Barking dogs

Dogs like to bark. Usually it does not cause a problem but sometimes persistent barking could be causing a statutory noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 

The reasons for barking and solutions include: 

• Excited dogs will bark and jump around at visitors, dinner time or at the sight of it's lead. Lots of exercise, obedience training courses and a calm atmosphere will help. 

• Bored dogs will bark when it has nothing to do. Exercise, toys or large bones and the presence of people will help to keep your dog engaged.

• Attention seeking dogs will bark to get attention. Try to break this habit by ignoring your dog when it's obviously seeking attention, but give it attention when it's being quiet and good. 

• Lonely dogs will probably bark as soon as you leave them. Get your dog used to being on it's own. Find somewhere it likes and leave it, gradually building up the time. Try placing an unwashed item of clothing on the other side of the door. Leave the radio on quietly, turn off the lights and close the curtains.  Exercise and feed your dog before going out and try not to leave it on it's own for too long. Get a friend to walk it if you are out at work.

• Frustrated dogs will bark because it can’t get at something they can see or hear. Leave the radio on quietly to cover noises and pull the curtains to stop it seeing out. Make sure it has a toy or something else to take frustration out on. Don't leave your dog alone in the garden as too many distractions will make it bark.

• Dogs guarding their surroundings will bark to protect or alert you. Teach it to calm down when you open the door and encourage it to sit and be quiet when you let visitors in. Let your visitors feed it treats when it's behaving properly. 

Exercise and good training, combined with affection and companionship, should mean that your dog will not develop bad habits. 

See the leaflet attached to this page for further information, or for more advice and help with dog barking problems contact our Animal Warden on 0118 974 6356 or your local veterinary surgeon.