How To Stop Your Dog Barking When Left Alone

The incessant volleys of yips, woofs and whines of dogs when left alone can be a big problem for any dog owner and even the neighbours, except if you live in a detached house in the countryside. All dogs bark as way to communicate with their owners but a dog that barks continuously can cause so much trouble. To get your dog to stop barking when left alone, you have to first discover what triggers the reaction so you can address the situation effectively.

Here are some common reasons dogs bark:

  • Genetics
  • Attention seeking/demand
  • Alarm
  • Territorial
  • Frustration
  • Boredom
  • Fear
  • Play barking
  • Separation distress

Now that we’ve identified the factors that could be causing your dog to be especially vocal when left alone, here are some to tips to get them to stop.

1. Mask the sounds

Generally, most dogs bark when startled as a reaction to sounds they’re hearing. The solution here is to control the environment so you can limit their exposure to things that get their attention, and a good way to do that is to mask the noise with other sounds. For example, you could use a fan, a radio, a t.v. or a white noise machine to help your canine relax and lower their stress levels.

If you live in an apartment and share walls with others, covering up the sound of what’s going on outside can help keep your dog calm which in turns prevents frequent barking.

2. Use sight barriers

Another way to solve your dog’s barking problems via environmental management is to block your pooch’s sight-line to potential barking triggers. This solution is ideal for dogs that are territorial/alarm/defence barkers as it aids to prevent visual stimulation which can trigger your dog.

For outdoors, you can cut off visual access by using private fencing or privacy hedges in the garden.     If your dog stays indoors, you can leave the curtains closed or close the blinds. Alternatively, you can use place removable plastic films which allows light in but make the windows opaque. Be sure to place the window film a few inches above your dog’s line of sight to reduce the chances of visual stimulation.

3. Use treats and toys

As you leave the house, give your dog a chew-toy that has your scent on it to keep him busy. This can help distract your pooch as you leave and also keep him calm since the toy has your scent on it. The toy could be a stuffed Kong toy or a safe chew bone stuffed with cheese spread or peanut butter (without xylitol), but what counts is that the toys will keep their mouth occupied with something aside from barking.    Interactive treat toys are also a great way of keeping their minds busy.

Similarly, give your dog treats as a way of rewarding him for not barking. If he hears a noise from outside or doesn’t bark when you’re out of sight, praise him and give him a treat. Rewarding your dog is an excellent way of getting him to associate his refusal to react with something positive.

4. Create a quiet zone

A dog that suffers from separation anxiety shouldn’t be allowed to move freely at home, so create a quiet zone for them in the house where they can be when you aren’t at home. Ideally, the spot should be the quietest part of the house like a back bedroom, utility room or space. You can include a dog crate with comfortable bedding for them, and don’t forget to leave some food and water for them too.

5. Uses exercises

Some dog breeds like retrievers, pointers, setters and collies were originally used to work all day and they tend to become restless if they’re under-exercised. They need to be kept busy or they might resort to barking due to boredom. Experiment with different dog exercises to discover the ones that come close to tiring your pooch out. A panting, utterly exhausted dog will be too tired out to waste his remaining energy barking.

6.  Hire A Dog Walker

Hire a dog walker if you are out at work all day to tire your dog out and to break up his day.

All in All

If you have applied all the tips above and still can’t seem to get your dog to stop barking, you might need extra help from a dog trainer/behaviourist.   Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get in touch with your local Scamps and Champs Branch here to discuss your pets needs.

Chichester and West Sussex is Full of Dog Friendly Places to go Dog Walking!

West Sussex is a county with lots of natural beauty and if you looking for spectacular views over the South Downs National Park, while out dog walking then you’re in the right place. Whether you want a short or long walk its worth going into the Sussex country side just for the views.  

The choice for you and your pets is endless and walkies has never been so enjoyable.  From the South Downs to some great National Trust gardens – there’s plenty of choice. So let’s start with some super dog friendly walks that your best friends will love.

Whether you’re walking your own family pet or own a dog walking and pet sitting business in Chichester or the surrounding area then you’re in luck. Why not visit:

West Wittering

  • Beautiful beach
  • Long or short work with a swim and some fish and chips.
  • Parking is £6 for all day.

Petworth Park

  • Lovely walk with beautiful views.
  • You can do short walk or longer walks.
  • Great for families too.
  • Parking £3 unless you’re a national trust member.

Midhurst Way at Cowdray Park

  • Woolbeding Estate is a hidden countryside gem, situated in the South Downs National Park near historic Midhurst.
  • The walk starts in the heart of Midhurst and takes in the beauty of Woolbeding Parkland. Follow the River Rother, edged with ancient trees. Pass a plantation of whispering poplars and hear the sounds of the weir before returning to Midhurst’s main street.
  • The walk may be started at either Benbow Pond or The Cowdray Farm Shop & Café.

