Barking Dogs and Nuisance Cats

Barking is a dog’s method of communicating; however excessive barking can be very annoying for neighbours.

Reasons why your dog may bark

Your dog may be bored, lonely or frustrated due to a lack of company, exercise or mental stimulation. Dogs often use barking to alert or warn you of something it thinks may be a threat, for example - other animals, noises, or the movement of people or vehicles outside the property.

Other reasons may be fear (e.g. thunder, fireworks or other loud noises); medical reasons (e.g. fleas, allergy or illness) or physical reasons (e.g. hot, cold, hungry or thirsty).

How to solve the problem

Depending on why your dog is barking, here are some helpful hints:

• Take the dog for frequent walks (once or twice daily) and include them on family outings
• Find a designated off leash area to give your dog a free run
• Make the backyard environment more interesting by providing toys and a large raw marrow bone to chew
• Ensure your dog has fresh water, a balanced diet and adequate shelter from weather extremes. If possible give your dog access to the house through a dog door
• Take your dog to obedience classes. Practise what you learn regularly to provide mental stimulation for the dog.
• If your dog is barking at passers by, block the view of movement outside the property with solid fencing, shade cloth or hedging and
• Make sure your dog is in good health by taking it to the vet for a check up.

Is your neighbour’s dog causing you concern?

Try talking to the dog’s owner about the problem first. In most cases the owner is not at home when the dog is barking, so they may not be aware there is a problem.  Just letting them know can give the owner a chance to do something about the barking

If the problem persists

If the problem still continues after talking to your neighbour, then it’s time to contact Council on 9249 4000 to report the matter.

Nuisance Cats

Solving problems caused by nuisance cats can be difficult.  We can provide traps that can be set for feral cats if your neighbours have verified that the nuisance cat(s) are not someone’s family pet. Different requirements do apply if you know who owns the cat. 

Further Information

For more information call 9249 4000 or email info@brimbank.vic.gov.au