Expert: Susan Downes - 8/6/2007

Question
Hello,
I have an 8 pound male Maltese that barks non-stop while we are out of the house. I would like to know how can I make him stop. I looked at the non bark collars and found them to be expensive. I know for sure that the no shock collar will not work because annoying sounds don't work on my dog. Is there a muzzle that I can use that will stop the barking but still allow drinking and panting? If not, what kind of shock collar should I use because I will try to find a used one. I need to stop the barking or my dog will have to go.
Irene

Answer
Hi Irene, You did not tell me how old the dog is, but since it is 8 pounds, I am going to assume that it is an adult. Your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. You should crate train him properly. Try putting one of your old socks, which you did not launder, in his crate with a chewy, nylabone, cow hoof or knuckle bone to chew on. If he is young, you could put a doggie heating pad under his blanket in the crate with a tick-tock clock to give him a sense of security. You can leave the crate door open and feed him in there, so that he becomes used to feeling that it is a good place to be, not a place of punishment or abandonment. If you are planning on showing him or taking him places, he will need to be crate trained and it is a good thing for dogs to know. But you may have to go slowly with him. Read up on proper crate training. Properly crate trained dogs go in the crate on their own because it is their den, a place of security and peace. Please try out some of these suggestions and let me know how it goes with him. Also,please leave me some feedback, nominations if you wish, and let me know the outcome. I honestly do care about every one of you and your canine partners, or I would not be volunteering my nights to to this, so please keep me posted on you and your new companion. I would really appreciate it. Thank you. Regards, Susan