helped ours. Also, keep goodbyes boring, give a frozen treat before leaving, and accept that progress comes in small steps. Celebrate every quiet afternoon, it adds up quickly.
Helpful