Excessive barking can happen for many reasons, including frustration, attention-seeking, defensive or territorial behaviour, fear, separation anxiety or excitement.
Using a video device to record your dog’s behaviour and barking while not home can help you to identify the cause.
Once you know what’s triggering their barking, it will be easier to find solutions to reduce and prevent it.
To learn more, read our Guide to Excessive Barking.
If your dog barks at the window because they’re triggered by what’s happening outside, block their vision through that window – especially when you are not home.
Consider hanging curtains or blinds you can close, a window film, or use a baby gate to stop them from getting to the area where the window is.
If your dog’s behaviour changes primarily when they are left alone, they may have separation anxiety.
Our guide on separation anxiety will help you identify symptoms and provide tips on what to do and not do when addressing separation anxiety.
Crate training is a practical way to keep your dog safe while they cannot be supervised.
By slowly introducing your dog to a crate and making it a comfortable, positive space for them, they can learn to enjoy time in their crate.
Read our step-by-step guide on crate training your dog and work up to leaving them in the crate unsupervised. If you need a crate, check out our very own Bingo’s Pet Shop to find one that would work for your pet.
If you need a crate and are unable to purchase one, contact our Pet Pantry.
Find a pet sitter or friend/family member who can do drop-in home visits while you’re out for the day or provide daytime care at their home.
You can find a pet sitter near you through sites like Rover.
Read our guide about choosing a boarding facility or pet sitter to learn more.
Providing enrichment for your dog helps with both their physical and mental health, allowing them to express natural behaviours and prevent unwanted ones.
Check out our Canine Enrichment Guide for ideas.
If your dog’s behaviour has changed, they should be taken to a veterinarian.
A sudden change in behaviour can be a sign of a health issue or pain.
In some cases, a veterinarian may also prescribe behaviour medication to help modify their behaviour and/or reduce anxiety and stress.
You can find a veterinary clinic in your area using the ABVMA Directory.
EHS has a free pet behaviour hotline where you can get the advice of an expert trainer by calling 780-491-3521 or emailing us.
You can also book a private behaviour consultation to put together a customized plan with our trainers.
For advice on finding a trainer, see our guide on choosing the right pet training.
Whether your dog doesn’t like to be left alone or has excess energy, a professional dog walker can help break up a long day if they’re alone, give them a bathroom break, and get them extra active time.
Do your research to find the dog walker that’s best for your dog and use our guide to help with your search.
Daycares can help with giving your dog time to socialize with other dogs and people, keeping them busy while you’re away from the house for the day.
Do your research to find a facility that suits your dog and use our guide for advice on what questions to ask.
For dogs with excess energy, taking a training class together or learning a new dog sport can give them a positive outlet for physical and mental activity.
EHS offers a variety of classes, such as Brain Busters to introduce them to trick training, scent detection and other fun games, as well as agility.
If these options haven’t worked for you, you can return to our HELP Tool to find more ideas tailored to different concerns.
If you’re thinking of re-homing your pet, we recommend taking steps to find them a new home yourself before bringing them to a rescue or shelter. Pets often do better if they can go directly to a new family. For tips on how to responsibly rehome your pet, read our guide.
If you still have questions or want to talk about other options, please submit a support request below and a member of our team will get in touch with you.