Barking dogs

Barking is one of the ways dogs communicate. It can signify anything from playfulness to danger and is part of their natural behaviour. Causes of barking include:
  • boredom, attention seeking
  • not enough exercise
  • inadequate or limited socialisation
  • excitement
  • fear

  • injury or health issues

How to deal with a barking dog in your area

1. Talk to your neighbour

The owner may not realise their dog is bothering you, especially if it barks when they aren't home. If you feel the dog's owner is unapproachable or you are uncomfortable doing so, a polite letter in their letterbox may help. In many cases, they will be happy to work with you to solve the problem.

 

2. Contact our Ranger team

If you've tried to resolve the issue according to the above, but the nuisance barking issue persists, you can report this issue to Council.

Council will only investigate if noise reports are made by two separate households or more, and the above steps have been taken.

  • Where the above have been followed, and two or more households have complained, barking dog diaries may be issued to formally record nuisance barking.

 

3. Request a Noise Abatement Order

Alternatively, you can apply to the local court for a Noise Abatement Order. If the court is satisfied that the dog is causing offensive noise, or that the noise is likely to recur, it may order the owner to stop the noise within a specified time or prevent a recurrence.

How to prevent excessive barking

A well cared for dog will generally not bark unreasonably and disturb neighbours.

The following suggestions should help:

  • Dogs need enough space to move in an enclosed backyard. A dog should not be left on a chain for long periods. If a dog has to be chained, it should be on a running chain designed to prevent injury to the dog. 
  • Dogs need a place of their own, like a ventilated and waterproof kennel or an indoor area. They must be provided with adequate shelter and a structure that protects them from wind, rain and sunshine.
  • Dogs need regular and adequate exercise according to their breed size.
  • If your dog is excessively barking, consider the assistance of a qualified dog trainer to identify the cause of the behaviour. Early treatment of problematic behaviour in dogs, such as excessive barking, is essential.
  • It is usually easier and quicker to successfully eliminate a problematic behaviour when it's addressed early.

The RSPCA have further tips on training for preventing excessive barking.

What happens if someone reports my dog for barking?

  1. Council receives the report and we encourage the complainant to discuss their concerns with the dog owner.
  2. For first complaints, Council will send a letter out to the dog owner to inform them of the issue as well as information on how to update dog details. If more than one complaint occurs, Council may take further action.
  3. A letter will be posted to the complainant, informing them that Rangers have notified the owner of the complaint.
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