How to help my dog adjust to a new home and stop barking when alone?

Question

Our little guy is having trouble adapting to our recent move. He barks and yips for a while when we leave for work in the morning and we're having trouble leaving him alone at all. We keep him confined in a room with his toys, bed, food and treats using a baby gate. Do you have any tips to help him adapt to the move? Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 9 months old

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Moving can certainly be stressful for our four legged friends, just as they can be for us! You're doing the right thing by first confining Benji to a smaller area with his bed, food, toys and treats. If he is a food motivated dog, you can try keeping him busy by filling a Kong toy with a bit of canned dog food or moistened kibble, then putting it in the freezer overnight. Sometimes I top this frozen Kong concoction with a bit of peanut butter, but be sure that it does not contain xylitol (this is toxic to dogs). One other thing that you could try would be a calming pheromone diffuser or collar (Adaptil is one brand). For some dogs, this can be hugely beneficial, but other dogs seem less effected. If Benji's anxiety still seems to escalate, you may need to take him to the vet to discuss a short course of anxiety medication (such as alprazolam) to help him to adjust to his new home. I hope that all goes well!

How to help my dog adjust to a new home and stop barking when alone?

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