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Barking dogs

The barking of dogs can be annoying to neighbours, though sometimes the owner is unaware that the barking is causing a nuisance.  Once a person is made aware that the issue is causing a nuisance to their neighbours, most of the time, they will take steps to fix the problem.

Barking dogs is an issue which could be discussed between neighbours without the need for Council's involvement in the matter.

Barking Dogs Can be a Nuisance

A dog that barks excessively can be annoying to your family and neighbours.  If the dog's barking causes a nuisance, then its owner may be liable to a fine or court action. It is in the interest of the owner and the community to train dogs so their barking is not excessive.
 
Why Do Dogs Bark?
 
All dogs bark - it's natural. However, dogs need to learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. If your dog is barking because of a behavioural issue it may be because they are:
  • Seeking attention
  • Bored
  • Lonely
  • Anxious
There are many organisations that provide professional advice on training your dog.  We have outlined some tips below which may help but Council advises you to contact the RSPCA, check local guides or the Internet to obtain professional advice.    
 
Training Your Dog Not to Bark
 
Dogs will react to the lessons they are taught and the environment around them.  If a dog is seeking attention by barking, any attention (good or bad) will meet its needs.  In many cases, scolding your dog for barking is not an appropriate lesson. Scolding sometimes teaches the dog that the more it barks, the more attention it will receive.  Training a dog not to bark requires lessons the dog understands and possibly a change in the dog's environment.  Repeat the lessons so that good behaviour is reinforced and rewarded.  Establishing effective control and leadership with your dog should encourage the correct behaviour.
   
When You are not at Home
 
Dogs often bark because of a combination of social isolation and boredom.  You can spend time with your dog when you are at home which will usually relieve the problem, but when you're not, a solution can be to make your dog happy, relaxed and comfortable in its yard or ‘den'.  You must make the dog happy about being confined to this area while you are out, but balance this with extra exercise when you return home. If you are keeping your dog in its yard you may need to modify its environment so that it is kept away from ‘sights and sounds' that make it bark.
Make sure the dog has shelter or somewhere comfortable to get out of the weather (heat, rain etc).  Place the dog's water bowl inside its den or yard and nowhere else - so that even when you are at home, it has to go there voluntarily for a drink.
Lock the dog in its yard for 15 minutes whenever you feed it.  The dog then will associate being confined with the happiness and contentment of being fed. Leave the dog in its yard for 15 minutes, then release it.
When you leave for work, lock the dog in the yard and give it food to make it happy.  A large bone will help do this and keep the dog occupied for some time.  The dog will remain quiet because it is happy.
 
When You are at Home
 
Training your dog is the first step to achieving good behaviour.  You only get back what you put in.  Teach your dog commands, such as come, sit, stay and ....quiet.  Through repetition and reward these messages should be easily learnt.  Reward should be given when the dog carries out the correct behaviour, do not punish it for bad behaviour.  Dogs have acute hearing and shouting commands are not necessary to get the message across.  Repetition and reward work best.
Dogs are pack animals and love to be around you.  Spending time with your dog is important to establish desired behaviour and will be rewarding for both you and the dog.
If the technique you are using does not work for your dog, seek an alternative such as teaching the dog to "speak" on command, and reward the dog when quiet.
 
Tips for training
  • Try and identify what the stimuli is that is making your dog bark
  • Spend time with your dog playing, walking, just hanging out together
  • Be aware of your reaction to your dog barking, are you unintentionally rewarding your dog for bad behaviour?
  • Reward your dog with treats and attention for good behaviour
  • Work with your dog so it knows when it is appropriate to bark - for example if a stranger is on your property
  • Repeat the lessons you want your dog to learn so it becomes a habit for them
 
Training Puppies
 
Take your puppy to "puppy school" and teach it from an early age the type of behaviour you expect. Reinforce these lessons at home.  Spend time with your pup, give it plenty of exercise and things to play with.  Make sure that your puppy has had plenty of social interaction with other pups and people.
For more information on animal behaviour and training please contact your local vet, animal behaviourist or RSPCA.
Last Updated on Friday, 28 January 2011 14:14

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