Problem or Nuisance Dogs

 

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Information on Barking Dogs

 Local Orders Policy - Keeping of Animals (61.18kB)

Dogs bark – it’s a fact of life. A dog’s bark is its way of communicating, just as we talk as our way of communicating. Unfortunately, barking can be annoying for your surrounding neighbours. It can cause stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure and bad mental health for your neighbours if the problem isn’t fixed. It is a huge cause of neighbourly disputes.

 

You can make a barking dog complaint online via Council's e-request system

 

Why do dogs bark?

There can be many reasons why a dog bark, just as there are many ways to try and fix it.

Some of the reasons dogs bark can be:

  • Territorial
  • Playfulness
  • Provoked intentionally or unintentionally by humans, wildlife or other domesticated pets
  • Hunger or thirst
  • Boredom
  • Neglect
  • Sickness or poor diet
  • Attention seeking or communication
  • Lack of space or exercise
  • Separation anxiety

     

    If you feel as though a neighbour’s dog is barking as a result of neglect or abuse, you should contact the RSPCA or an animal welfare organisation.

    How to help eliminate the barking dog habit

    • Dogs should be engaged in training or puppy school at a young age to prevent them from learning the nuisance barking habit. There are many different companies who work exclusively with barking dogs and dog training who may be of assistance. Dog training isn’t just useful for your dog, its also useful for you to understand how to discipline your pet properly.
    • Exercise and attention should be your first step in trying to stop the barking. The amount and intensity of the exercise will depend on the breed and size of the dog. For example, a large Border Collie would need a lot more exercise then a small Maltese.
    • You must remember for dogs whom are “spoilt” or non-disciplined that you will need to eliminate the problem of barking before it elevates. You must display consistent dominance to your pet otherwise the problem will persist.
    • Give your pet a kennel of some sort to give them shelter and warmth. You may also like keep your pet inside or locked in the garage or shed at night.
    • A large, raw bone will draw their attention for hours on end. Chew toys may also have the same effect.
    • Move you pet to the backyard or away from the direct line of vision from people walking past. Most dogs are territorial and bark when people walk past to protect their home.
    • You must NEVER reward or induce barking. Ignore your dog until they stop, otherwise they will recognise that barking = attention. Giving comments like “What is it?” or “Go get it!” will make the dog think that barking is a game. Reward your dog when it is quiet, and never when it barks.

     

    What should I do if my neighbour’s dog is barking?

    If your neighbour’s dog is barking and causing a nuisance, you first step should be to approach them - they may not realise the barking is causing a nuisance. Maybe leave them something in writing advising them of the problem if you think they are unapproachable or not home often.

    Alternatively, you could use the services of a Community Justice Centre (CJC). This is government funded centre who provide free mediation sessions for residents having problems with issues such as barking dogs, fences etc.

    Your local CJC is at:

    Level 1 & 5
    Parramatta Justice Precinct
    160 Marsden Street
    Parramatta NSW 2150
    PH: 1800 990 777

     

    If all else fails, you can lodge a formal complaint with Council.

    Once lodged, Council with notify the owner of your complaint and will provide them with an educational pack on barking dogs and the law.

    As the complainant, you will need to fill in a barking dog survey for approximately two weeks, documenting the hours in which the dog barks. Council cannot take any further action until these surveys are completed in full. Council will not be able to take anonymous complaints - if you do not provide your details, unfortunately we cannot take any action.

    To lodge a complaint, please fill in an e-request providing as much detail as possible (including hours in which the dog barks, the breed of dog, what action has been taken etc) along with your details. Alternatively, you can call and speak with a Council staff member on (02) 9843 0555 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. 

  • Download Council's fact sheet  Nuisance barking (668.91kB) 

  • or for more information please visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/barkingdogs.htm 

  • or http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

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