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Nothing can be more annoying than a barking dog. But dogs don’t bark for no reason – it’s the way they communicate and can indicate they are distressed.
Dogs sometimes bark when they are:
- chained to a fixed point without enough room to move, or kept in a space which is too small
- provoked, deliberately or unintentionally, by people or roaming dogs
- under exercised or not exercised at all
- untrained
- lonely
- sick
- hungry, thirsty, on the wrong diet or generally neglected
- kept in circumstances that are unsuitable for that particular breed
- victims of abuse.
If you suspect a dog is being mistreated, contact an RSPCA inspector on (02) 9770 7555 or 1300 278 3589, or through the RSPCA website.
Otherwise, the NSW Environment Protection Authority suggests the following:
Caring for dogs
Compassion and common sense can eliminate many causes of excessive barking. A well cared for dog will generally not bark unreasonably and disturb neighbours. The following suggestions should help:
Dogs need enough space to move freely in an enclosed backyard. A dog should not be left on a fixed chain for long periods. If a dog has to be chained, it should be on a running chain.
Dogs need a place of their own. This can be a ventilated and waterproof kennel or an indoor area. Under section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 [external link] , a dog must be provided with adequate shelter, that is, a structure that protects them from wind, rain and sunshine.
Dogs need regular and adequate exercise according to their breed and size.
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Curing the barking habit
If you feel that a dog is well cared for, but continues to bark excessively, there are several things that can be tried:
- remove direct line of sight between the dog and children or animals, as looking at other animals or children may provoke barking
- take the dog to a recognised animal trainer to discourage bad habits
- provide noise insulation for the kennel
- take the dog to the vet - it may be sick.
Noisy dogs and the law
If you are annoyed by the noise from your neighbour's dog there are several things you can do.
Talk to the dog's owner
The dog's owner may not have realised that their dog is bothering you, and in many cases, will be happy to work with you to solve the problem.
Contact your local council
If mediation is unsuccessful and the noise problem persists, contact your local council. They have statutory powers to deal with barking dogs. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 , a council officer can issue a nuisance order to the owner declaring the dog a nuisance if it barks or makes another noise that keeps occurring or continues to such a degree that it unreasonably disturbs neighbours.
For example, if you complain about a noisy dog, the council officer can investigate to substantiate your complaint. This may include collecting evidence such as written statements from neighbours, asking you to keep a diary of when the noise occurs, and visiting the property where the dog is kept (check with your council about what evidence is required).
If the owner does not comply with the order, the offender is liable for a fine of up to $880 for the first offence and $1650 for the second and each subsequent offence.
