Barking dogs - City of Canning

General information on dogs
Dogs must be registered at three months of age.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in public
places, except in an approved exercise area.
Anyone in control of dogs in public places are required to
pick up their animals droppings and dispose of them in
an approved manner.
Dog owners must ensure they have adequate means to
confine their dog within the boundaries of their property.
Tethering a dog is not considered to be an effective way
in which to confine the animal.
Contact Details
Patrol & Security Services
on 9231 0699
24 hours a day
Seven days a week
281 Bannister Road, Canning Vale.
Hours of opening:
A facility of the City of Canning
1317 Albany Hwy
Cannington
(08) 9231 0606
Monday to Friday 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 4pm - 5pm
Christmas Day - Closed
Good Friday - Closed
Please address correspondence to:
Services
Locked Bag 80
Welshpool WA 6986
General information on dogs
Dogs bark for many reasons.
If the tips in this brochure do not help, the following
organisations can provide a list of animal behaviourists.
Your local veterinarian may offer some useful advice on
barking dogs.
RSPCA
Dogs West
(08) 9209 9300
(08) 9455 1188
Simple tips for owners of dogs
General information on dog ownership
City Animal Pound
If you would like to pick up your dog from the pound, we
are located at:
Barking dogs
Website: www.canning.wa.gov.au
Email: [email protected]
Authorised and produced by the City of Canning
Common Myths?
Barking dogs
Dogs that bark a lot are good watchdogs!
Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any
household, but owning a dog comes with
responsibilities.
•False - Neighbours usually ignore barking,
making dogs that bark excessively a poor alarm
system!
One of the most common complaints against
dogs in the suburbs is the nuisance of barking.
My dog doesn’t bark excessively when I am
home, so I assume it doesn’t bark excessively
when I am out.
Barking is highly subjective, with many
interpretations of what constitutes a nuisance.
•False - Many dogs bark due to anxiety and
isolation. Majority of complaints are when
owners are not home.
Under Section 38 (2)(b) of the Dog Act 1976 a
dog shall be taken to be a nuisance if:
“(b) It creates a noise, by barking or otherwise,
which persistently occurs or continues to a
degree or extent not normally habitual in dogs
and has a disturbing effect on the state of
reasonable physical, mental or social wellbeing of a person.”
What can you do if a neighbour’s dog is
barking excessively?
In the interests of neighbourly harmony,
consider discussing the issue with your
neighbour. They may not be aware that their
dog is causing a nuisance in their absence.
If you are unable to approach the owner, or the
owner is not receptive to your concerns then
advise the City’s Patrol & Security Services
who will deal with the matter on a formal basis
under the appropriate legislation.
It is important to report the matter early,
before the barking nuisance becomes an
established habit.
Our City promotes
responsible dog ownership.
Tips for owners of barking dogs
Sterilisation will stop a dog barking.
• Do not reward your dog for excessive barking
•False - Sterilisation has no effect on barking,
except when dogs bark at neighbouring dogs
of the same sex or a male dog senses a bitch
on heat. To avoid unwanted litters, unless you
are a breeder, sterilisation is recommended.
• If the dog barks at people or noises on the
other side of a fence, erect a barrier to keep
the dog away from that area or move the dog
to another part of the yard
• Leaving a radio playing softly assists in
blocking out noises the dog may bark at. If
possible, place the radio between the dog
and the noise
• Dogs that bark at regular disturbances, such
as postmen or rubbish trucks, should be
taken inside at those times
• Consider placing shade cloth on the fence or
gate to reduce visual stimuli
• Consider installing a barrier to reduce your
dog racing along the fence line at passing
distractions
• Ensure your dog is NEVER left without
adequate shade and water
• If your dog is well socialised with other dogs,
exercised regularly and obedience trained, it
is less likely to be a neighbourhood nuisance
It is natural for dogs to bark a lot!
•False - Whilst barking is a dog’s main form
of communication, it is neither normal or
acceptable for dogs to bark for long periods of
time.
Dogs bark when lonely and need another dog
for company!
•False - A second dog rarely fixes the problem,
but may make it worse!
Dogs only bark excessively when bored, teased
or not exercised.
•False - Dogs bark for many reasons,
including inappropriate confinement, passing
distractions, isolation, guarding, anxiety,
discomfort and attention seeking. The cause
needs to be identified before a remedy can be
effected.