Help keeping my dog quiet in new apartment.

[marimara]

Once again, I'm going to ask the dear MDC mamas for some wise info. We are moving into an apartment this weekend and I have a 12 year old female Jack Russell Terrier. She barks for about 20-30 minutes when we leave the house, then usually goes to sleep. I know this, because I've left to go next door, or something like that and time how long it takes for her to stop barking. Sometimes she barks for longer.

I have tried every tip in the dog manuals when she was a puppy to stop the separation anxiety. On the plus side, they have a dog park at the complex and she will most likely be getting MORE exercise then when in our house w/fenced in yard.

Anyways, tips, stories, is there any hope for an old lady who likes to bark?? I *think* (but not sure) that there is a man who lives right next to us that is home all day (just my luck....). Though I'm not sure yet, but he was there today at 1pm when we dropped some stuff off. He seemed nice.

Btw, I am a SAHM and we'll be home *most* of the time, but I do go places too like the pool at our new apartment

ETA: Ironically, we used to live an apartment when she was younger and I don't remember worrying about her barking (we had another dog too at the time and they BOTH barked, both JRTs). Nobody ever complained either, and I worked ALL day, so did DH. Maybe I'm just more paranoid now that I'm older!

[nannymom]

I don't have any tips but i can comiserate. I have an 11 year old dacshund and he barks like crazy. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. Excersise seems to help reduce the amount of time he barks. I hope you get some good advice.

[mama2toomany]

I don't live in an apartment but I do live on a street with a gentleman that is NOT understanding, he calls the police at any chance he gets if he hears my dog bark or my kids playing lol He really should move to a retirement home if he needs it quiet all the time.

Anyways, My DDB (4) was a big barker, she would bark at birds, people, cars, mailman, but it was the worst when she went outside, she would bark at neighbors like a maniac, she wouldn't stop, cops would come out and they totally understood that it wasn't really a big deal, i would only let her bark for like 5 minutes. It did get old though.

Someone told me to fill a coffee can up half way with coins, put the lid on it, and shake it like nuts at her when she started barking.

So I did, everytime she barked for fun, I would shake the can at her. She rarely barks now. She hated that noise.

She does still do protective barking if she sees someone on our lawn or coming up to the house, she barks a couple of times then settles down, and I like that.

Hope you can fix it!!

[Ola_]

I agree that more exercise will definitely help. So of course you'll want to take her on a good walk (30 min I'd say, depending on her health and energy levels) before you go anywhere. Also, if you can get her interested in some food dispensing toys (Kong-style) it may occupy her for the short period right after you leave. I'd leave the radio on for her also, it will help cover some of the noise as it will likely be more than she's been used to previously. Also, blocking her view of windows may help if she is barking at stuff she sees outside.

But the first thing I would do is bake a big plate of cookies and take it to the neighbour(s). Explain that you're just moving in, your doggie is a little stressed, and if her barking is bothering them to much to call you (give them your number). This will accomplish two things - they will likely be more patient because you put in the effort to talk to them and they know it's something you're working on. And they will hopefully tell you when they're upset about it instead of complaining to the landlord!

Personally I wouldn't use the shake can - though I don't know how you could anyway since you won't be there. Separation anxiety won't get better if you stress her with an aversive. Though that may work when you are home (but I'd probably recommend other methods first).

[marimara]

Great ideas!!!!! I really like the idea of talking w/the neighbor first. I KNOW she'll be getting more exercise since we have to walk her at least 4-5 times a day. Plus the doggie park perks. I'm hoping the combo of these two help.

I did try the shake can thing long ago when she was a puppy to curb her barking at people walking by and the like, and normally she's well behaved, so I can pretty much control the barking when I'm around. It's just when I leave. And like I said, she usually calms down shortly after I leave. Sometimes she doesn't even bark, if she's used to the place and not feeling anxious or anything. Though I know w/the move and all she's going to be a basketcase. She already is acting weird, having accidents and such. Since she's sees all the boxes.

Thanks so much everyone for the input, and keep em coming if anyone else has more!! )