FACT SHEET FOR DOG OWNERS
The City of Stirling has rules for the management and control of dogs within its boundaries; these rules
are consistent with the Dog Act 1976, other relevant legislation and are designed to encourage
responsible pet ownership. The following information is provided to address FAQ’s and common issues.
Q: A complaint has been made about my dog barking – what do I need to know?
A: Dogs do bark, we understand this as it is in their nature. Sometimes however the noise can become a
nuisance and disrupting to the surrounding neighbours.
Once we receive a complaint about a dog barking both parties involved will receive information by way of a
Fact Sheet and a letter to the process of how a Dog Noise complaint is handled. As the dog owner you will
be asked to take measures to reduce the noise issue.
After approximately 9 days, the person/s who reported the alleged noise nuisance will be contacted to see if
the barking has subsided to an acceptable level or if the barking is still an issue.
If the barking has subsided to an acceptable level, no further action will be taken at that time. If however,
the barking is still causing a nuisance, the complainant will be asked to complete a “Dog Noise Diary”. This
is a daily diary where the person can record all barking, howling, whining and yelping over a period of ten
(10) consecutive days. As a dog owner, you will be notified of all outcomes during the process.
Q: What constitutes a Dog Noise complaint?
A: A dog noise complaint is where a dog makes a noise by barking that persistently occurs or is allowed to
continue to such a degree that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any
person in any place.
Q: What if I don’t believe that my dog is barking and causing a nuisance?
A: Once we have received the completed Diary it will be assessed by the investigating Ranger and a
determination will be made as to whether the barking is in fact a nuisance as per the regulations.
As the dog owner you will be given a copy of the Diary minus the complainant’s details so you can see
when your dog is barking and take steps to rectify the issue. It would be expected that a noticeable and
significant improvement would be achieved within 2 weeks to reduce or alleviate your dog’s barking. This
will be monitored by the investigating officer and contact will be made with both parties for updates on the
issue.
Q: What if I don’t make an attempt to address the situation?
A: If no attempts are made to address the issue then further action will be taken. An authorised person
may, under s.38(3) of the Dog Act 1976, issue an order (Abatement Notice) to the person liable for the dog
requiring that the behaviour causing the nuisance is prevented by a time specified in the order which is
usually 14 days. When an order is issued it has effect for 6 months after the day on which it was issued.
Q: I think my neighbour may be causing my dog to bark, what can I do?
A: Keep a diary for yourself when able to and record when your dog barks and make notes as to why your
dog barked at that time. If your neighbour talks loudly at the fence line or kids are hitting at the fence then
try and speak with the neighbour and explain that you are trying to control your dog’s barking and could
they please refrain from coming too close to the fence or knocking it, while you are in the process of training
your dog.
Q: What steps can I take to help resolve the barking issue?
A: Further information can be found on the following pages for you to consider that may assist you in
pinpointing why your dog is barking and what measures can be taken to help alleviate or reduce the
nuisance.
Dog Information – D3
HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION FOR DOG OWNERS
WHY DOES MY DOG BARK?
Barking, whimpering, whining, growling, howling, yelping
and moaning are normal sounds dogs use for
communication. When any of these are made excessively by
one or two dogs in close proximity to neighbours the
constant noise can become a problem.
Dogs do not bark without a reason. Barking can occur when
the dog is excited, when it’s threatened, seeks its owner’s
attention or is responding to a distant sound or signal.
To stop a dog from barking excessively, its owner needs to first find out when and why the dog is barking.
The problem should then be treated in the early stages, as prolonged and habitual barking is very difficult
and time consuming to correct.
EXCESSIVE BARKING MAY BE DUE TO:
Breeding:
Barking is a natural behaviour that may occur more in some breeds or individual dogs than others because
of their breeding or temperament. Some are more excitable, whilst others are more likely to react to
confinement or isolation by barking. Prospective owners need to carefully select a dog suitable for their
lifestyle and home environment.
