I went out on Friday for my sons music lesson - it was only for 1 hour. When I came back I could hear Tilly from across the street - it wasn't howling yet as she hasn't learned how to do that but it was high pitch yipping and yelping if you know what I mean. I understand that she doesn't like being left alone especially as she is still a baby (15 weeks) but even though I am a stay at home Mum there are going to be times when I cant take her with me. She is crated for those times and as far as I am aware this is the first time she has been really noisy. She does go a little bonkers when she first sees us in the morning and when we com in from a quick trip out and can make yipping/yelping noises then but I have started to ignore her until she sits quietly and then I let her out so she isn't rewarded for making a commotion - I am not sure if thats the right thing to do or not?

Any suggestions on how to stop this before it becomes full blown howling? She is a bullmastiff so has the potential to make alot of noise! I intend having a word with the trainer at her obedience class on Tuesday but thought I would try here first.

You need to get her used to being on her own gradually. Start with 5 minutes and increase by 5 minutes each time. It will be worth the effort to take it slowly, in the long run. I can vividly remember having my first puppy, leaving the flat and standing outside the door listening for a few minutes, then going back in (and yes, ignoring when you come back, you are right there), keeping at it for a few weeks until he was used to being left.

Also when you do go out make sure she has something to DO, like a big raw meaty bone to chew on or failing that a stuffed Kong. (Just toys isn't interesting enough.) She'll then be far less likely to have time to notice she's on her own. :)

Do you leave a radio on somewhere so she thinks you are still around? we do and the boys settle fine, radio on means - you aren't coming!!