Crate barking.?

Question

I have two 6 month old crate trained dogs. Both very loving and affectionate. When bed time rolls around and if I leave the house one of the two go nuts and start continuously barking. If they are in the crates while we are home ( when we are eating), then all is fine...no barking. It in only when I am not VISIBLE. So, how am I supposed to take care of this. I do not want to encourage it by letting him out evertime he barks. I try to keep calm and hollar "Quiet". I cannot get him to chill, and it is grating my nerves. The other dog does not bark. and is very calm and does not bark in his crate. (they have two separate crates next to each other). :)

Update:

You all have given awesome advice and wonderful links. Thank you. Many of you understand that a dog is usually not a dog, but a fuzzy four legged family member.

suzy49 · Accepted Answer

This is your dogs way of trying to get you to come back and he's letting you know he wants attention. You're absolutely right that you shouldn't let him out when he's barking as it will just reinforce the behavior, you do have to ignore it, but I know how difficult that is.

It sounds as though your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. There are lots of different ways you can treat this, some simple, some requiring more effort, it depends on the level of anxiety he's suffering from.

You can find lots of tips and advice on dealing with separation  anxiety behavior at the urls below. Best of luck with your dogs.

jenniferbailey33@att.net · Answer

Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body and his mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog.

Misa M · Answer

Hollering "Quiet" at your dogs is a great reinforcement for them.  Any attention at all in their eyes is much better than nothing.  So, you have been rewarding your dogs for barking.  Play crate games with your dogs,
http://www.finchester.org/dogs/dog_diary/2005/08/crate-training.html

and be certain what it is that you are reinforcing.  If they are barking in their crates, you have helped them to learn that.  YOu can also learn how to teach them to be quiet.

hottblonde16 · Answer

whether you realize it or not you are actually giving them attention when you tell them to be quiet. Just completely ignore him.

m boxes · Answer

try putting somethng of yours in there with him, something that has your sent, maybe that will calm him down

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Crate barking.?

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