Howling

Question
Our 2 year old, female cockapoo howls from the minute we leave until the time we return.  Is there any way to modify this behavior.  We typically leave her in her plastic den with the cage closed.  However, it doesn't seem to make a difference if she is allowed to roam free in the apartment.  Our neighbors are tired of the noise.

Answer
At bed time, with a new puppy, I have found lying down in front of the crate like you were going to sleep and speaking softly to it, or singing, until it settles down and goes to sleep works very well. Follow the pattern, a period of active play, outside to eliminate, and then into the crate.

It may work for other times too.  We live in a detached house and our neighbors never have mentioned hearing our puppies.  they have set the neighbors' dogs to barking at times.