Howwrroooooooo!!!! Sad, lonely, anxious or bored — dogs that aren’t happy when you leave can make a lot of noise trying to let you know! Separation anxiety takes many forms, and has many different levels of intensity. One of the signs can be a dog crying, howling, barking or otherwise vocalizing when left alone. Your canine crooner may not be hurting himself or anyone (or anything!) with this behavior, but unless you live in a soundproof studio or way out in the country, dogs howling can certainly cause problems with your neighbors! Also, it is a very audible communication from your dog to you, or whoever might be within earshot, that your dog is unhappy. Your dog may have felt “abandoned” before, and if he’s not well-balanced through training, routine and exercise, loosing his protector can feel unbearable. The good news is there are lots of things you can try to reduce and eliminate dog crying when left alone!
1. Set a reliable daily routine.
Some newly adopted dogs may vocalize at first when they are left alone, as they are getting used to their new home. Even dogs you’ve had for a while can be upset by changes in their routine, such as your work hours changing, a new roommate, etc. which can lead to dog crying. Put your dog on a very consistent, reliable routine and giving him time to adjust – at least one week of the same schedule (of eating, playing, & exercise) every day. That includes weekend days! Even if your hour-by-hour schedule varies day to day, make sure your dog’s stays exactly the same.
2. Give regular daily exercise.
Unspent energy builds up in a dog (just like a human kid) and needs to come out somehow. Better it be running around the block with you, then singing the classics while you’re gone! Take him for a walk right before you leave. Or engage in an intense play session or other exercise. Make it long enough to tire him out, so he’ll be more likely to sleep while you are gone. And guess what – exercise releases serotonin in a dog’s brain, just like in humans! Serotonin causes a happy calming feeling, and exercise is a way to get it instantly and safely into your dog’s brain, without giving him any drugs.
3. Leave the TV or radio on when you leave.
A talk radio station or a news TV channel with people talking general works the best. Put the volume as loud as people would be talking in your home. Some dogs may be calmed by classical music.
4. Give him a “food puzzle” toy.
Give it to him right before you go, so he will be busy trying to get the food out of them while you are gone. Make sure you get the right size toy for your size dog. Even better, buy four or more different toys, and rotate, so one “new” one each day, putting the “old” one away.Take a look at our Puzzle Toys Pinterest board for inspiration on recipes, DIY toy making, and more.
5. Desensitize him to your leaving.
You want to “fake” him out the next dozen times you leave to start addressing the dog crying behavior. Only go down the hallway to your front door, or down the driveway, then come back… then go down the hallway/block and wait 5 minutes, then come back… then actually leave. He will then think that you are coming back right away and will be less likely to cry. Make sure to combine this with #6….
6. Don’t make a big deal about leaving.
When you are getting ready to leave, gather up your things and leave as if you are coming right back – NO hugs, kisses, or dramatic farewell. Don’t say “Goodbye sweetie pie! It will be OK! Mommy will be back soon!” This just gives him a huge alert that you’re leaving, possibly forever – an hour can feel like forever to a dog!
7. Don’t make a big deal when you come home.
Follow the same low-key no big deal when you return. This is the hardest for humans! Ignore any attention-seeking (jumping, going crazy) and only reward your dog with calm love and affection when they are ALSO calm, at least 5 minutes after you’ve come home. (You can take them outside immediately if they have to go potty, but do so calmly without fanfare, as you’d do if you’d been home already.)
8. Crate train.
Use our crate training article to see if you can crate train your dog. Some dogs become more anxious in a crate — so take the crate training slowly to see how your dog reacts and if helps the vocalizing or makes it worse. Adult dogs can often be crate trained for up to 4 hour stretches during the day. After you’ve followed the crate training steps, you’ll want to gradually increase the amount of time you’re leaving the dog in the crate, and then gradually increase the time (by 5 minute increments) the time you’re out of the house while he’s in the crate. You might want to try an airline crate so its darker and more secure feeling than a wire crate, or have the crate in a darker room. Don’t use a blanket to cover the crate – a dog can pull a blanket inside and eat it. Make sure you only use a chew-proof crate pad too.
9. Dog walker/sitter/day care.
Doggie day care can be a daily or occasional way for dogs who enjoy playing with other dogs to get lots of exercise and be happier and less anxious on days when they are left at home. Daily dog walkers or sitters can also add just enough extra exercise and attention into your dog’s routine to alleviate dog crying when left alone.
10. Try natural homeopathic anxiety remedies.
One popular brand is Rescue Remedy. You can put it in your dog’s mouth, on a treat, or in their drinking water. Some pets seem more affected by it than others, but it can’t hurt. You can also try a “DAP” (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) collar or plug-in, available at pet retailers or from your vet.
11. Try a ThunderShirt.
Many rescuers report that a ThunderShirt will work miracles on a dog that cries when left alone. The shirt creates a mild pressure on the dog’s body, similar to swaddling for a baby, that helps to ease anxiety.
12. Adopt a friend!
This can be an instant cure for some dogs – adopt them a canine friend! Some dogs, especially those with high pack instincts like Siberian Huskies, simply do not do well being left alone, ever. Finding a good match for your dog but who is calm and happy when you leave can have a wonderful soothing effect stop dog crying when your pooch is left alone.
What about medication?
There are a few medications (like “doggie prozac”) that your vet can prescribe that may help either relieve anxiety or sedate your dog. Some dogs experience aggression as a side-effect, so proceed with caution. In emergency situations (life if a dog is going to lose their home due to noise complaints) using a humane spray “bark collar” that sprays when the dog barks can work instantly. But with other dogs, a spray collar only increases their anxiety, and then there are others who quickly figure out just how loud they can cry & whimper without setting it off. I mention medication and the collars in case all the above has failed you, and are at the point where you will try anything to be able to keep your dog quiet, so you can keep your dog.
That’s a lot of ideas and you can try a combination to see what works best for your dog — every dog is an individual and responds differently! Dog crying when left alone is not an uncommon problem, especially for a dog in a new home. There are more complex “desensitizing” training that can be done too, but it takes more time – and instructions! How do you know if what you are doing is working? We know of one adopter who installed a webcam! Super smart, and they could see instantly how their new puppy was staying upset for less time each day – and when he’d put his Snoopy stuffed toy in the water bowl for a drink!
Don’t be too hard on yourself if these tips are not successful for you. There are dogs that have more severe anxiety and sometimes at home modifications and medications do not work. It also may not be possible to fully implement all of these ideas, for example, adopting a second dog may not be feasible where you live. If you are struggling with a more severe situation where your dog is injuring himself or the howling is causing landlord issues, it’s a good idea to seek out a certified animal behaviorist or a certified professional dog trainer.