Barking dogs

  1. How to prevent excessive barking
  2. What if i'm affected by a barking dog?

Barking is one of the ways dogs communicate. It can signify anything from playfulness to danger and is part of their natural behaviour. Causes of barking include:

  • boredom, attention seeking
  • not enough exercise
  • inadequate or limited socialisation
  • excitement
  • fear

  • injury or health issues

1. How to prevent 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 in an enclosed backyard. A dog should not be left on a 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, like a ventilated and waterproof kennel or an indoor area. They must be provided with adequate shelter and a structure that protects them from wind, rain and sunshine. 

  • Dogs need regular and adequate exercise according to their breed size. 

If your dog is excessively barking, consider the assistance of a qualified dog trainer to identify the cause of the behaviour. Early treatment of problematic behaviour in dogs, such as excessive barking, is essential.

It is usually easier and quicker to successfully eliminate a problematic behaviour when it's addressed early.

2. What if I'm affected by a barking dog?

When a dog barks excessively, it may disturb neighbours.

  1. Talk to the dog owner
    The owner may not realise their dog is bothering you, especially if it barks when they aren't home. In many cases, they will be happy to work with you to solve the problem. 

  2. Contact a Community Justice Centre (CJC) if the problem persists

    CJC specialise in settling differences between neighbours without entering into a complicated legal processes. A CJC representative can meet with you and the dog owner to solve the problem. This process is free and has a high success rate.

  3. Contact our rangers team if the problem persists after mediation through the CJC
    Council will only investigate if noise reports are made by two separate households or more. Noise diaries may be provided to affected residents to determine the noise frequency and its impact. Residents that complete noise diaries must be prepared to give evidence in Court to support their complaint. 

  4. Seek a noise abatement order
     If the matter only affects your household, you can apply for a noise abatement order. To learn more on the process and apply for an order, contact your local court or speak to a legal adviser.  For free legal information, you can call LawAccess on 1300 888 529.

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