Barking Dogs

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Under the Companion Animals Act, a dog may be declared a Nuisance dog if it "makes a noise, by barking or otherwise, that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises".

In the Marrickville Council area, approximately 35% of all animal requests received are because of alleged barking dogs.

Dogs may bark for a number of reasons which include but are not limited to:

Being chained to a fixed point with restricted movement for long period of time
Deliberate or unintentional provocation by people or by roaming animals
Lack of reasonable exercise
Lack of training
No shelter or kennel
Loneliness and/or boredom
Lack of water or food
Ill health
Competition amongst neighbouring animals whereby there is inadequate separation between them

An owner may deal with the above issues in a number of ways;

Provide adequate space for your dog to run in your backyard
Provide adequate kennelling and/or shelter
Regularly walk your dog and provide adequate exercise; see the dog exercise areas page
Provide �dog time� - dogs are pack animals and require socialisation and environmental enrichment
Provide adequate food and water
Regularly worm your dog and ensure that his/her vaccinations are up to date
Reduce your dog�s vision through the fence or gate
Provide your dog with a job each day such as chew toys, a treat ball, frozen treat shapes

For further information on how to deal with a barking dog, you should contact your local vet, your local dog training club or animal behaviourist.