barking dogs

[Connemmara]

Was on this site before. Dog warden came to me and said that dog was reported as barking. As my dog lives in the house most days and every night but he has to get outside for air. However ate a meal outside last night - I followed how bad he was and he was fine except when the birds flew overhead and of course these small children (at the back of me) screaming and screaming on their trampoline where he barks at them, wanting to play with them. This is the extent. However I am worried that if dog warden comes back to me - what happens next.??? Now I am on tenterhooks when I am out re his barking as I have to have a life of my own without him so can anbody help. I rang a pet store re a muzzle - she says that will make him howl and whiine even more - then she suggested herbal tablets but I know they would be no good as he would just go on barking. I have him nearly 6 years and this is the first complaint. My nerves are really shattered over this as when I am out I cant wait until I get back home. sorry for rattling on.

[Connemmara]

thanks tasty morsel again - I just wanted to really know what does "statutory nuisance" mean. when I get this answer - wont bother you and I will enjoy my party tomorrow afternoon "Communion" - bye

[paraffin]

Hi Connemmara:

I'm an owner of two dogs and therefore I'm very sorry to hear of what sound like your doggie's separation anxiety. We had a dog years ago who could never be left without barking his head off, so I know exactly how you're feeling.

The legal position is basically that several processes would have to be gone through before you would end up in Magistrates Court. These are:
1. The barking would need to be deemed as a "Statutory Nuisance."

2. The Dog Wardens / Council would have to receive the initial complaint(s), which has obviously already happened in your case. Followed by a home visit (also done already).

3. In order to establish whether or not it amounts to "Statutory Nuisance", proof/evidence in the form of either recordings of the barking and/or written records of it would need to be gathered.

4. The complainant has to be prepared to make a written statement AND attend Court to give evidence. (this often puts a lot of people off).

5. Unless all the above criteria is met, you cannot be taken to Court, instead the Dog Warden would be restricted to offering you "advice". The complainant can otherwise pursue a private prosecution.

It's a pity if the complainant has not made him/herself known to you, otherwise you may have been able to resolve it amicably.

Hope this helps. The best of luck.

[Pipsy3]

This does sound like separation anxiety, there are many different ways to tackle this problem but it can take time, there are no quick fixes and what works for one dog may not necessarily work for another.

http://www.dogclub.co.uk/advice/seperation.php

The barking you experience when you are home is simply to let you know he has seen birds and hears noisy children, he feels its his job to warn you of such things, acknowledge that you have heard him and know what he is barking about.

Best of luck.

[Connemmara]

thanks Guys for all your answers - they helped me indeed. I do believe that he does bark for a while when I am out then realises I am not coming back for a while and gives up as he does know I will be back some time.

Now that I know the legal procedures of this matter I will bear it in mind.

Also will get him a Kong to keep him occupied - have done the radio bit before and of course - he is a great wee dog as he is brilliant with other dogs - he simply loves them - I can take him off the lead - I sit and read a magazine - he wanders away and plays and comes back to me. But this took some time at the beginning. But is brilliant cos he does get a good exercise with the little swallows descending on him and him running after him. Anyway I am rattling on - so again thanks

[madmaggot]

I can't decide whether this is a send up or not!
Is this a dog we are talking about? Have you given any thought to this animal's wellbeing or just the chances of you escaping prosecution?
You would be quite happy to leave a muzzle on him to stop him barking!
You say: I can take him off the lead - I sit and read a magazine - he wanders away and plays and comes back to me. But this took some time at the beginning.
I'm not surprised he barks; this is dog language for 'please take me out for an interesting walk, I want to go to new places, I want to smell new smells, and most of all I want to be a dog!'
He needs your company and sufficient exercise. OK, you have to go to work but if you can't spare at least a couple of hours a day to take him out for a run, or arrange for someone to do this for you, then you shouldn't have a dog.

[Connemmara]

madmaggot you have got it alll wrong. I was only thinking of the muzzle at home whilst I was there so that my neighbours would not complain - however muzzle would not have worked. I am at home 24/7 but have to go out some times. I walk him twice a day and he runs and runs and runs - wish I had his energy. ( I am only gone for a cuppla hours) a week (voluntary work) hope you are not too mad at me!!!

[Connemmara]

forgot to say I walk him twice a day in the local park and am able to take him off the lead for him to get excellent exercise.