Home › Barking when left alone
How to Stop a Dog Barking When Left Alone
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend. How we make money.
Boredom or separation anxiety?
| Boredom barking | Separation-related distress | |
|---|---|---|
| When it starts | Random, often after a while | Within minutes of you leaving |
| Other signs | Barks at noises, then settles | Pacing, panting, drooling, whining, chewing doors or windows, accidents |
| When you get home | Normal greeting | Frantic greeting |
| Main fix | Exercise, enrichment, noise masking | Gradual practice with short absences, vet support |
The American Kennel Club recommends a pet camera or a barking monitor app to see what's going on, including whether a squirrel at the window is the real trigger.
If your dog is bored
- Exercise first. A good walk or game before you go. The AKC suggests a midday dog walker for long workdays.
- Leave a job. A stuffed, frozen chew toy or a treat puzzle given as you leave.
- Cover the noise. A radio, TV or fan masks the sounds that set off alert barking.
- Block the window if your dog barks at people outside.
If your dog is anxious
- Talk to your vet. For severe anxiety, a vet may prescribe medication to use alongside training, then phase it out.
- Practice tiny absences. Step out for a few seconds, come back, and reward calm behavior. Build up slowly. The AKC notes that adding too much time at once won't work.
- Make departures boring. Keep comings and goings low-key so leaving isn't a big event.
- Avoid long absences while you train if you can. A sitter, daycare or a friend can help.
- Never punish. Your dog isn't being spiteful. It's distressed, and punishment adds stress.
Got a complaint from a neighbor or landlord? See what to do.
If progress stalls, a certified separation anxiety trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help. Some online vet services can also discuss anxiety treatment with you.
Not sure why your dog is barking?
Take our free 60-second quiz. It matches your dog's barking to its most likely cause and gives you a plan for that type.
Take the barking quizCommon questions
How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?
Signs include barking or howling that starts soon after you leave, plus pacing, drooling, panting, chewing doors or windows, or accidents only when alone. A pet camera can show you what happens. Your vet can confirm it and rule out other causes.
Will getting a second dog stop the barking?
Sometimes, if your dog is bored or lonely. But dogs with true separation anxiety are usually attached to their people, so a second dog often doesn't help. Try training first.
Is crating a dog that barks when alone a good idea?
Only if your dog is already relaxed in a crate. A crate can make a panicked dog more distressed and can lead to injuries.
Want a step-by-step plan instead of piecing tips together?
Brain Training for Dogs is an online course by certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli (CPDT-KA). It uses reward-based games to build focus and self-control, which is what most barking problems come down to. It costs about $47, one time.
See the courseRead our review first