Barking Dogs

Reporting:

You may make a barking dog complaint by calling our office during normal business hours. Our direct extension for barking dog complaints is (760) 888-2236. If nighttime barking is disturbing the peace of the neighborhood please call your local law enforcement agency non-emergency number.

We initially address barking dog complaints by issuing a letter advising the dog owner of the complaint. Read Sample Letter

Subsequent complaints may be addressed by a second letter, a phone call or visit from an animal control officer, who will offer advice and assistance to the dog owner in an attempt to resolve the nuisance barking.

When education fails the Escondido Humane Society will assist you in issuing a private citizen citation. This citation must be signed by the citizen making the complaint and by the owner of the dog.

Reasons for the Barking:

Whining, barking and howling reflect a dog's emotional state. For example, a dog that is excited or startled may bark to express its agitation. It is important to bear in mind that your reaction to your dog's barking or whining will directly determine its behavior in the future.

• Barking to attract attention --Your dog can learn how to behave in ways that attract attention if you reward its behavior with attention. If your dog barks when it sees food and you then give it food, the dog will learn to bark for food. The dog may then learn to bark in a variety of situations, many of them inappropriate, for a reward. The reward may take many forms, including food, praise or petting. Even in the form of punishment, negative attention is still attention. Sometimes the best way to deal with attention seeking barking or whining is to simply ignore it. As difficult as this may be, keep in mind that you encourage barking by giving your dog any attention, positive (reward) or negative (punishment).
• Barking during isolation --A dog that is not accustomed to being alone may become anxious when isolated or separated from a playmate or human companion. This anxiety may be expressed by whining, barking and howling. The dog may bark or whine only in the first moments following separation, or may continue the entire period of isolation. Behavior modification, sometimes combined with sedation as necessary, may be the viable solution. Vocalization (barking) may precede other forms of separation anxiety, such as destructiveness, inappropriate elimination and excessive grooming.

Stopping the Racket:

Barking may be desirable if you value a good watchdog. However, it may also escalate to excessive levels. When your dog is overreacting to the slightest sound or is barking constantly for no apparent reason, try these tips:

• Regular leash walks --provide a dog with mental and physical stimulation so that it is calmer in general and less likely to seek objectionable activities. Walking also allows the dog an opportunity for important social interaction.
• "Rain on his parade" -- to remind your dog that his barking is not appreciated and that you saying, "no barking" means "stop barking," give him a short blast of water with a squirt bottle. It's best to aim for the body and not the face. When he stops barking, praise him immediately.
• "Stoke" his chew toy -- your dog will have a hard time barking if his mouth is busy chewing. Chewing is a natural stress release for dogs and an occupier of time. If you're going to be gone, give your dog his favorite chew toy just before you leave. Certain toys like "Kong" allow for the addition of peanut butter or cream cheese to be added inside, making them more desirable.
• A soda can with pebbles- -has an effect on both dogs and cats that is the pet equivalent of running your fingernails down a blackboard. Put some pebbles or small coins in an empty soda can and tape the opening shut. When the barking dog doesn't respond to the command to be quiet, shake the can a couple of times. They don't like the sound, so they often stop what they're doing when they hear it. When they stop barking, praise them immediately. For more stubborn cases, hurling the can towards the culprit (but not directly at him) will have the same effect. Once again, praise the dog immediately after you get the desired result.
• Bring them inside-- if your dog sleeps outside and likes to be a "voice over the evening," you may want to bring him indoors. He'll have much less to bark at.
• Blocking the stimulus with "White Noise" -- if your dog is super sensitive to noises, try blocking some of that noise (desensitizing him) so he's not so inspired to bark. "White Noise" may help refocus his attention and calm him to other stimulating noises around him. Turning on the vacuum cleaner to block the approaching steps of a mail carrier, or children walking home from school. Playing your stereo at a normal level may also help.
• A little "citronella" -- your dog trainer may recommend a specialized "no-bark" collar which delivers a squirt of citronella, a high frequency sound or a light shock whenever your dog barks. Animal Services Division recommends the Citronella Collar over the others. Some collars go off immediately, while others allow the dog to bark a few times before being activated. Some of the older model shock collars may be activated by planes flying overhead. Be very selective-your dog training expert can help you choose the right size for your pet. Some of these collars can be extremely effective, but you really need to work with someone who can help you get a good collar and training. Pet supply stores and trainers offer these specialized collars.

Territorial defense -- is part of a dog's basic nature. Barking and growling serve to alert other pack or family members to danger. If your dog barks because it is startled by a noise outside and you immediately come to see what it is barking at, it will associate barking with the reward of seeing you next time it barks. When a dog barks excessively, this activity must be redirected immediately toward an acceptable alternative.