I have 2 dogs and one of them tends to bark when she is out in the garden. I consider that she does not bark that much but one of our neighbours is complaining about it. If they decide to go to the council (which I do not think they will), how much and how long does a dog have to bark before the council can get involved?

Is it worth getting an antibark collar just for use in the garden.

I am at home most of the day with them and they are not bored as they get taken out for regular walks. She tends to bark at hedgehogs, if it is very windy, if she hears another dog barking, etc. When she does bark, we do bring her in.

Thanks for your help - I just really want to know where I legally stand.

PS They are cocker spaniels.

As long as you do not leave your dogs barking for any length of time you are OK. They should never be left out at at night or later in the evening. If you are doing as you say bringing them in when they start to bark that is all that could be asked of you.

Some of the others more experienced will sugggest training and may be able to point you in the right dirrection.

I have 2 westies. One is a barker but generally it is when people talk to her at the fence but she can go over board but I always quickly bring her in or sneakily give he a soak with my hose LOL.

It is hard as they love being outside and I fined my Estied bitch barks when she is happy I am sure she is just talking.

Pam

Hello Guest,

I had a similar problem with one of mine barking, but as I am home most of the day I was able to keep her fairly quiet and she never barked late at night or early in the morning, cos like me she was asleep!!. However a neighbour complained to the council and I received a letter from them, stating that someone had complained about noisy dogs. Well, the outcome was that I kept a diary myself and recorded how many times and when she barked. But frankly after about a week I stopped keeping a record as it was so infrequent. I also telephoned the local council who were most helpfull and advised me that the most likely outcome was that the complainant would not persue the matter, which turned out to be the case. I also, rather cheekily, said that my dogs,( I have 3, only one who is a bit senile ever barks,) are valuable show dogs and it would be detrimental to their show success to allow any of them to bark for any length of time. I also have someone who comes in to dogsit, if we go away.
Anyway, the woman at the council office almost ended up apologising to me; she did say that they had to take any complaint of this nature seriously. Hope this helps and dont worry!!