I have a one-year-old Pit Bull/Weimaraner mix who barks, whines, and howls every time I leave my apartment. It's so bad that another resident passed by my unit, heard the noise, and thought she was hurt. He contacted my landlord to get in touch with me. She also pees by the front door often, even if I take her outside right before I leave (and I'm only gone an hour or two). She has dozens of toys, so I don't feel that boredom is the issue--more like separation anxiety. I live in an urban area, so she doesn't get to run around in a backyard, but I do try to take her to the dog park most days to get exercise.
Some other facts--she's not crate trained and I do not want her to be. It's a VERY last resort since I'm not keen about putting a large dog in a crate if she can be trusted in the house (she's not destructive).
Does anyone have any ideas how to stop the whining and barking when I leave? I also punish her for peeing by the door by pointing at the pee, yelling "NO!", spanking her, and ignoring her for a little bit, but she continues to do it. Thanks for any help!
Some other facts--she's not crate trained and I do not want her to be. It's a VERY last resort since I'm not keen about putting a large dog in a crate if she can be trusted in the house (she's not destructive).
Does anyone have any ideas how to stop the whining and barking when I leave? I also punish her for peeing by the door by pointing at the pee, yelling "NO!", spanking her, and ignoring her for a little bit, but she continues to do it. Thanks for any help!