Dog Barking
Dog barking & the law
Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for neighbours. Often the problem occurs when the dog's owner is out and so is not aware until someone complains.
In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance. The owner can be taken to court if they do nothing to stop the nuisance. This leaflet suggests some interventions dog owners can try.
If you have a concern about noise from a barking dog this can be reported in the usual manner. (see Noise & Nuisance)
Why dogs bark
Dogs are not by nature solitary animals. They need the security of a family group. Pet dogs regard their owners as a substitute family and can soon become distressed when left alone.
There are many reasons why a dog may bark:
- Loneliness, boredom or frustration
- Attention seeking
- Hungry or overfed (too much energy)
- Defending their territory
- Medical problems.
The importance of training
Training is important so that a dog does not bark at everything that moves. A well-trained dog should be able to tell between people allowed into the house and people who are intruders. Good training combined with affection and companionship should mean that a dog will not develop bad habits. Start young and start as you mean to go on.
Some simple things to try
Some dogs do not want their owners to leave.
- Get a dog used to their owner being away for different periods of time and at different times of the day. This will help them be less affected each time.
- Avoid a big fuss when the dog is left.
- Put a dog on their own in another room - at first for a few minutes,then gradually build up the time they are left alone. Do not return to the dog until they are quiet for a period. When the dog returns, give them praise.
Some dogs will bark because they want to join in what is going on outside.
If this is the problem, leave the dog where they cannot see outside.
Net curtains or blinds can help block views from windows.
Some dogs will settle only if they can hear a human voice.
Create some low level background noise by leaving a radio or tv on at low volume.
Dogs have good hearing so neighbours should not be able to hear this.
A calming scent may also help. There are plug ins designed to do this.
Try not to leave dogs for long periods. If you have to leave your dog for long periods:
Feed and exercise them before.
Leave plenty of fresh water & some food so the dog is not hungry or overfed.
See if someone will look in during that time.
Could they take the dog for a walk or let them out into the garden, if there is one.
· Leave them with somewhere comfortable to lie down especially their bed & basket.
Leave them their favourite toys, chew toys can be better than balls in flats.
· Check the room is not hot or too cold and there is adequate ventilation
· Leave a light on if you are not coming back until after dark.
Some other points
If the dog is kept outside, think carefully about where their kennel is and where they can run. Try not to put it near a neighbour's fence where a dog will be tempted to bark.
Do not blame the dog and think that replacing them with another will solve this. It probably will not unless you change your lifestyle at the same time.
Do not get a second dog for company as this is unlikely to may make the problem better and may make it worse. Think carefully before getting a second dog.
But nothing works
Old dogs can be taught new tricks. Local contacts to try in Shetland are Shetland Dogs Club, any local dog trainer or ask Shetland Islands Council Environmental Health if they can suggest other solutions (01595 74 52 50).
Go to the vet. Sometimes a dog will bark because they are ill.
Anxiety maybe a cause of barking. A vet can refer a dog to an animal behaviourist who is an expert and can suggest ways to improve a dog's behaviour.
Further information
There are many publications on animal training and behaviour. The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) www.apbc.org.uk can provide a list of current publications.
And remember
It is important to make sure your dog is well cared for and well trained.
In particular, train your dog not to foul in public places.
If he does, "scoop the poop".
Make sure they have a collar and identification tag when in public places.
Make sure they are chipped as required by law after 8 weeks old.