Barking dogs can cause great disturbance to your neighbourhood and may attract warnings or fines.
Dogs can bark for a number of reasons. Your dog may be:
- bored or restless because it lacks exercise or attention
- anxious or afraid
- reacting to movement or noise, such as other animals or birds
- reacting to a colour or another visual
- sick or suffering in some way
- thirsty, hungry, hot or cold.
Follow these simple steps to prevent your dog from barking and disturbing your neighbours:
- Exercise your dog regularly to keep them from becoming bored or restless.
- Make sure your dog has adequate shelter, food and water.
- Make your backyard an interesting place with toys and the odd bone.
- Take your dog to obedience classes and practice what you learn.
- Teach your dog new tricks to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Socialise your dog with other dogs during walks and at obedience training.
- Put up visual blocks such as a shade cloth for sights which disturb your dog.
- Play a radio softly if noises disturb your dog.
Ask your neighbours regularly about your dog’s behaviour. Your dog is your responsibility and if you do not address the problem you may be issued with a warning or a fine.
If you are affected by a barking dog, talk to the owner to see if they are aware of the problem. Tell them when the barking occurs, so they can identify the possible causes.
If the problem continues, contact Council on (03) 5422 0333.