Dog barking constantly at night because DH is away

[lollypoppy123]

DH goes away on business from time to time, usually for about a week at a time. The dog barks for about 2/3 hours at night when he goes away and keeps us all awake. He sleeps in the kitchen and is not allowed upstairs (new carpets!). I've tried going down and talking to him, letting him in the garden, turning a light on, shouting at him . None of it works so last night I just let him bark it out which he did after about 3 hours.

What can I do? I'm exhausted but more than that I'm worried about next time DH goes away as my parents are coming to help me with the school runs etc as DH and I usually share these as we both work outside the home. My parents are in their 80's, don't like dogs much and like their sleep a lot.

Mine barks when DH is away. Not constantly though. I go down tell him it's okay, no more, ruffle his ears and leave. He is being protective, those creaky trees outside will not frighten themselves away from me and the children. (dimwit). It usually works but DH does stints away a lot so we've all become used to it.

You might find that after he got no response last night and you are all still alive it might be better tonight. Someone more knowledgeable will be along in a minute I expect.

Ah, that's really sweet. I feel bad now for the shouting if he was just trying to protect us all from the dark night.

I'm just bloody exhausted though so nerves are a bit frazzled. My children would confirm this.

When my hubby is on nights my usually very well behaved old girl will creep up the stairs and sleep outside my bedroom door. She does it no other time except when he is on night shift. I think their protective instincts kick in when he is out.
Maybe leave one your husbands very stinky shirts or socks in the kitchen with him to try and trick him into thinking hubby is there?