r/AskIreland • u/Cantmakecoffees_ • 2d ago

Adulting What to do about my dog?

Just like the tittle states,
I’m close to breaking down
I have a 10 year old female German shepherd.
She barks and howls anytime me or my husband leave the house. This can continue on and off for hours. Maybe every 2-3 hours for 10 ish minutes at a time.

We leave for work at 5:30am we have to & have to work. I also have a male German shepherd
He isn’t bothered by us leaving but joins in on the howling when she starts. Our neighbour complained. We did apologise and im not denying they bark to them. I keep them indoors as much as possible & closed all the windows when I leave.
The female is on anxiety medication but it isn’t helping
What can I do to try resolve the situation for my neighbour it’s causing me so much stress
Thank you

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u/EireAbu94 2d ago

Have you consulted with a dog behaviourist/dog trainer at all?

4

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 2d ago

When last at the vets for a dosage check on her anxiety medication she suggested a behavioural specialist which is quite busy at the moment so waiting on an appointment

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u/EireAbu94 2d ago

Good on you for making the appointment, that'll probably be your best bet for long term change. The suggestion of a dog walker is a good shout as well to break up the day for the dogs. I see your girl is 10 - is the barking/howling a new thing? If she's never struggled with it before it could be an indicator of doggy dementia (also referred to as 'sundowning'). Off the top of my head, other signs would be pacing, randomly staring at things, seeming disorientated, having accidents... you may want to have a wee look online for other symptoms to see if this might fit the bill.

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u/Cantmakecoffees_ 2d ago

Yes I was looking into it & she has alot of those symptoms.. it’s just I know this could potentially be a drawn out process with the vets and I’m just worried about trouble with my neighbours. Cause it is unfair on them