home alone

Question
QUESTION: i have a 5 month old cocker spaniel and have been told by a neigbour that he is barkinlpg when i am out can you he

ANSWER: I need more information.  

How long is he alone?
Where is he when he's alone?
Does he always bark when you leave?
Do you live in a house or apartment?
How long is he barking?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: he is alone approx 2hrs
he  in the kitchen[a large room] with his bed and plenty of toys
he never barks when we leave
we live in a house
we have been told he barks for up to 40 mins constantly

ANSWER: I'm curious as to how a neighbour can hear him barking when he's inside.  Was this information presented as a complaint about his barking?  If so, it may be exaggerated.

The fact that he doesn't bark when you leave is also unusual.  I'd like to know at what point he does begin barking.

Do you ever confine him to the kitchen when you're at home?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the neighbour told us because she wanted to know if we were aware of the problem, it was a complaint but not done in a malicious way
the dividing walls between our houses are quite thin so I do beleive if the dog was barking she would be ab le to hear
she also leads us to beleive the dog starts barking when our car leaves the drive
yes he does spend a lot of time in the kitchen of his own accord

Answer
Okay.  First of all, can you leave him in a room that will be far enough away from the dividing walls that it'll alleviate the nuisance for your neighbour?

Now..how to solve this!  You're going to have to get in the car..drive away a short distance and sneak back on foot :) - if he's barking, there have to be repercussions. (Or you drive away but someone secretly stays home and is ready!

Get a plastic spray bottle filled with water - put on "spray" not a hard stream of water - say NO and spritz him in the face.
NO conversation - NO scolding - just do that and leave again instantly.

The message is simple and direct.  You do that..and this happens.

The other suggestion is a huge, long walk before you leave.  A tired dog is a good dog.  And never feed him when you return.