Barking Dogs
Council’s local law contains the following nuisance provisions which dog owners need to be aware of:
An excessively barking dog/s would be considered a nuisance for the purposes of the local law. If Council receives a complaint the matter is followed up with the dog owner.
Common Causes of Barking Some of the most common causes of barking and suggestions for stopping it, are listed below: Chaining the dog to a fixed point with insufficient movement or restricting the dog to too small an area for long periods of time. Provide enough space for your dog to move freely if you are chaining them for a particular reason. A dog should not be left on a fixed chain for long periods as this can induce savagery and increases the potential for nuisance barking. Deliberate or unintentional provocation by people or other roaming animals. Eliminate direct line of sight by erecting a fence, wall or other solid matter. Do not tie your dog in the front yard. Lack of reasonable exercise. Walking your dog keeps you and your dog fit. The amount of exercise depends on the breed or size of the dog. When in public keep your dog on a leash, unless it is a designated “off leash” recreation area. Lack of training. Your dog will accept kind but firm discipline. Take it to obedience training before it develops bad barking habits. Lack of kennel or suitable shelter from the weather. Give your dog a place to itself. This can be a ventilated and waterproof kennel or indoor quarters. A dog kept in an enclosed area at night usually does not bark and annoy neighbours. Unsuitable or insufficient diet and lack of sufficient water in hot weather. A balanced and varied diet is necessary. Keep feeding hours regular and fresh water on hand at all times. Ill Health. Your dog may suffer from fleas, worms or other diseases which may cause it discomfort and be the cause of barking and whinging. Examine your dogs regularly and seek veterinary attention if necessary. Loneliness. Being left alone for long periods causes frustration and boredom which leads to barking. Give your pet companionship and attention.
Council has anti-barking collars for hire at a cost of $1 per day, plus $20 per can of citronella. This collar sprays a harmless scent basically composed of citronella oil next to the dog's nose when it barks. The dog is rapidly able to establish a relation between the scent spray and it's barking. In most cases this discourages unnecessary barking. ABS Australia distributes the collars, please visit their website for more information. Should you wish to lodge a complaint regarding a barking dog, or would like to arrange an anti-barking collar, please contact Council's Community Services Section on (07) 4975 8100. |
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