Confinement:
Dogs will bark at any noises or movements they can see, hear and smell but are not able to investigate or
reach. People or dogs passing by, birds flying overhead, a lawnmower, the telephone ringing, a knock on
the door, livestock in adjacent paddocks or the sound of other dogs may trigger a bout of barking. A well
socialised dog that has been given a variety of experiences when young is less likely to overreact to outside
distractions.
Isolation:
Dogs are social animals and will actively seek the company of other dogs and people. When left alone in
backyards all day they may bark for attention. Most dogs will adapt to being left on their own if conditioned
to do so from an early age. Leaving the dog alone for short periods at first and then gradually increasing the
time to the maximum period it will regularly spend on its own will help the dog to adjust. Owners can also
assist by establishing a routine so that the dog receives attention when they are home.
Fence-line distractions:
A dog should not be kept near a walkway, hostile neighbours, or where children can tease it. The location of
the dog’s kennel or run may need to be changed if it is too close to a neighbour or other distraction.
Neighbours who have dogs that growl and bark at each other should restrict each of the dogs access to the
fence-line. A high solid fence or confining the dog to the rear of a property can prevent a dog from growling,
barking or lunging at passers-by.
Dog Information – D3
Visitors:
A dog will often bark at visitors arriving, whether they are strangers or friends, especially if it is behind a
barrier. If a dog is introduced to visitors, it won’t be so vocal when they arrive.
Anxiety:
Many dogs are anxious or insecure when their owners are absent and may cope with the stress of
separation by barking, digging or chewing. Plastic or hide bones should be given to the dog before its
owner leaves home as these can provide an outlet for the dog’s anxiety. Minimal attention should be given
to the dog before its owner departs.
Excitement:
Excitable dogs will bark when overstimulated. This frequently occurs during play or when the dog is chasing
a ball or birds in the garden.
Changes in the Dogs life:
A major change in an older dog’s lifestyle or environment may cause excessive barking. If an owner starts
working longer hours, a marriage breaks up, a new baby arrives or a family shifts house, the amount and
type of attention the dog receives or its status in the household may change. Instead of ignoring the dog,
the owner should establish a new routine that includes exercise, training and play.
Discomfort:
Dogs that are hot, wet, cold or without shelter may bark, as will dogs that are sick or in pain, hungry, thirsty
or entangled in their chain. Before leaving home, the owner must ensure that their dog has access to
bedding, food, water and familiar toys throughout the day. Dogs that are kept inside should have access to
the outside when their owners are absent.
Teaching the dog to bark:
If a dog is taken for a walk, brought into the house or comforted because it’s barking too loud and
prolonged, then the barking will always be loud and prolonged. The dog soon learns that barking can be
rewarding. If a dog is brought inside the house because of its barking it must be done so on a permanent
basis. A part of the house can be sectioned off for its use.
CORRECTING EXCESSIVE BARKING
Physical punishment:
Yelling at or hitting a barking dog does not achieve anything except to reward the dog by giving it the
attention it was seeking. Whether the attention is good or bad it does not matter to a dog that seeks this.
Physical punishment will increase the likelihood of future barking by making the dog more anxious and may
also cause it to bite when threatened in the future.
Exercise:
Exercise alone will not stop a dog from barking, but it may provide an active release for its energy. Exercise
should be varied with 15-20 minutes daily spent walking, training and playing with the dog. If the dog is to
be left alone all day, it is preferable for the owner to exercise it before leaving for work. Riding a bicycle with
the dog running alongside is dangerous. Too often a dog is distracted by another dog and pulls its owner off
the bicycle and into traffic, or the dog itself gets injured in the moving wheels.
Dog Information – D3
Getting a second dog:
Another dog may help if a dog is barking because of isolation or anxiety. If not, then the resident dog will
probably teach the new dog to bark at all the distractions it presently barks at. Owners considering a
second dog should first borrow a dog from friends on different occasions, to assess whether company will
reduce their dog’s barking. Other pets can provide company for the dog. Caged birds can be used, but they
must be kept out of the dog’s reach.
