Barking dogs
Often owners of barking dogs are not aware that they are causing a noise problem as dogs usually bark when their owner is absent. Please read our leaflet on dogs
In law a barking dog can be a noise nuisance and the owner can be taken to Court if they do nothing to try and stop the nuisance. Dogs usually bark for the following reasons:
- loneliness
- boredom or frustration
- attention seeking
- defending its territory
- medical problems
What can I do to prevent my dog from barking?
Train the dog so that it won't bark at anything that moves. Good training combined with affection and companionship should mean that your dog will not develop bad habits.
Get the dog used to the idea of you leaving it for different periods at different times throughout the day and don't make a fuss of the dog when you leave it.
Try putting your dog on its own in another room at first for a few minutes. Then gradually build up the time you leave your dog alone and only return once the dog has been quiet for a period. When you return to it, praise it.
Some dogs bark because they want to join in the activity outside, try leaving your dog so they can't see outside.
If your dog will only settle if it hears a human voice, leave a radio on a low volume.
What if I need to leave my dog alone?
If you have to leave your dog for a long period of time, try to make sure that you:
- feed and exercise it before you go out and leave it some fresh water
- make sure its bed or basket is comfortable and its favourite toys are available
- check that the room is not too hot or cold and that there is adequate ventilation
- if you are not coming back until after dark, leave a light on