Does Your Dog Bark Excessively?

Carlton City Ordinance:

Municode 6.08.020 defines "barking dog" as "any dog that disturbs any person by frequent or prolonged noises."

Excessive barking complaints are the most commonly received complaint by the City of Carlton.

As dog owners, we are responsible for the care and well-being of our pets. Sometimes we forget that our dogs can affect other people's lives as well as our own.

Often, we aren't aware of how much of a disturbance our dogs' barking is, or that our neighbors may be sensitive to our dog's sounds. To help your dog stop barking, you must first determine the cause of the barking.

Why Dogs Bark:

• Boredom - Irregular or inadequate mental and physical stimulation may contribute to your dog's barking.
• Separation anxiety - When dogs form a bond to members of the household, they can become distressed with separation. This is a frequent cause of inappropriate barking.
• Changes or distractions - Moving to a different neighborhood, new neighbors, or a new animal in the household may cause the dog anxiety. 

Health Issues:

Excessive barking may be caused by a health issue. It is important that your dog receive an annual health checkup and that you discuss changes in your dog's behavior. Sight and hearing issues may cause barking.

Establish a regular routine for giving your dog attention when you are at home. Leave your dog alone for short periods of time at first, and then gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends alone. Your dog will soon learn that you will return.  If there have been changes in your dog's life, don't ignore them.

Things to Try:

• Physical Exercise - Provide an active release for your dog's energy.
• Mental Exercise - Provide a puzzle toy to give your dog an activity engaging their brain and focusing their attention.
• A place to call home - Dogs are den creatures, they like to gravitate towards a small, enclosed area in the house or outside. Including something that smells strongly like its owner often helps.
• Redirection - Provide a high reward for disengaging from the behavior and redirecting to a more desirable activity (reward for stopping the barking and instead chewing on a toy, laying on a bed, giving you eye contact, etc).
• Professional assistance - Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes.
• Obedience training - Promote good social behavior with other dogs and people. Well-socialized dogs tend to bark less.