I've just been told by my new neighbour that both my dogs, a 9 year rottie and a 10 year cocker howled when I went out one night last week...  I think Amber, the cocker, probably starts it and Billy joins in as he is generally a more 'laid back' dog.  Amber doesn't like being left when it's outside of her usual routine.  Any ideas on how to tackle this?  It's only for the past 18 months that I haven't worked 2/3 nights a week so they have been used to me going out at night for a large part of their lives - I'm sure someone would have told me had they howled on a regular basis.

My brother is dog-sitting tonight but he won't always be able to and whilst my social life isn't fabulous - I do want to go out sometimes but don't want to fall out with my new neighbour!  I'm also getting another puppy in the Spring and want to sort this out before he arrives... 

Thanks for any thoughts

Jo