Barking

[Betty]

I've just had our next door neighbour round telling me 'they've had terrible trouble with Roxy barking all day'.  After I pointed out that she hadn't been as I had been in the house most of the day too she managed to say well it is when you go out.  I explained that Roxy was still only 6 months and going through a second round of teething.  The reply - we want you to move her into the kitchen.

I could do this, although I'm relucant to do it because they told me too, it certainly isn't particulary convienent either.  I always leave Roxy with a toy, a treat and water in her crate when I go out.  Is there anything else I could do?

Need some positivity ~ feeling a bit rubbish now.  Wish I'd been round to complain everytime their 6 cats use our front garden for their toilet.....

[mooching]

I was wondering if you had any way of checking to see how much noise there actually is (or isn't)? Do you have, or do you know anyone with, say, a dictating machine, so that you could find out? Or a friend who lives nearby who could let you know?

Could I also ask for how long you leave her each day?

[Betty]

The longest she ever gets left is when I go to work (4 pm's a week) roughly 3 hours never more than 4.  She always gets a good walk before I go so she should be tired enough to sleep through I would have thought.

[elaine.e]

Have you tried leaving her with a Kong? I use one for Louis sometimes and depending on what it contains it can keep him occupied for quite a while. There's a few threads on here about Kong fillings and if you do a search you should find them. You could try putting some of her kibble in it along with something licky like Primula cheese, mashed banana or peanut butter (unsalted). I think some people use tinned tuna or natural yogurt. If you freeze the Kong it will last Roxy even longer.

I leave the radio on when I'm out and turn it up quite loud to try and lessen any sounds from outside the house that might trigger barking. It also makes the house sound more normal as the TV or radio are usually on when we're in.

One more thought is what is your routine when you leave Roxy? Do you keep it fairly low key and relaxed? I try to but often fail if I'm running late and I'm sure that puts the dogs on edge and makes them think that my leaving the house is something for them to worry about.

Good luck

PS. I know what you mean about neighbour's cats. My back garden has become a cat lavatory since a nearby neighbour took in 2 rescue cats a few months ago

[mooching]

The longest she ever gets left is when I go to work (4 pm's a week) roughly 3 hours never more than 4.  She always gets a good walk before I go so she should be tired enough to sleep through I would have thought.

Then, as I said before, I would definitely suggest borrowing (or even buying - dictating machines aren't that expensive) some kind of recording equipment to see just what the problem is or isn't before you decide on any course of action.

[mooching]

Sorry, just one more question: where is her crate at the moment? Why does the neighbour think that you moving her into the kitchen would make any difference? (is it soundproofed? lol)

[Sheepscheeks]

Just wanted to send hugs as I know how other people's comments can make you feel rubbish (I had an incident with Freddie and 2 chihuahuas which resulted in criticism from chihuahua owners).

You have already had lots of great advice and I can't add any more really. I leave Freddie max 4 hours in 1 go and he has a kong and the radio left on. He is in the kitchen with a stair gate across the doorway - his crate is open for him to sleep in although I'm convinced he pulls the blanket off the top to sleep on! I keep our departure low key. He knows when DD2 and I are putting shoes/coats on that he will be left - often goes in his crate. I put the kong on the back door mat and leave saying "Seeya Fred" or words to that effect. I don't think he barks. He's always quiet when I get back - usually stretching and yawning from being asleep! He can't see out of the window and the radio drowns out outside noises. Haven't had any complaints anyway.

Hope you can resolve the situation without falling out with the neighbours. 

[SkyeSue]

I definitely agree with setting up a recording system whilst you're out so you can hear EXACTLY what the level of barking is. Roxy might also be suffering a bit of separation anxiety  - Mark put an excellent post about this a few months back - if you're interested and can't find it, pm me.
Good post from Sheepscheeks 

[Betty]

Thanks
Will def try all your advice ~ I really don't want to be moving the crate from dining room to kitchen everytime I go out.

Too be honest if I was them I would have complained about the noise from my 5 and 7 year old boys before the dog. I know I do!!

[Ian B]

It is a bit rubbish when people complain about your dog - we've had it happen twice.
Do you leave a radio on when you go out?
Also if you have a computer with a webcam in the same room that you leave Roxy you can most likely set the webcam to record to the hard drive.
All you need do is point the camera at her cage and start the recording when you go out. This is more useful than just an audio recording because being able to see her behaviour can help determine the reason for any barking she may do.

I've had to sit through hours of recordings of our four due to complaints of them nuisance barking (proven to be untrue) and it's good to see how they amuse themselves when we are not with them.
I had to rewind and re-watch about a dozen times the bit when Jarvis fell out of the chair when he rolled over in his sleep.

[SkyeSue]

This thread makes me feel very relieved that I don't have close neighbours!

[Betty]

I have just looked at the local property lists!!

[mooching]

Will def try all your advice ~ I really don't want to be moving the crate from dining room to kitchen everytime I go out.

I'm curious: *IF* Roxy is barking when you are out, why does the neighbour want her to be in your kitchen instead of your dining room?

[CJ]

Just wanted to send hugs as I know how other people's comments can make you feel rubbish (I had an incident with Freddie and 2 chihuahuas which resulted in criticism from chihuahua owners).

You have already had lots of great advice and I can't add any more really. I leave Freddie max 4 hours in 1 go and he has a kong and the radio left on. He is in the kitchen with a stair gate across the doorway - his crate is open for him to sleep in although I'm convinced he pulls the blanket off the top to sleep on! I keep our departure low key. He knows when DD2 and I are putting shoes/coats on that he will be left - often goes in his crate. I put the kong on the back door mat and leave saying "Seeya Fred" or words to that effect. I don't think he barks. He's always quiet when I get back - usually stretching and yawning from being asleep! He can't see out of the window and the radio drowns out outside noises. Haven't had any complaints anyway.

Hope you can resolve the situation without falling out with the neighbours. 

  think this is the best advice going, and don't forget she is still a baby; she needs time to get into a routine.  I work full time (before there are gasps of horror, I'm only half a mile up the road and back at lunchtime) and mine get a walk before I go to work, a wee stop at lunch time, and a walk as soon as I get in at teatime.  They are so used to the routine now (6yrs old and 2yrs old) that if I'm a bit late, they are in their crates waiting for me to clear off.  It just may take a little time, but she'll get there.  Try not to be upset (easier said than done) at your neighbours comments.