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I am literally so nervous and distraught over my new maltese puppy. He barks so much when we are not home - I am so afraid the landlord will kick us out. I have taken 2 weeks off of work, but what else can I do? I am afraid if I leave him for 8 hrs. he will bark all day! He never barks when we are home, by the way. I have tried a radio, a sound machine, a clock, a tape of me. What I bought now is one of those electronic machines that emit a high pitched sound each time he barks. Do you think that'll work? Anyone had any luck with them? In every other way, he is such a good dog - paper trained, etc. PLEASE PLEASE HELP - I AM LOSING MY MIND! Thanks, Ruben

• Your maltese is unusual. Barking is not a problem with this breed. Why is he barking? There must be a reason other than you just not being home.

• Ruben, I was having a similar problem with my dog and I recently picked up a book that is doing wonders in only one day. It is called PEOPLE, POOCHES AND PROBLEMS written by Job Michael Evans. He was a coauthor of the books by the Monks of New Skeete and really looks at what the cause of a puppy's anxiety is and how to not only correct the behaviour but to remedy the causes of the anxiety your puppy is having. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. I was having a similar problem and the suggestions made in this book are doing wonders. I am a strong supporter of the methods used by the New Skeet training books because their concepts look ath the whole situation, not just the unwanted behaviour and how to "fix" it. I really think this will help! Best luck, Chris

• Dear Ruben, Well we certainly don't want you to lose your mind then you would be like the rest of us. :) I would recommend that you try to have a neighbor visit once a day or start taking lunchtime at home if possible. When you leave don't make a big deal of it and for heaven sakes stop being so nervous. The dog is picking up your vibes!! Do the leaving and returning as matter-of-factly as possible. No gussing and no guilty feelings. You must remember that your dog is still very immature and this is a normal reaction for your pup. Once she realizes that yes you do come back everyday at the same time etc she will get with the program. 8 hours is a long time and dogs hate to be left alone. Patience and love and perhaps a talk with your neighbors (telling them you just got a little puppy and she is going through seperation anxiety right now. Could you please tell me if she barks all day and I am sorry but I am working on the problem.....) will get you through this. PUG