I have a 7 month Dobermann. I have had him since he was 8 weeks old .
We had problems with him when he was small with being left alone at night but we have now almost managed to conquer this problem. We still get the odd winge for about 5 mins when we first go up but then he settles down.
He also used to get really worked up if we go out and leave him in. He has always been like this and I thought he would grow out of it but he is getting worse (probably not any worse but his bark is really deep and extremely loud!!)
He goes absolutely mad barking and howling. By the time I get back he is so worked up and stressed out. (I am only away for about half an hour a time )
I really don't know what to do as my neighbour has mentioned it a few times now.
I have tried leaving music on but it makes no difference.
I'd be really grateful for any info anyone has on how to try and sort this problem out.

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/sa.htm

Buy a kong , fill it with treats of your choice. Toss it to her and leave the house , don't make a fuss about leaving. Worked for me!

I've tried leaving a Kong with treats in I've put all sorts in it,a behavorist I spoke to told me to put cream cheese in it but he wouldn't touch it until we got in.I do know a few people that this has worked for but my dog won't even look at it.

Will have a look at this website hopefully will pick up some tips.

Hi, I have/had the same problem.  I put loads of info on a post on 30/8/05 - if you look back on the post you will see some tips and ideas - I think a post by someone around then also has some ideas (named karlai).  At the moment, my dog has cut howling right down - 2 fits of howling lasting a couple of mins each in the first 20 mins then nothing.  This has cut right down from howling all day - the main reasons I think for it cutting down is a change of food - he is now on Burns, fish flavour, and also a dap diffuser from the vets, being contained in one room with limited views of passers by, radio on too, lots of toys etc.  I video him once a week to see how it is.  Hope it helps.
Vanessa.

Hi Vanessa
I have just (over aweek ago) changed his food to James Wellbeloved and I've noticed his not half as hyper as he was.
When we go out if I go 1st and my Husband is the last to leave he doesn't seem to play up as much I don't know if it's because his with me most of the time?.
What is a Dap Difuser and what is it's purpose..I've never heard of this before?

Hi Ms Daisy, A DAP diffuser looks like one of those plug-in air-fresheners you can get.  It works by slowly releasing a natural phermone into the air.  The pheromone is made to be identical to the one which the bitch gives off when she suckles the pups.  So it's entirely natural and not an artificial chemical.  It works because the pheromone reminds the dog of when it was a pup with its mother there and it is relaxed as a result.  (Hopefully.)

Again, it doesn't always work but it does in a lot of cases.  They are often advised for cases of separation anxiety like this.

You can buy them online or from your vets.

Here is a place online to get them from:

http://www.pharmavet.co.uk/asp/product.asp?recorprod=1&product=155&cat=64&ph=&keywords=&recor=1&SearchFor=&PT_ID=1