Why does my brother's dog bark when I leave for school...?

Dogs
1

I recently got my brother’s dog, and I will have her for a couple of months. She’s been doing good, but the only thing is when we leave, she barks. I leave at 6:50 AM and get home at 1:55 PM. We live in a condo, and we can’t leave her barking or she will wake everyone up.

2

Do you put the dog out before you leave?

3

Chen said:
Do you put the dog out before you leave?

No, we only just got her this Sunday. So I’m still figuring out the routine.

4

Zinn said:

Chen said:
Do you put the dog out before you leave?

No, we only just got her this Sunday. So I’m still figuring out the routine.

Got it. She might just be anxious being alone for the first time.

5

@Jamie
Yeah, that makes sense. I feel bad leaving her. Any tips to help her settle down?

6

Zinn said:
@Jamie
Yeah, that makes sense. I feel bad leaving her. Any tips to help her settle down?

Have you tried giving her a toy or something to keep her occupied? It might help distract her.

7

Also, you might want to consider some training methods to help her get used to being alone.

8

Charlie said:
Also, you might want to consider some training methods to help her get used to being alone.

Training sounds like a good idea. I definitely want her to feel comfortable.

9

@Zinn
Start with short departures. Leave for just a few minutes and come back to gradually build her confidence.

10

Denver said:
@Zinn
Start with short departures. Leave for just a few minutes and come back to gradually build her confidence.

That’s a great suggestion. I’ll try that. I hope it helps her not to bark while I’m gone.

11

You could also maybe play some calming music when you leave. It might help drown out any outside noises.

12

Dru said:
You could also maybe play some calming music when you leave. It might help drown out any outside noises.

I hadn’t thought of that. Music might keep her calm. I’ll definitely give it a shot.

13

Is it just when you leave, or does she bark at other times too?

14

Ren said:
Is it just when you leave, or does she bark at other times too?

It’s mainly when I leave. Once I’m home, she’s fine and relaxed. Just needs to get used to the new surroundings.