The Duke of Cumberland Pub Walk at Henley

  • This is a charming woodland circular walk from an absolutely delightful

Hamlet hidden in the woods.

  • The pub is tiny and full of character with old framed deeds on the walls and other icons

from a line of tenant publicans with fishing and other country interests.

  • There are no nettles on this walk but you need stout sensible shoes or

boots.

  • Your dog will love this walk too.
  • The walk begins at the car park beside the Duke of Cumberland pub in

Henley W.Sussex, off the A286 between Haslemere and Midhurst,

Postcode GU27 3HQ.

Benbow Pond

  • Benbow Pond is a circular walk of approximately one mile and starts at the pond,
  • The Queen Elizabeth Oak, and the Cowdray QE2 Jubilee Lime Avenue before returning to the start point.

The Folly, Slindon

  • Great walk, beautiful in spring and summer when the bluebells are in full bloom.
  • Mostly uphill but some lovely circular routes. Beautiful views all year round of the local area.
  • Park in the layby at the bottom and then use the bridleway to access a network of paths to explore.

Bersted Brooks

  • Bested Brooks is a 19 hectare site comprising 3 fields alongside the north-east bank of the Aldingbourne Rife, between the road bridges in Rowan Way & Shripney Lane in North Bersted, Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

If that isn’t enough then why not try these:

Dog Friendly places to rest and eat

We at Scamps and Champs now assume that you and your fully exercised dog are now ready for some refreshment and a sit down.  Walkies is fun but the pub at the end of the line is a welcome break.  Why not try these:

  • Highdown Tea Rooms allow dogs and even stocks doggy ice cream!
  • The Black Rabbit in Arundel. Why don’t you relax before undertaking a thirty minute walk with your dog from the train station to the pub to grab a drink before heading off to explore the beauty of this historic market town.
  • Berties of Arundel is the one stop for a slice of cake and a bowl of water after a lengthy walk.
  • The Worlds End and The Swallows Return pub & restaurants both welcome dog
  • The Bluebird café in Ferring is right on the beach front and is the perfect place for group or solo walking with your pets. 

We hope that you enjoy the walk, pubs and pet friendly places across the West Sussex countryside.  Please share your photo’s here and if you think that Chichester Scamps and Champs could offer their many dog-walking and pet-sitting service please do get in touch.

Legal requirements for owning a dog

As a dog owner there are laws we have to follow – do you know what they are?

Poop

As a dog owner you are required to clean up after you dog.

The Dog Fouling Act of 2016 places responsibility on the ‘person in charge of the dog at the time of the fouling’ and all Scamps and Champs dog walkers take this very seriously.

Under the Clean Neighborhoods and Environment Act 2005, local authorities have the power to make Dog Control Orders in relation to public land.

Which means that, not cleaning up after your dog is an offence, punishable by a fine at level 3, which is £1000.

The Dog Control Order may also relate to; keeping dogs on leads, exclusion of dogs from land and also the number of dogs which a person may take on to any land.

Control

We are talking about leads, collars and muzzles.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is a criminal offence for a dog to be on a designated road (i.e. public road) without being help on a lead. The exceptions are for dogs proved to be kept for driving or tending sheep or cattle.

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires every dog while on a public highway or in a public place to wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on it or on a ID badge attached to the collar.

Exceptions to that legislation are:

  • packs of hounds;
  • dogs used for sporting purposes;
  • dogs being used for the capture or destruction of vermin;
  • dogs being used for the driving or tending of cattle or sheep;
  • dogs being used on official duties by a member of the Armed Forces or Customs and Excise or a police force;
  • dogs being used in emergency rescue work, and;
  • dogs registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The Countryside Code for dog owners

The Protection of Livestock Act 1953 states that it is legal for a farmer to shoot a dog that is worrying his livestock.

The livestock act covers cows, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, geese and goats. The Act does not cover domestic pets such as cats or wild game birds. The Act applies to any person who is walking or in control of a dog whether they are the owner or not.

The public right of way applies only to the footpath through the field, not to the whole field and so does not give people the right to wander the wider area.

Third party liability insurance is not a legal requirement but should advisable in case your dog causes damage or runs out in the road and cause a road traffic accident.

Third party liability is usually covered in all basic pet insurance policies.

Microchipping

Since April 2016 dog owners in UK are legally required to microchip their dog by 8 weeks old. The exception is that dogs bred for working purposes, eg gun dogs, which must be chipped by the time they are 12 weeks old.

It is important to keep your contact details and address up to date on the microchip database so that if you dog goes missing or stolen he can be traced back to you.

If you move home or change your number, be sure to update your details.

Restraining your dog to travel in the car

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:

    ‘When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly: A seat belt, harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars’.

