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?
- Council receives the report and we encourage the complainant to discuss their concerns with the dog owner.
- For first complaints, rangers will get in contact with the dog owners and arrange a time to attend the property and check the microchip details. They will also inform the owner of the complaint, and suggest ways to minimise barking.
- Rangers will attend and update details. Any registration follow-ups or change of addresses will be completed. There will also be a letter posted to the dog owner to put what was discussed about the barking into writing.
- A letter will be posted to the complainant informing the owner has been notified and rangers have informed the owner of the complaint.