You probably want to know how to stop your dog from barking once you leave the house. If you are among the canine owners that ask themselves, "How can I stop my dog from barking after I leave the house," or are desperately searching for an online answer to "How can I stop my dog barking," you need to train your dog and learn a few tricks that can stop your pet from making noise while you're gone.
Why Do Dogs Bark When You Leave
Your dog may receive training on how to sit and follow a few basic commands, but you may not be able to stop his barking when you leave the house. He'll start barking or whining when you leave, because he fears that you'll abandon him.
Train Your Dog
Your dog may be trained to stop barking when you leave, but you will need to know what commands to use to calm him. In the beginning, you won't be able to leave you dog at home for several hours without him starting to bark and becoming anxious. You should know that the training will be gradual and you need to get your dog used to your schedule.
First and foremost, you have to teach yourself not to give in to your dog's blackmail (whining or barking). You need to get him used to the idea that you will only come back when you can, not when he asks you to. This may be difficult and heartbreaking in the beginning, but in time, your dog will learn that he cannot blackmail you.
Gradual Training
Gradual training is important when you want a well behaved dog. The dog can be left at home alone for 10 minutes at first. He may bark, but when he sees that you are returning shortly, he will not be as stressed. Leave several times on the same day and return in a few minutes, so the dog sees that you always return. As you advance in the training, you can leave for several hours.
Rewards for Good Behavior
Whenever you return, you need to give some sort of reward to your dog. This reward may be anything from a hug to a treat.
How to Prepare When Leaving
When leaving, you may have to prepare, but your dog must not see when you prepare. The entire process of preparation will stress him even more. You can hide in the bathroom while you prepare, or get ready to leave while you also play with your pet. Some owners will put the dog in his crate, while others will leave the dog in the house, but give him a toy or an activity to do. This way, he'll be occupied when you leave and won't be affected by the fact that you're gone.