Expert: Kaza - 3/9/2010

Question
I adopted an adorable bichon 3 years old. Her owner had to go into hospice. She barks constantly but only when I leave her home alone. She is crated when I go out. My neighbors are complaining she barks for a long time stops for a bit then starts again. I don,t want to give her up, but if the neighbors complain enough the condo commitee will make me give her up or move. I am not moving. Help

Answer
Yes this is inevitable and must be addressed asap.
I take it that she isnt crate trained, as such she will continue to bark as this is her demanding your attention to come back to her, commonly called separation anxiety.
You must buy a good sized crate that can be covered over 3 sides once you leave the room. start by placing her in the crate for about 5 mins daily then build up to 30 mins then increase to 3-4 hours, opening the crate you shouldnt do it unless you can devote enough quality time to her immediately however its important not to make a huge fuss as this will set you back.
Once crate trained her barking will cease to be a problem.

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