An Enfield dog owner was ordered to pay £1,850 in fines, costs and a surcharge after breaching a noise abatement notice over persistent barking. The case highlights how a dog's 'welcome home' greeting can prove more expensive than owners might anticipate.
Why dogs bark continuously
For neighbours, relentless barking creates a nuisance, while for owners it serves as a warning sign, and it frequently begins with a behaviour most people consider innocent. Annie-Mae Levy, CFBA, professional dog trainer at Woofz, offers guidance on why dogs bark continuously and what owners can do before it develops into a neighbourhood dispute.
The specialist says continuous barking almost always indicates a dog is being left for longer than it can manage, and shares three steps owners can take before complaints intensify.
Rethink the big hello
"If your dog is barking due to separation anxiety, it can feel like a good idea to give them lots of praise and attention when you come through the door, as you know they've 'missed you'!"
"This will often make dogs more anxious or frustrated when you're not home; however, we have inadvertently created more anticipation for the owner return."
"Whilst this tip alone won't create separation anxiety, its definitely one to bare in mind if raising a puppy as it can be a big contributing factor!"
Rethink time left alone and understand the barking
"For boredom or frustration barking, there is usually a big disconnect between the dog's needs and the owners capability to provide for them."
"Most dogs do not do well left alone for more than 5 hours at a time and so if a (especially young or higher energy breed) dog is regularly being left for durations longer than this, a big lifestyle change is needed as opposed to simply more exercise or toys."
"Persistent barking that goes on in a nearly continuous way for hours is nearly always separation anxiety or a result of boredom/frustration. These two barks can be rather hard to tell apart but often separation anxiety-related barking will include more howls and tone changes than a dog that is bored or frustrated."
"For separation anxiety, a detailed desensitisation plan will be needed, and usually these cases require involvement from a qualified behaviourist."