A dog guard separating the dog in the boot of the car to passengers in the front and back seat is an fairly simple solution to restraining your dog while traveling.

Using a dog harness which attaches to the cars existing seatbelt fittings or a dog crate are other possible solutions.

Caring for Pets in Cold Weather

With snow on the way, some tips for looking after our fur babies this winter

Dogs cold weather advice

  • Put a dog coat or jumper on them when you go out for a walk, especially if you have a fine coated dog, such as a Greyhound or a Staffie
  • Check their paws and defrost snow – and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired dogs are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Clean their paws at the end of your walk as salt and grit from roads and pavements can get between your dog’s paws
  • Dry off wet and muddy dogs after walks
  • Provide them with lots of toys for them to play with indoors and do not force your dog out in the cold weather
  • Make sure your dog has good recall if you’re letting them off the lead when out dog walking so they do not get lost when visibility is reduced in foggy or snowy weather conditions
  • Attach a small light to your dog’s collar so other pedestrians can see them when out on walks in weather which reduces visibility
  • Keep contact details on your pet’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray.

Cats cold weather advice

  • Avoid using antifreeze and products containing products. Cats are attracted to the taste of the chemical which is severely dangerous causing many cats to die every year. If this does occur, seek veterinary advice immediately
  • Provide a litter tray for your cat so they do not have to go outside if they choose not to
  • Provide lots of interesting toys for your cat to play with if they are spending more time indoors
  • Dry off your cat if they get wet outside
  • Check their paws and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired cats are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Leave somewhere warm and snuggly for them to curl up in if your cat is home alone during the day, especially for older cats
  • Keep your cat indoors in the colder evenings so they are safe from the traffic in conditions with reduced visibility
  • Keep contact details on your cat’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray
  • Tap the hood of your car before starting the engine to disturb any sleeping stowaways – cats have a habit of crawling under car bonnets to soak up the warmth from the engine

         Outdoor pets cold weather advice

  • Check your pets water in cold weather the water can freeze leaving your pet with no water to drink
  • Top up bedding extra bedding will help keep your outdoor pet warm
  • Popping a cover over the front of cages through the night, will help to keep some heat in the cage as the temperature drops.
  • Outdoors pets may need more calories in the cold weather to generate energy and keep warm.
  • Consider moving inside in extremely cold weather you may want to move your pets indoors. Perhaps in shed or garage. Or for field kept pets like horses or donkeys, providing a shelter or stable.

Post Christmas Weight Gain – For Pets Too

Gaining a few extra pounds at Christmas is almost a compulsory part of the festivities for us humans, but how many of us include our pets into this tradition…perhaps without even realizing it.

An extra slice of Christmas turkey for me and a slice for Scamp too…

A couple of extra pigs in blankets for me and one for Champ too….

Sound familiar?!

As we love our pets so much its only natural that we want to include them in the Christmas festivities, but how much notice do we pay to the extra pounds they might be gaining?

Overweight pets is a growing concern in the UK, with 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 3 cats now being overweight.

Like us humans, pets become overweight when they consume more calories than their body can use and sadly the food and treats we provide often exceed the amount of calories they can burn off through activity, causing them to gain weight.

Even pets that get lots of exercise can soon become overweight if they are getting too many calories.

Our domestic pets cannot regulate their food intake and exercise like wild animals because they have to rely on us as their owners to provide food and exercise for them.

Unfortunately because we see so many overweight pets out and about or on social media, it is normalising obesity and owners are getting the wrong impression of what a healthy dog, cat or rabbit of the ideal bodyweight, should look like.

How do the below animals look to you? Overweight or normal?

All of the above images are of animals that have some weight to lose. Does that surprise you?

Click the links to check out Royal Canin weight chart for cats, dogs and rabbits. How is your pets weight post xmas?

Being overweight can also make it more likely that your pet could suffer from serious health problems and conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Breathing difficulties
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Arthritis, Joint Problems and Injuries
  • Skin Problems
  • Anal Gland Problems
  • Cystitis
  • Incontinence (mainly seen in bitches)
  • Ulcers / pressure sores
  • Fly Strike (Maggot infestation) – This occurs when animals cannot reach their bottoms and clean themselves
  • Irritability
  • Matted Fur
  • Overweight and obese pets usually have shorter lives than fitter pets.
  • Overweight pets also tend to interact less with their families and are less energetic and playful

So if your pet has been part of the festivities, now is a good time to start working off the extra pounds and keep them fit and healthy for longer.

If your pet has some pounds to lose and you would like some help uping the exercise regime, Scamps and Champs can help. Whether its an extra dog walk during the day or spending time with your cat and rabbit using enrichment games and exercise tactics to get them moving a bit more through the day. Get in touch with your local branch HERE and we will be happy to get your pets fit this year.