Barking dogs
Advice to owners:
Environmental
Services 2021
• Shouting stimulates your dog to
bark more because they think
you’re joining in. So the rst rule
is to speak calmly and rmly, but
don’t yell.
• Most dogs don’t know what you
want when you’re yelling at them
to “shut up.” So train your dog to
understand the word “Quiet!”
TrainingConstant barking:
Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking
or whining of a dog can be very disturbing of
annoying to your neighbours.
This problem often arises when you are out
of the house and so you do not realise that
your dog is barking. In law, a barking dog
can be classed as a statutory noise
nuisance. You could be taken to court if
you do nothing to stop the nuisance.
Why dogs bark:
Dogs need the security of a family group. Pet dogs consider their
owners to be their family and can soon become distressed when they
are left alone for a long time.
Some of the reasons why dogs may bark:
• Loneliness
• Boredom or frustration
• Seeking attention
• Medical problems
• Defending their territory
• Alarm/fear: Some dogs bark at any
noise or object that catches their
attention or startles them.
• Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking:
Dogs with separation anxiety often bark
excessively when left alone.
Commonly they also exhibit other symptoms such as pacing,
destructiveness, depression and inappropriate elimination.
Compulsive barkers seem to bark just to hear the sound of their
voices. They also often make repetitive movements as well, such as
running in circles or along a fence.
Training is important so that your dog does not bark at anything that
moves. A well trained dog should be able to distinguish between
intruders and visitors who are allowed into the house. Good training
is essential at an early age. This combined with affection and
companionship, should mean that your dog will not develop these
bad habits. Always start as you mean to go on. Here are a few tips to
remember as you start your efforts to control your dog’s barking.
Some simple things to try:
Some dogs just do not want you to go out. Get your dog used to the
idea using some of the following suggestions:
• Leave at different times during
the day. That way it may not be
so concerned each time you
leave. Do not make a fuss of
your dog when you leave it.
• Try putting the dog on their own
in another room for a few
minutes, then gradually build up
the time you leave your dog
alone. Do not return to the dog
until it is quiet for a period, then
praise it when you do return.
• Some dogs bark because they
want to join in with what’s going
on outside. If this is the problem,
try leaving your dog where he
cannot see outside.
• Some dogs will settle only if
they can hear a human voice.
Leaving the radio or television
on at a low volume may help.
• Try not to leave your dog for
long periods. If you have to go
out, see if there is someone
who can look in during that
time. Maybe that person
could take the dog for a walk
or let it out into the garden
(if you have one). A dog door is
very useful to let the dog use
the garden when you are not
there.
If you do have to leave your dog for a long time:
• Feed and exercise your dog before you go
out and leave it fresh water to drink.
• Make sure its bed or basket is comfortable
and not in a drought or direct sunlight.
• Leave it a large marrow bone to chew
and some of its favourite toys to play with.
• Make sure that the room is not too hot
or too cold and that there is good
ventilation.
If you are not returning until after dark, either leave alight on or use a
night light that comes on automatically when it gets dark.
Constant barking can be avoided.
If you leave your dog outside all day, follow the simple rules below:
• Do not put the kennel near a neighbour’s fence.
• Make sure your garden is completely secure, to prevent your dog from
straying and causing problems to neighbours.
• Do not blame the dog and thing that you will solve the problem by
replacing the dog with another. All dogs bark and unless you change
your lifestyle at the same time, the problem will still be there.
• Considering a second dog for company may help.
But think about this carefully. Do you have the
space and can you afford it? A second
dog could result in more,
not fewer problems.
If nothing you have tried works:
• Old dogs can be thought new tricks.
Contact your vet for advice.
• Visit the association of pet behaviour
councillors website at www.apbc.org.uk
