Bit of advice neighbours dog barking

to be honest, i don't think it is up to you to solve the problem. I would not offer any suggestions unless he asks for them. You just need to let him know that there is a problem (he's not there, so he may not know) and give him the opportunity to fix it.

A dap collar could help, but it has to be fitted by a vet; when my whippet was having problems with her fear of fireworks [which spilled over into the rest of her life] the vet wanted to try one [we didn't need to in the end]. If the dog is insured the insurance would cover that.

Thanks everyone for the host of ideas , he's not the most approachable person so I'm trying to be diplomatic. I couldn't have the dog with me all day I don't even like dogs much and my OH is definately wary of them .
Its nice not everyone is condemning him as a horrible person as he isn't , his partner works abroad for months at a time but this isn't whats triggered this behaviour as she has been abroad for several years now.
I really don't think he might afford regular help to be honest but as I say I will make suggestions to him.

I don't think getting a second dog would be a good move, could result in 2 barking all day!

I think either dog day care, or find someone who is happy to have the dog during the day (may not even be necessary to walk him, if the owner is doing this, just somewhere where he has company).

Years ago my mother worked in an office just yards from her home. her Labrador would stay at home in the morning, but go to the office with Mum in the afternoon. This did on 2 occasions result in a slight problem, one incident involving a plate of cream cakes, and the other a diamond earring.

Then the company moved offices so this was no longer practical. Bronwen ended coming to me each day, to stay with her best friend Poppy. This worked really well.

I thought that

(Your dog sounds very lucky)

I am so relieved that people are coming up with excellent solutions here! It would be so sad if he had to part with his dog.

when I can identify with your dog on the feeling knackered next day and only wanting to laze around, after a strenuous day out.

That's an interesting link jane, thank you for posting it. The RSPCA is a terrible organisation. I didn't realise they don't have an independent complaints service. They are also very ready to put down healthy animals, not always in a humane manner. Does anyone remember the outcry when they used a bolt gun to put down several healthy German Shepherds?

I think the advice on doggy daycare is the best one, if the owner can afford it. He might also consider advertising locally for someone who might want some doggy company during the day, without the responsibility of owning a dog. Otherwise, if he wants to rehome the dog I would say take it anywhere but the RSPCA.

Try this site. www.pet-behaviour.com/

It definitely sounds like separation anxiety. There are pet behaviour specialists who can suggest strategies to help. DD2 had this problem, which was solved. At least the owner is wanting to stop the barking etc., so perhaps you could find some contact details on the internet or yellow pages for him.

A dog walker can come along to exercise him durng the day, or he could go to daycare. It's expensive at around £20 a day (his dog would not need to go every day) but the dog can run round under supervision, get training, be in the company of other dogs and caring humans, and come home exhausted. My dog goes twice a week, and that allows me to go out for a whole day, not worrying that she is on her own for long hours. The effect lasts so she just wants to be lazy the day after, but she gets her long walk and is content to mooch around the house and garden. Daycare is good for extinguishing behavioural problems - the one my dog goes to has trained and qualifed staff and a dog behaviourist who will spend time on dealing with any problem behaviours, like pulling on the lead, unnecessary barking or not coming when called.

I agree, not appropriate leaving dog outside all day in an urban environment. It is fine if you live in the middle of the country I guess. Most dogs will sleep a lot if nothing is happening.
You need to first talk to your neighbour. In the house, in a cage, would stop him disturbing neighbours.

www.helenspetcareservice.com/pet_services/dog_day_care_ealing_chiswick.htm

Would this be useful tanith or too far away?

The dog is obviously stressed at being left alone so perhaps a second dog to keep him company? Otherwise the only option is to look around for a daytime dog minder.

Could you offer to let him play in your garden? We used to have a little dog, Titch, who ended up being alone when I went back to work. On my first day, i asked my neighbour to tell me how my dog coped. Titch was outside, but free to roam the garden and go into the laundry and the workroom under the house.

Well, my neighbour told me Titch had cried all day. I was horrified, but she offered to let her sleep on her porch while I was away. She was a widow and a bit lonely. So that is what happened. When we all set off to school and work, Titch trotted off to my neighbour's place and everyone was happy.

In return, I used to set my neighbour's hair every Saturday, and dye it when necessary.

Another thing your neighbour could do, would be to set one room aside for the dog during the day, and have only the dog's toys and bed in there. larger dogs seem to have strong bladders and don't need to pee for hours and hours.

tanith you say your neighbour is now a single man,does that mean that there was someone at home during the day with the dog and now he is left to his own devices,if he has been used to company before he is probably fretting for company again,it looks very much like your neighbour will have to think about rehoming which is a sad case of affairs if he has also had a break up in a relationship.

I don't know what breed he is, short haired very strong about the size of a medium alsatian.. he's a cross of some kind , I'm not a doggy person. I will pass on some of your thoughts and ideas and he will have to deal with it in his own way I guess.. but deal with it he will have to.

Just listening to Face the Facts on Radio 4
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037v4fp
Damning criticism of the RSPCA

What sort of dog is it? I'm only asking because some dogs suffer mentally if their mind's aren't kept occupied [collies, German Shepherds etc].

The RSPCA will definitely act if they think the dog is showing signs of distress due to boredom and anxiety. The owner will be advised to re-home it.

Vegasmags is right about it not being a good idea to leave a dog alone for long periods. Dogs are social creatures, and if they aren't entertained, they'll find their own entertainment. Being destructive indoors, and howling/barking in the garden are signs of stress, and are ways this dog is entertaining itself. As the dog has shelter from the weather, is fed properly and exercised regularly so I would honestly be surprised if the RSPCA could/would do anything, despite the psychological distress the dog is displaying. Doggy Day Care is a good idea, if the owner wants to keep his dog. I'm sure he loves the dog, but he isn't meeting it's needs. If he won't pay up for doggy day care of some kind, re-homing sounds the way to go

I don't think it's a good idea for a single person at work all day to have a dog at all. Dogs need company. It is probably destructive in the house because it is lonely, bored and stressed. If he can't find suitable care for the dog during the day, he should really rehome it. It isn't fair on the dog or the neighbours.

I think the RSPCA will take a dim view of a dog being left outside all day even if it does have a kennel and toys etc. Some working dogs, like collies, live outside but they are accustomed to it from an early age and also have a suitable temperament.

Poor dog.

He already knows as the neighbour has told him what she intends and he does know its causing a problem , I could suggest the day care but I've never heard of it around here but I will ask him to investigate.

You could call your Environmental Health Dept. Or suggest your neighbour gets another dog to keep it company.