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My dog gets anxious and barks at my parents' house. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed | 4 months and 13 days old | 30 lbs

My dog acts weird at my parents house? Everytime I bring my pug puppy to my parents she needs to be in my arms the whole time. If I put her in the "play zone" (my parents block off the laundry room with a baby gate) or in her crate she barks loud and constantly. (My parents have a 1 year old cockapoo and she's met him and played with him over 10+ times.) What is wrong with Rosie and why does she freak out so much and what can I do about it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 18th, 2016

It sounds like Rosie is very anxious at your parents' house for some reason. Some dogs are anxious in new or unfamiliar environments in general - without meeting Rosie in person, it's hard to say if there is a specific reason that she is anxious or if she just has a hard time coping with being someplace other than her safe, familiar home. If it's an option to leave Rosie at home when you go to your parents' house, this would be a perfectly reasonable option since it doesn't sound like she enjoys being there. If this isn't possible, you can try a DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure before your visit to see if this helps to reduce her anxiety.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 6th, 2019

    You can call the vet ahead to let them know Rosie has those problems, and when you arrive at the vet, keep her in the car while you check in. When it's time to see the vet, you can go out to the car to get her, and bring her right into the exam room. Speak to the vet about a referral to a profession behavioral expert about training with this behavior. I'd also get her a Sentry calming collar to wear. This releases hormones to calm her when in contact with her skin, and may help her anxiety in the exam room. I hope this helps!

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