When owners are home:
Correcting a dog with a firm “No” as soon as it barks at distractions or when visitors arrive may stop a
barking problem from developing. After any correction the owners should call the dog to them and praise it
for returning. The dog should also be rewarded periodically with attention, praise or a walk if it is silent. Both
procedures, correcting when barking and rewarding when silent should be used in conjunction with each
other.
When Leaving a Dog on its Own
1. The owner should leave home for 5-10 minutes. Another person can be used to monitor any barking
during this period. If the dog does not bark when the owner is absent it must be praised or rewarded
with a treat on their return. If barking did occur then the dog is to be ignored and the procedure
repeated.
2. Praise should be limited outside of the retraining sessions, so that the dog can associate the reward
with being silent.
3. After several days of retraining the dog should begin to anticipate the praise and learn that non-barking
behaviour is rewarding.
4. Once the dog is quiet for short periods, the length of its owner’s absence may be gradually increased.
A tape recorder can be used to monitor any barking.
A mild tranquilliser may be necessary during the initial retraining period if the dog cannot remain silent for a
short period. When a barking problem is being corrected, it is important that the dog in not left in a situation
where it can continue to bark. A dog may sometimes have to be taken to work, left with a friend or kept
inside for a short period during its initial retraining when the owner is absent.
Training the dog to bark appropriately:
Many owners praise their dog when it barks at strangers in the belief that this will make the dog a better
watchdog. However, constant barkers rarely frighten intruders, and neighbours will usually dismiss the
barking. When training a dog to bark the owner must decide when, at what and for how long they wish the
dog to bark for. The command “No” should be used by owners who do not want their dog to bark at all and
the command “Cease” for those that want the dog to bark for a short period only. The cease command
permits a warning bark which the owners can control. A firm tone of voice should be used to stop the
barking and the dog must be praised immediately it ceases.
Barking correction collar:
This is a device which can be attached to the dog’s collar and emits a noise, shock or spray
when it barks. It is effective in dogs that can associate the noise, shock or spray with the
barking. However, not all dogs make this association and the noise or shock itself may
stimulate further barking.
Dog Information – D3
Barking correction device:
This is a device which can be hung in your patio or along a fence line and emits a
noise to the dog when it barks. It is effective in dogs that can make the association
between the barking and the noise. However, not all dogs make this association and
the noise itself may stimulate further barking.
Water and noise:
A sprinkler can be used to spray the dog when it barks, or a can containing pebbles thrown near the dog to
startle it. When the dog ceases barking it should be recalled and praised for returning. Either method should
be used in conjunction with a firm “No” when the dog is barking and praised when it is silent. The procedure
can be repeated as often as the opportunity arises, or when the owner can simulate conditions that may
cause the dog to bark.
De-barking:
The surgical removal of the vocal cords or larynx is an expensive and often unnecessary operation. It is an
option that should only be used when other methods of treatment are ineffective or cannot be carried out.
Barking Dogs Kept Inside The House:
Curtains should be drawn and the dog’s access to windows restricted to prevent it from barking at passersby. A “do not disturb”, or a “do not ring” sign pinned to the door when the owner is absent will decrease the
likelihood of the dog barking when someone knocks or rings
Some dogs will relax more if the lighting is dimmed.
A radio, T.V., video or music can be left playing when the owner is out. This may comfort the dog by
muffling any extraneous sounds and creating conditions similar to when its owners are at home.
If the continual ringing of a telephone causes the dog to bark, an answer phone can be installed. This will
enable the owner to call home at irregular intervals and use their voice to distract the dog from its barking.
What if my dog is a nuisance barker?
There is no quick fix or easy solution to problem barking. Some dogs have behavioural problems such as
separation anxiety, which requires specific treatment and behavioural modification.
Don’t yell at or hit the dog for barking as this may cause other behaviour problems. Instead, for advice on
the best approach for your situation, consider approaching:
 Your local veterinarian
 A Dog obedience club, or
 An Animal behaviourist
Should you require any additional information on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Ranger
Services Section direct on 9205 8555.
Dog Information – D3