Dog Barking

Understanding the problem

Excessive barking is one of the most common dog complaints reported to Councils. Barking is monotonous and repetitive and it is a sound that few people can tolerate for any length of time. Dog owners often have difficulty in believing that their dog barks excessively, because the dog usually barks when they are out and is not barking when they arrive home.

Because most people today buy a dog for protection as well as a companion, it is important that we understand the differences between a good watch dog and a nuisance barker. Allowing your dog to bark at anything it likes is not the correct way to teach it be "A good watch dog".

A dog that barks at anything is not a good watch dog. A dog like this is similar to a car alarm that keeps going off for no reason. People will eventually take no notice when it goes off for a legitimate reason.
A good watch dog will only bark if there is imminent danger (fire etc) or there is someone entering your property.

Living near a dog that barks excessively

Dog owners are seldom bothered by their own dog's barking, but it can be very disturbing to others in the neighbourhood. The dog's owners should be approached directly and have the problem explained to them.

How It Can Affect Neighbours

• Makes it hard to listen to people talking
• Makes it hard to enjoy radio or television
• Creates stress
• Disturbs sleep
• Affects concentration
• Affects moods and relaxation

How Neighbours Can Help the Dog Owner

If the dog owner is prepared to rectify the problem, a neighbour can assist in the dog's restraining by correcting it over the fence with a firm "No" when barking occurs, and by praising the dog when it is quiet.

This can be particularly helpful if the owners are not home during the day.

If a problem persists then a complaint should be made to:

The Animal Control Section
Christchurch City Council,
10 Metro Place, Bromley,
P O Box 24-284
Christchurch

Phone 941 8666

Email mailto:Animal.Control@ccc.govt.nz