Barking dogs
Dog barking is one of the most common noise complaints that we receive at the Council. Most complaints fall into the following categories:
- A dog is left alone in the house and barks while the owner is out
- A dog is left alone outside or with access to the garden and barks a lot
- When the dog is let out, it barks continuously for long periods before being brought back in.
The problem is worse if the dog is barking overnight or very early in the morning as this will disturb sleep.
Ways to make a complaint about dog barking:
- Online: Fill out a Statutory Nuisance Report
- Email: EH@winchester.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01962 848097
On this page
— What happens when we get a complaint
— Why your dog might be barking
— What you can do to help
— More information and advice
What happens when we get a complaint
When we receive a complaint about barking dogs, it will be dealt with in the same way as any noise nuisance complaint. However, we understand that a dog is a living thing and not something that can easily be switched on and off like loud music.
We understand how disturbing it can be living near a barking dog but we ask that you always try to speak to the owner first before reporting the matter to us, and be patient if the dog owners are trying to resolve the problem.
Why your dog might be barking
A dog may be barking for a number of reasons but it is important that a dog receives the fundamentals:
- Regular and adequate physical and mental exercise
- A good diet
- Proper training (using reward based training rather than punishment)
- Socialisation (so the dog is used to a wide variety of experiences, people and other animals)
- Good health (with regular veterinary check-ups)
Some of the more common reasons that a dog may bark are:
- Separation anxiety - where a dog does not like being left alone, especially if the dog is used to the owner being there
- Territorial barking - where a dog barks at any person or animal that passes by
- Alarm barking - where something scares or worries the dog
- Attention seeking - where the dog barks to gain the owner’s attention
- Social barking - where there are other dogs nearby barking too
- Pain or ill health - which can include deafness or dementia
- Frustration - where the dog may be tied up, isolated or not exercised
What you can do to help
It is difficult if you have to go out but have a dog that barks and is causing a nuisance to neighbours when left. Every situation is different but options you could consider are:
- Leaving the dog with a friend or relative
- Leaving the dog with a home boarder or day care centre
- Try working with a dog behaviourist or dog trainer
- Try leaving the radio playing at a low level, the sound of music and voices can sometimes reassure a dog
- Try drawing the curtains in case the dog’s barking is a reaction to what it is seeing through the window
If you have a dog that barks a lot and you would like advice, you are welcome to contact the Animal Welfare Team:
- Email: ehealth@winchester.gov.uk
- Tel: 01962 848097
More information and advice
Websites for finding a local dog trainer or behaviourist:
There is also a lot of good advice and expertise available from the following charities:
- Dogs Trust - How To Stop Your Dog Barking
- The Blue Cross - How to stop your dog barking
- RSPCA - Understanding a dog's body language