Help please... dog constantly barking out the windows

[Badwifey]

We've recently moved from an upstairs apartment with balconies off all Windows to a ground floor apartment with Windows facing the street and a communal garden.

We have a 9 year old terrier mix. In our first apartment from the windows he could barely see people/other dogs going by and so barking was only ever an issue when he was on the balcony. As soon as he started he got brought straight back in and the barking would stop.

Since we've moved he can see everything. He is constantly barking out the windows. And I mean CONSTANT barking. If I am in the living area he will sneak into one of the bedrooms and watch from the windows and bark at anything that moves. People, cats, dogs, birds.... anything really. If I am in any of the bedrooms or bathroom he is barking out at the communal garden at anything and everything.

I have tried keeping him from the windows but I can't watch him all day. I am a student and am usually busy studying. He gets out and gets a huge amount of attention from my husband when he's here. It's gotten to the stage now where he has to be kept in a box any time he is here alone or at night time.

It's really stressing me out. I am very conscious of the neighbours hearing him and I am constantly shouting at him to stop.

I need suggestions and fast. I can't put up with it much longer. It is driving me insane. I can't take my eye off him for a second.

[TheHodgeoftheHedge]

has to be kept in a box

How much exercise does he get? Have you tried closing the curtains? How about contacting a behaviourist.

[missbattenburg]

Window film. Cheap, easily put up and removed without causing damage, does not block out light but does prevent the dog seeing out. Can be put halfway up the window if you want to still be able to see out (assuming dog is too small to see over it).

I used purlfrost but loads of others are available.

Honestly, this is the way to go.

[Claw001]

Move funiture away from the windows so he cannot see out? To stop immediately.

[Montypontypine]

He is defending what he sees to be his territory. If you shout at him, you're pretty much joining in with his fun. It's a hard one to deal with but I second shutting curtains in the bedrooms if needed to start with and find a dig trainer who can help you train him out of it

[BiteyShark]

I use an opaque film on our windows. It 'sticks' using water so no damage to the windows when you want to peel it off.

[Kelpiex2]

Yes came on to agree with window film. It's solved all our barking problems!

[Badwifey]

Hedge yes he's gets kept in a large travel box. He has plenty of room. And he gets plenty of exercise. He's not doing it out of boredom.

I will try the film thanks for the suggestions. I'm not going to block out all the natural light by closing the curtains

[missbattenburg]

OP, I take your point re exercise and boredom but it is worth just pointing out that exercise does more than entertain. It also helps dogs deal with stress - and barking out the window like this is stressful for the dog. It can be both caused by and cause additional stress for the dog.

Looking at ways to help your dog destress can also help:

• exercise
• soft, gentle words and fuss
• a bit of doggy massage
• those pet calming pheromone things may help
• reducing any tension or stress in the home
• trying to keep to a consistent routine

You may do all these things already. Just thought I'd point them out.

The film is well worth doing, regardless. Just removing the sight of all these people walking by will allow the dog to 'stand down' and reduce stress levels.

[Badwifey]

Thanks missbattenburg. It is a very stressful environment at the minute. He is a dog that demands a HUGE amount of attention in the form of play however he WILL NOT let you rub him or touch him unless there is something in it for him. I know that's sounds a bit mad but he's just always been that way. He pulls away from petting or rubs.
I'm going to get some film today and try it out. It might reduce both of our stress levels. At the minute I actually really dislike him because of the stress he is bringing to the house. Hopefully that will change again if the barking stops.

[missbattenburg]

Ah, some destressing activities for you both then

Not all dogs like touch/fuss and I think some dogs are touch sensitive so fuss doesn't really feel nice.

In fact, once you start looking for it, you realise just how many dogs don't care for fuss and are just 'putting up' with it because they've learned it's easiest to.

[namechangechanger]

Shouting at him probably won't help he'll just think you're joining in with him lol