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What should I do if a dog won’t stop barking at night?

I am watching a dog for a new client and he will not stop barking and whining through the night. During the meet and greet he barked upon my arrival and then quickly warmed up to me. When I got here this morning, it was the same thing, he barked when I got here and was so quiet with me all day. It is now 3am and he has been barking and whining on and off for 5 hours. He won’t stay in the room I am in, he just goes to the main floor and barks constantly. I’ve tried to go down there with him and give him a treat and pets, having him come upstairs on the bed with me, in the room, etc. and nothing is working. I’m exhausted and I am booked to watch him for 4 more nights. I don’t know what to do if I cannot sleep because of the constant barking. What do I do?

Comments

Try to reach out to the family and ask if they’ve had this problem before. Maybe go for a run right before bed so he’s tired? Best of luck!

He was probably missing his family. I would try to make him feel more comfortable.

Time to take the human > dog’s side 🙄

3 Answers

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Did you ask the client about their regular routine? Sounds like the dog wants to go out in the middle of the night since he keeps going downstairs. I always ask about their daily routine. I know it's very hard and frustrating to be in a situation you are in. The best way is to ask the client and tell him the dog is barking at 3am and wants to go downstairs, is that a normal thing, do they go out at night? Does the client work days or nights and have a different routine? Those are the questions to ask. Unfortunately there's not much you can do and you have to wait it out. Most of us have been in this situation. I had to stop boarding dogs/house sitting for this exact reason. After few years I had to quit these services.

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So sorry you're not able to sleep! I've had this happen too many times. I recommend that you reach out to the family for advice, definitely play calming music in the main floor area or in your room, wear earplugs. Good luck!

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If you own any Echo devices, try brown noise!! - and noise cancelling headphones…..