Barking Dog

Whats the best way to stop a dog from barking while I am at work?
He is an English Staffy with way too much energy.
He has heaps of toys and a massive backyard but I have been getting complaints from my neighbour that he has been barking alot.. (Along with the other 4 dogs who live nearby that bark all day)
He never barks when I am at home so im assuming its because he is bored?

I think you're right, it is almost certainly boredom/loneliness. Many dogs prefer to have company and none more than our staffies.

I'd say the first thing to look at is giving as much exercise as you can before you leave in the morning. A long walk, at least an hour, with running/playing to get some of the energy out.

Instead of leaving lots of toys, I'd suggest changing them around and leaving really interesting things like stuffed kongs, cardboard boxes with treats in (which can be satisfyingly ripped as well!). The same toys become boring, dogs respond to new things and to food.

I would also look into getting a dog walker, again for a good long walk, in the middle of the day. The exercise and the company should help break up the day.

These things may help reduce the barking, it all depends on the dog. Some dogs settle to being left for long periods, some don't. It is important for your neighbours that you address this though. We have barky dogs next door - even with 3 of them to keep each other company one of them will bark for hours if left. Our neighbours have done nothing despite our requests and suggestions, and as a result we are no longer on good terms with them. It's a shame and, in their case, totally avoidable.

I agree with the above... a tired dog is a good dog and all that.

Pirate is still a youngster really so will want stimulation and anything you can do to provide that will help. You will find that as he gets older and more accepting of his environment, he will sleep a lot of the time away but that doesn't help right now.

Welcome to the Forum BTW

Ill admit i have been a bit lazy on these cold mornings! ill have to get back into the routine of taking longer walks.

Thanks for your help Liz and Ian!

Haha I don't blame you, it's freezing here at the mo !! You will soon get the hang of the cold/wet/early morning/dark walks being 100% needed, tired dog = happy dog = no/less barking. Good luck and let us know how you're going !

Listen, you two, you don't know what cold is!!! It's supposed to be getting into summer and it's only about 12 degrees here. Blinking whinging antipodeans.

Is it 2am Liz??

I think it hit a heady 12 at 2 PM yesterday.

Oh.My.Um.Nothanks!!! Winter here & we are moaning about 16c today!! I live rural tho so overnight temps of zero & i must admit there are pkenty of days i wish Koda didnt need a morning walk!