Dogs are an important part of our community. They bark for many reasons. However, if excessive barking goes unchecked, it can become a nuisance to your neighbours.
As a dog owner, it is important to ensure that your dog does not bark excessively.
In Victoria it is an offence to allow a dog to create a nuisance. We will work with you to implement strategies to reduce the barking and the impact it has on affected neighbours.
If you are unable to reduce the barking an on-the-spot fine and/or a court order may be sought to reduce the barking.
Why dogs bark
Dogs bark for many reasons including:
- separation anxiety
- communication
- boredom
- medical condition
- seeking attention.
Reducing nuisance barking
There are many ways you can minimise your dog barking.
-
Speak to your neighbours: Our neighbours are a great source of information
when it comes to finding out what your dog gets up to when you are not home. Your neighbours may be
able to tell you what is setting your dog off and what times
the barking occurs.
Sometimes the person who lodged a complaint is
willing to speak directly with you to reach a solution. It is important to remain calm, listen to what
the other person has to say and work through solutions together.
Occasionally the person who has lodged the
complaint with us wishes to remain anonymous. We understand how
important it is for collaboration when resolving neighbourhood disputes,
however we are unable to provide you
with the complainant’s details. If this is the case, our Animal Management Officers will communicate between both you and the complainant.
- Contact your vet: To rule out any medical problems. Your vet knows your dog best. As well as ruling out any
health concerns, they will be able to offer some helpful solutions to reduce barking.
- Keep your dog busy: Dogs like to have a busy mind and can easily become bored, lonely, or anxious. It is important that they are kept active. Try scheduling
an extra walk and provide them with a toy puzzle to reduce boredom.
- Undertake dog training: Every dog is
different. Sometimes a tailored training approach is a good way to reduce excessive barking. You can find
approved training organisations at geelongaustralia.com.au/pets
- Citronella collars: Are used to help train dogs to bark less. The are a useful
tool if you’ve received complaints about your dog. The premise is simple – barking results in unpleasant consequences. Each time your
dog barks, the collar sprays a burst of citronella.
Are you affected by nuisance barking?
If your neighbour’s dog’s barking is causing intrusion on
your life, the first step towards a solution is to talk with your neighbour prior to lodging a
complaint.
Dog owners are often unaware of their own dog’s excessive barking.
Starting the conversation
It’s important to start the conversation off on the right foot when you are trying to resolve a
dispute.
Although you may be frustrated from the barking, remain calm when explaining the issue, listen to what the other person has to say, and think of solutions together with your neighbour.
If you do not think you will be able to say the right things,or you are feeling anxious about approaching your neighbour, you could
ask another neighbour or friend to come with you, or you could write a friendly letter. It is important to let the dog owner know that the letter is
from you, so they can address your concerns and work
with you to reach a solution.
Complainants who make false reports, for whatever reason, may incur civil court action for false declaration.
Solving problems
If things don’t go well immediately, don’t panic, sometimes problems cannot be solved
straight away.
If your neighbour is unapproachable or does not agree that the problem exists, then contact us
for advice. An Animal Management Officer will assess your complaint, provide
advice, and investigate if a nuisance is suspected.