All my folks go to work every day and leave me in the backyard. I get lonely and sometimes have to let off steam a bit. Apparently there have been a lot of complaints from neighbours about the noise I make. I just want to be heard! What do you think? (Ginger, Red Cattle Dog, 4 years, North Narooma)

Dr Alan

Veterinarians sometimes have to be psychologists to provide assistance to dogs like you Ginger. You are a social animal. While loneliness may be the cause of your need to bark, other causes need to be considered. Are you afraid or trying to assert your dominance at home? Are you hungry, bored or too hot or cold? At your age we wouldn’t consider senility, but if you were older your poor hearing, failing vision or arthritis need to be included in possible causes of your excessive barking. All dogs are different, like people. Some dogs need to see what is happening on the other side of the fence and a couple of eye holes to allow you to see will make you happy and stop the barking. Other dogs don’t want to see things like the postman or other dogs and a solid fence may make them more comfortable. Obsessive behaviour can sometimes be helped with some medicine, combined with training. Maybe a playmate is the answer in your case.