Nuisance Fact Sheet – Noise from Barking Dogs
Noise from Barking Dogs Fact Sheet
Dog barking is the UK’s most complained about noise nuisance after loud music.
This fact sheet deals with issues concerning dog barking, we have other factsheets
concerning noise and how Aylesbury Vale District Council investigates nuisance.
Why do dogs bark?
Barking is normal behaviour for dogs but we appreciate that excessive barking, whining or
howling can seriously affect people’s rights to enjoy reasonable peace and quiet. Dog
barking can be unpredictable and is often uncontrolled.
Barking often occurs when the dog’s owner is out and therefore an owner may be genuinely
unaware that their pet is causing a nuisance. Dogs aren’t solitary creatures – pets regard
owners as their family. Dogs need to feel secure and may become distressed when left
alone. Some of the reasons why dogs bark might include:
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Excitement
Frustration
Boredom
Loneliness
Guarding
Dog owners may give a number of reasons why dogs bark, and we often hear that the
reason a dog barks is that it is a guard dog and is meant to bark – it is warning people off.
The issue with this is that a dog is unable to differentiate between people who pose a threat
and those who don’t.
Is dog barking a nuisance?
The nature of dogs means that they will bark from time to time, for example to alert your
attention to someone at the door or when playing. Dog barking would be considered a
nuisance if for example they bark for prolonged periods, frequent excessive barking and
barking at unreasonable hours, i.e. early morning or late at night. Dog owners must ensure
that the barking is not occurring unreasonably.
What should I do in the first instance?
As with other noise related complaints, we recommend in the first instance that you speak to
your neighbour. Very often, owners may not be aware that their pet is causing a nuisance
and so may appreciate being given the opportunity to resolve a problem amicably without
the council intervening.
When talking to your neighbour, keep calm during your discussions and be prepared to listen
to their point of view. Please be respectful and treat them as you would like to be treated. It
might be that you can find a compromise and come to an agreement. Often problems can be
resolved without involving the Council.
If you feel that you can’t approach your neighbours, you could put a short friendly note
through their door. There are some template letters on our website at
www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/
Nuisance Fact Sheet – Noise from Barking Dogs
How will the council investigate my complaint?
In the first instance you will be asked to complete diary sheets for a period of two weeks.
You can download the diary sheets from our website and start recording information straight
away. The information you supply us with will help the officers determine if a nuisance
exists.
If our officers deem that a nuisance is likely they may then install noise recording equipment
in your home so that we can record the frequency and intensity of the noise. They may also
attempt to witness the noise first hand from your property.
If a nuisance exists and we have sufficient evidence we will issue an abatement notice. This
is a legal document which informs the person causing the nuisance they need to do
something to stop the nuisance continuing.
We will then ask you to contact us should the nuisance continue. We will gather evidence
and attempt to witness the nuisance and we will take appropriate enforcement action.
We would always seek to work with both you as the complainant and the dog owner to reach
a solution. We would also work with the dog owner and offer advice and assistance on
measures that can be taken to minimise barking.
What can be done to control the dog barking?
It maybe a case that the dog needs to undergo some form of training, or if the dog is barking
due to being lonely then leaving a radio on may allow the dog to feel as if someone is at
home. If the dog is left at home, perhaps someone could pop in during the day and let it run
around the garden.