Dog barking can be a nuisance for your community, and when loud and excessive is a sound few people can tolerate. This is one of the most common dog complaints reported to councils.
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Dogs bark naturally to communicate, so occasional barking may be expected. But when the barking is excessive, your dog may be bored or lacking stimulation, especially if left alone during the day.
Most people buy a dog for companionship, and sometimes a dog can be a good alert system that someone is on the property. For this reason, it is important to understand the differences between a good watchdog and a nuisance barker.
A dog that barks at anything is not a good watchdog. A watchdog should only bark if there is a danger such as a fire or if someone is entering your property.
Dogs often bark when the owners are not home so it can sometimes be difficult for them to know their dog barks excessively. Dog owners are seldom bothered by their own dog’s barking, however, it can be very disturbing for their neighbours.
People also have different tolerance levels, so because one neighbour doesn't mind the barking, doesn't mean another neighbour may be bothered a great deal by it.
Barking disturbs people by:
- making it hard to talk to other people
- making it hard to enjoy the radio or television
- disturbing sleep
- affecting concentration
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affecting moods and relaxation
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causing stress for individuals and families
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affecting neighbour relations