How to Quiet a Barking Dog While You’re at Work

Dealing with a barking dog while you’re at work can be frustrating, both for you and your neighbors. Dogs bark for various reasons, from boredom and anxiety to a need for attention or protection. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to reduce or eliminate excessive barking while you’re away from home.

1. Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation

One of the most common reasons for a dog to bark excessively is boredom. Dogs are social animals that need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, especially when they’re left alone. Without enough stimulation, they may start barking to pass the time or to get attention.

To address this, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave for work. A long walk, a run, or a vigorous play session can help burn off excess energy, making it more likely that your dog will rest while you’re gone. Physical activity also has the benefit of reducing anxiety, which can contribute to barking.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important. You can engage your dog’s brain with puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys, which can keep them busy for hours. These toys require the dog to work for their food, offering both mental and physical stimulation.

2. Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Establishing a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime can help ease your dog’s anxiety and prevent them from becoming agitated when you’re away. If your dog knows when to expect you to leave and return, they may feel more secure and less likely to bark.

Leaving at the same time every day and using similar departure cues can help reduce the stress of you leaving. Similarly, always returning home at the same time can help your dog anticipate your arrival and reduce separation anxiety.

3. Use Calming Products

There are several calming products available that may help your dog relax while you’re away. These products can reduce anxiety, which is often a major cause of excessive barking. Some options include:

• Thundershirt: This is a snug-fitting garment designed to provide gentle pressure to your dog’s torso, which has a calming effect for some dogs.

• Calming collars: These collars contain pheromones or calming scents that can help reduce anxiety.

• Aromatherapy: Certain scents, like lavender, are known to have a calming effect on dogs. You can use a diffuser or a calming spray to create a peaceful environment.

• CBD oil: Some pet owners have found that giving their dog CBD oil helps reduce anxiety and excessive barking. However, always consult with your vet before using any new supplements.

4. Limit Visual Stimulation

Dogs often bark at anything they see through the window, including people walking by, other dogs, or cars. You can limit visual stimulation by using curtains, blinds, or frosted windows to block your dog’s view of the outside world.

Alternatively, creating a designated space for your dog away from windows may help. This could be a room that doesn’t have much outside visibility, which reduces the chances of your dog reacting to passing distractions.

5. Consider Crate Training

Crate training can be a helpful tool for reducing barking, especially for dogs with separation anxiety. The crate should be seen as a safe space where your dog can feel comfortable and secure. By crating your dog while you’re away, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior or excessive barking.

Make sure the crate is not used as a form of punishment, but rather as a positive and cozy retreat. Place comfortable bedding, and maybe even a piece of your clothing, inside the crate to help your dog feel more relaxed.

Start crate training when you’re home to ensure your dog associates it with comfort and security. Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate while you are present, before leaving them alone for longer periods.

6. Teach Your Dog to Be Quiet on Command

Training your dog to be quiet on command can help you manage barking, even when you are not home. The process involves teaching your dog to understand the difference between when it’s okay to bark and when it’s not.

Begin by encouraging your dog to bark on cue. Use a command like “speak” and reward them when they bark. Once your dog understands how to bark on cue, you can then begin teaching the “quiet” command. When your dog stops barking, immediately reward them with a treat. Over time, they will learn that being quiet leads to positive reinforcement.

Though this method requires time and patience, it can be highly effective in managing barking behavior. Once your dog understands the concept of the “quiet” command, they may stop barking on their own when you give the cue.

7. Invest in Interactive Technology

If you’re away from home for long periods, there are several interactive technology options that can help manage your dog’s barking. For example, some pet cameras come with two-way audio, allowing you to speak to your dog and calm them down remotely. You can use these cameras to check in on your dog and provide soothing words or commands to curb the barking.

Additionally, some pet cameras come with treat dispensers, so you can reward your dog when they are quiet, reinforcing the positive behavior.

8. Consult a Professional Trainer or Behaviorist

If your dog’s barking persists despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. A professional can assess your dog’s behavior, identify the root cause of the barking, and develop a tailored plan to address it.

A trainer may recommend behavior modification techniques or suggest other strategies to help reduce your dog’s anxiety or boredom. In some cases, they may even suggest medication or a combination of training and medication if the barking is related to severe anxiety.

9. Consider Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

If you’re away for extended periods, hiring a dog walker or pet sitter can help break up your dog’s day. Having someone come by to walk your dog or give them attention can reduce anxiety and prevent barking from becoming an ongoing issue.

Even a short visit during the day can give your dog a much-needed break, allowing them to expend some energy and calm down before you return home. If hiring a dog walker isn’t feasible, asking a trusted neighbor or friend to help may also be an option.

Conclusion

There are several ways to address excessive barking when you’re away from home. By providing enough physical and mental stimulation, establishing a routine, and using calming products, you can help reduce your dog’s anxiety and barking. Crate training, interactive technology, and professional guidance can also be effective solutions. With the right approach and patience, you can quiet a barking dog while you’re at work, creating a peaceful environment for both your dog and your neighbors.