My 18 week old cocker spaniel has started barking when I go out.  He doesn't do it everytime which is confusing my neighbour informs me when she hears him.  He has my 9 yr old labrador with him is taken for a long walk before I leave.  Any suggestions?

do you leave a radio or something on? maybe he is hearing noises and is only reacting to them?
Paula xxx

It does sound like his barking is responsive. Maybe he is seeing things in the back garden. I remember one pup belonging to a friend of the family used to bark like mad if washing was left out. The simple solution was to simply close the blinds in the kitchen so he couldn't see the washing! If it is cats/squirrels/birds in the garden he can see then maybe this is the best option?

Josh

take care you dont over excersise pup. min for each week of its life is the norm. lots of folk take long walks to tire out, but maybe it is mental stimulation not physycal pup is needing. 

Thank you all for your help will give it a go.  He is in a crate when were out so he can't see the garden, but I will try anything

How long is he alone for? Being stuck in a crate can get rather boring of course, does he have anything to do like a stuffed Kong or a raw meaty bone to chew on?

He's only left alone for 2 hours max. I have tried a kong but not interested only when I'm there

If he isn't chewing his kong when you are gone, it might be a sign that he is too anxious to relax ... I'd suggest setting up a video camera if you can, to see what is happening.

Also you can try a DAP diffuser (read instructions carefully).

If he does have separation related problems, it may be worth getting in a reputable behaviourist whilst he is young - dogs tend to get worse rather than better, and it's one cause sadly of young dogs being relinquished to rehoming centres.

Good luck, hopefully it's nothing too problematic.

Lindsay
x

We crated our cocker initially and she was fine until about 13 weeks.  We bought a puppy pen and attached it to each side of the crate so she had her bed but a little run with all her toys and water etc and she was a happy girly after that.  Might not work for everyone but worked for Molly.  We also left the radio on for her. :)

They go through a fear stage at this age and something may have triggered it off like somone knocking agressively on the door, the number of times I have told callers off for hammering on the front door from the off not just because I may not have heard their initial knock.

Have you tried draping a blanket over and around 3 sides of the crate making it more den like? Leaving an old article of clothing[no zips or buttons]with your scent on so you appear present at times of stress.

I hope it is only a phase and it soon settles down again.