Barking

Barking is normal, healthy dog behaviour which can occur for a variety of reasons including excitement and play. However it can also stem from fear, stress, anxiety, aggression or illness. While we appreciate that barking is normal, excessive barking can disrupt the household or neighbours.

If You Own A Barking Dog:

Reducing barking often requires some management- or training- based lifestyle changes. Check out our barking booklet ‘What’s the Barking Deal’ for more information: http://mcp.charlessturt.sa.gov. au/emags/AMK/barking/index.html We do not recommend the use of specific equipment designed to ‘stop’ or punish the barking behaviour, as per the recommendations of the RSPCA SA (http:// www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/lead-byexample/). These devices do not address the underlying cause of the barking (ie. excitement, stress, anxiety, boredom, alert barking), and may exacerbate any anxiety the dog has, or result in other undesirable behaviours. Electric shock collars are illegal to use in South Australia under the Animal Welfare Act (1985). Owners of barking dogs are encouraged to discuss the issue with a qualified force free trainer (http://www.rspcasa.org.au/ the-issues/lead-by-example/) and adopt a behavioural and management protocol that addresses the underlying cause of the barking to ensure your dog remains a happy and healthy member of your family and our community.

If You Have A Barking Dog Complaint:

1. Contact the dog owner In most cases, the dog owner is unaware their dog is barking and the solution may simply be a visit to your neighbour to inform them of the situation. A face to face visit is usually most effective, however if you prefer you can simply leave a note in your neighbour’s letterbox making them aware of the situation.

A letter template is available on our website: http://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/dogs

2. Mediation services

A free service to work with all parties involved towards an amicable resolution. Southern Community Justice Centre can be contacted on 83500376 or visit their website: https://www.scjc.com.au/ cudispute.htm

3. Involving the City of Charles Sturt Contact us on 84081111 to discuss your concerns. Our involvement generally follows two main steps: • Initial contact to let the dog owner know their dog is barking to provide some support and guidance in some strategies that may help reduce the barking. • A more thorough investigation may occur where the initial support and assistance fails to reduce the barking.

This involves more in depth barking dog diaries filed in by the complainant for a set period.