Did you know that your dog could cause a statutory nuisance just by barking and whining? Did you know that you could be taken to court and fined up to £5000 if you did nothing to stop the nuisance? Do you know why your dog barks and how to try and stop it?
Why does your dog bark?
Some dogs bark and whine excessively when left on their own. This is because they see you as their pack and they can soon become distressed if they are separated from you and left on their own.
They may bark because they are:
- Lonely
- Bored or frustrated
- Attention seeking
- Defending their territory
- Suffering from medical problems
Can you do anything to stop it?
- Make sure your dog is properly trained. Start young and as you mean to go on.
- Get your dog used to you going out at different times. Don’t make a fuss of it when you go out.
- Put it in a different room, gradually building up the time. Don’t return to it until it has been quiet for a period and then praise it.
- Put it where it can’t see outside if that is what sets it off barking.
- Try leaving a radio on at low volume so your dog can hear a human voice.
- Try not to leave your dog for long periods. Is there someone who could look after it or take it for a walk?
If you have to leave your dog for long periods:
- Feed and exercise it before you go out and leave it some fresh water.
- Give it a comfortable bed and some toys.
- Make sure the room is ventilated and not too hot or cold.
- Leave a light on if you aren’t coming back until after dark.
- If nothing you do seems to work check with your vet. They may be able to refer you to an animal behaviourist.
