Scottish Deerhound Forum:
Howling and barking

Hi! I am seeking for help. I have really wonderful scottish deerhound puppy (8months)but she has only one bad habit. And it is howling and barking when she is left alone. Otherwise she is really good behaving, not angry and really active outside. I am out with her 3-4 hours a day. She is fine if i have her sister here also or me but everytime she is alone, the howling starts. After four months of training i can go to toilet or to shower alone without howling. She can also stay in the car for short periods. I have to work so this is really stressing me out when my neighbours are complaining of the noise. I started the training by leaving her alone for couple of minutes and i have tried to longer that time but its impossible. I have tried to keep radio on, buying loads of toys, long walks and running free moments before i left her home but its not working. I also tried to restrict her area where she is staying but its not helping. I love my dog and i would really want to help her to survive alone. She can also open the front door locks so nowadays i have three locks on the door. I know there isnt a magic cure to change her bahaviour but if anyone has any tips i would be more than happy of them! Thanks, Milla and Edi

My deerhound barked all day when I left her outside and went to work. This was driving my neighbors nuts and stressing me out. Now I leave her inside the house now and she has not had one accident. She was crate trained so maybe that helps her not go inside the house. I noticed that she seemed much happier and relaxed when I got home too. I always give her a treat in the same spot near the door on my way out. Now she goes to the spot and waits for me to leave so she can have a biscuit. I hope that helps.