Dog barking- help!!!

[MurphysMinder]

I agree the dog is probably bored, but hopefully some of the ideas will hope you address this problem. I really do think a dog walker would be something to consider, in your situation I would contact Cayla. You say your OH doesn't let him in the main house,this presumably means that when you are home the dog still spends a lot of time isolated away from you, fine if he has lots of companionship during the day but is there any chance you could persuade OH to allow the dog in ?
Tbh my dogs would probably bark at people who walked past if they were able to see them, as it is they take it upon themselves to bark when cars pull up at the neighbours which is maybe 50 yards away, but the neighbours don't mind, they like the security as we are in a rural area.
I hope you have success with some of the ideas above, but you are right not to consider rehoming, I help with GSD rescue and an older, dog aggressive dog would be very difficult to rehome.

 

[AmyMay]

I absolutely second the dog walker suggestions.

Agility classes (toys are no substitute for mental stimulation).

And of course Day dog kennels......

He sounds terribly unhappy - and I hope you're able to reach a good conclussion for him quickly.

And time to start letting him in the main house - poor dog must be off his head with loneliness and is effectively living in solitary confinement..........(why on earth have him in the first place?).

Sorry, I feel desparately sad for him and actually really cross.

 

[mollichop]

And time to start letting him in the main house - poor dog must be off his head with loneliness and is effectively living in solitary confinement..........(why on earth have him in the first place?).

Sorry, I feel desparately sad for him and actually really cross.

I agree he needs more contact and time spent with him, however, OP has explained that her circumstances have changed over the years. She is asking for suggestions to improve this.

I really think Cayla and her OH may be able to make a difference to you and your dog by the sounds of it and they're local

 

[CorvusCorax]

Er, I wouldn't start putting an eight year old GSD over agility fences. That's the age that a big dog should be retiring from jumpies IMO.

 

[AmyMay]

Er, I wouldn't start putting an eight year old GSD over agility fences. That's the age that a big dog should be retiring from jumpies IMO.

Not all agility is about big fences though - is it??

 

[CorvusCorax]

Well the weaving poles and the tunnel are the only things that do not involve the dog leaving and then returning to the ground again.
Plus most good clubs will not allow dogs on the field off or sometimes even on lead until they are trustworthy with other dogs so she would be as well starting off with a good breed specific obedience/socialisation class rather than running before she can walk.

 

[AmyMay]

Fair point CC.

Clearly though this poor dog needs some help, and quickly.

 

[AmyMay]

Any update on your problem??

 

[EAST KENT]

To solve the immediate dilemmer go onto E-Bay and pick up a "bark stopper collar for under £50.00. Looked last night and they are SSSOOOO cheap. After that start into the mental stimulation stuff of course.