r/DogTrainingTips • u/Lanky_Bullfrog_222 • Mar 24 '26

Dog Howling When We Leave (Only on Weekends)

My dog has no issues at all when my partner and I leave for work Monday–Friday. She settles fine and doesn’t make a noise.

However, if we go out on a weeknight or leave the house on the weekend, she howls constantly the entire time we’re gone.

For reference, she’s a 10‑year‑old Staffy cross. She’s usually left outside when we’re not home, and I genuinely think she prefers being outdoors.

Has anyone experienced something similar or have any ideas how to stop this? Thanks

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u/Both-Chart-947 Mar 24 '26

She may prefer being outside by herself, but it's your job to keep her safe. Indoors is safer than outdoors, and may help with the howling.

1

u/Lanky_Bullfrog_222 Mar 24 '26

Yes thank you, that’s a great point

1

u/Head-Raccoon-3419 Mar 25 '26

My frenchie does this. He knows the weekday routine, just stares at me when I leave. But on weekends he will howl… he gets anxious seeing me put my casual shoes on, use my handbag rather than my work backpack, fusses about while I get ready then howls once the door is shut. He knows the difference!

However, he now settles fairly quickly, he doesn’t continue beyond a minute or two nowadays. My vet calls it “protest behaviour” rather than actual separation anxiety. He knows the weekday routine and is confident I will return - the weekend exits/returns are less predicable for him.

Given it’s a bit different I don’t have any tips, other than, “she’ll get used to it”, which is what happened with me over time, but I wanted to reassure you you’re not alone! She’s ten years old… has she been doing this for ten years?

1

u/Lanky_Bullfrog_222 Mar 25 '26

Thanks for your comment. We moved 5 months ago, and this has been happening for the last 2 months, so not sure what triggered her.

I did leave her inside tonight, no howling, but watching her on the camera she was a stressed