Dog Barking: When Does It Become Illegal?

Dog barking laws vary from country to country, state to state, and even town to town. In the US, the legal barking duration is typically 10-15 minutes, but this can differ depending on the state, county, and municipality. For example, in Alaska, dogs are allowed to bark for 5 minutes without being silent for at least 60 seconds, while in Delaware, the legal limit is 15 minutes. In some places, such as LA County, dog owners can face fines of up to $1,000 or even jail time for repeated offenses. Excessive barking is generally considered a nuisance, and can result in fines or imprisonment if it continues.

Legal duration of barking

The legal duration of a dog's bark depends on where you live. In the US, the duration ranges from 5 to 30 minutes, with some states and municipalities having no specific laws on the matter.

In Anchorage, Alaska, for example, the average pet dog can bark for up to 5 minutes before disturbing the peace, while licensed mushers can let their dogs bark for up to 20 minutes. In Honolulu, Hawaii, dogs can bark continuously for up to 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes if it is on and off. In New York, dogs are allowed to bark for 10 minutes during the day and 5 minutes at night.

In the UK, excessive dog barking can be considered a noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and local authorities can issue Noise Abatement Notices.

What to do if your dog barks too much

First, it's important to understand why your dog is barking. Barking is a completely normal part of your dog's communication tools, and dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They may be feeling scared, territorial, playful, or lonely. They may also bark to seek attention or due to separation anxiety. Once you know why they're barking, you can start to address the problem.

• Do not shout or yell at your dog: Shouting will only stimulate your dog to bark more because they will think you are joining in. Instead, speak calmly and firmly.
• Be consistent: Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page when it comes to addressing your dog's barking. Inconsistency can confuse your dog and slow down progress.
• Keep your dog busy and exercised: A tired dog is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Regular exercise and the use of puzzle toys can help curb barking by providing mental stimulation and physical activity.
• Identify and remove the motivation for barking: Dogs engage in behaviours that are rewarding to them. Figure out what your dog is getting out of barking and work to remove that reward. For example, if your dog barks at passersby, manage the behaviour by closing the curtains or putting your dog in another room.
• Ignore attention-seeking barks: Dogs often bark to get attention, and giving in to their demands will only reinforce the behaviour. Instead, turn your back or walk away.
• Teach your dog alternative behaviours to gain your attention: Encourage silence by teaching your dog an alternative method of getting your attention, such as lying at your feet or sitting quietly and making eye contact.
• Teach your dog to be quiet on cue: Train your dog that silence earns rewards. Wait for your dog to take a break from barking, even if it's just for a second, and then give them a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time they must remain quiet before being rewarded.
• Teach your dog impulse control: Obedience training can help give your dog a sense of control over their environment and teach them that they can get what they want by giving you what you want.
• Block your dog's view out of windows: If your dog barks at people or animals passing by, consider blocking their view with curtains or a solid gate.
• Do not allow your dog to greet guests at the door: If your dog gets overstimulated by the arrival of guests, keep them away from the entryway using baby gates or an exercise pen.
• Train your dog to go to their place when people come over: Teach your dog to go to their bed or a designated spot when guests arrive. This helps to keep them away from the front door and associates the spot with calm, quiet behaviour.

In addition to these general tips, it's important to be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding excessive barking. In some areas, there are specific time limits for how long a dog can bark continuously or intermittently before it is considered a noise nuisance. Failing to address excessive barking can result in noise complaints, fines, or even legal action.

What to do if a neighbour's dog barks too much

If you're being disturbed by a neighbour's barking dog, the best first step is to talk to the dog's owner to try to resolve the issue amicably. However, this can be an uncomfortable situation, especially if you're afraid of the dog or if your neighbour is intimidating. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

• Document the problem: Note down the times of day the dog is barking, how long it barks for, and what's going on in the environment that might be triggering the barking. You may start to notice patterns, and this information will be useful when discussing the issue with your neighbour.
• Approach your neighbour: Try to speak to your neighbour in person, calmly and reasonably. They may not be aware of the problem, especially if they are out at work during the day. It's best to approach this conversation in a friendly, neighbourly way, explaining the problem and giving them a chance to respond. It might be a good idea to suggest some resources, such as local trainers, doggy day-care, or dog walkers. If the dog is left alone for long periods, recommend that your neighbour incorporates food puzzles, brain games, or chew toys to prevent boredom.
• Remove the threat or stimulus: If the dog barks every time you are in your yard or near their property, it could be territorial barking. Try blocking the dog's vision with a screen, privacy hedge, or shrubs.
• Get to know the dog: Sometimes, removing the visual stimulus isn't enough, especially if the dog still perceives you as a threat. If your neighbour agrees, try to get to know the dog and let it get used to you and your family.
• Use an ultrasonic bark control device: If the above steps don't work, you could try an ultrasonic bark deterrent device. These devices detect dog barking and emit ultrasonic sound waves to train dogs to reduce barking. Humans can't hear these sounds, but dogs can, and they find them irritating.
• File a noise complaint: This should be a last resort. If all else fails, research your local laws or municipal ordinances for noise complaints and contact the relevant authority, such as the police, animal control, property manager, or city officials. Provide documentation of the dates, times, and duration of the barking, as well as any video or audio clips you have.

Remember, it's not the dog's fault, and incessant barking is usually the dog's way of communicating discontent or distress. Try to assist your neighbour in resolving the issue, as this will benefit everyone involved.

How to file a complaint

The process of filing a complaint about a barking dog may vary depending on your location. Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to file a noise complaint:

• Document the Noise Problem: Keep a detailed log of the dates and times when the barking occurs. Consider recording the noise using your phone or a decibel level machine to measure the noise level.
• Approach the Dog Owner Directly: Before taking any further steps, it is advisable to speak with the dog owner directly. They may be unaware of the issue, especially if it only occurs when they are not at home. Try to resolve the matter amicably and find a solution together.
• Contact Animal Control Services: If speaking with the dog owner does not resolve the issue, you can contact your local animal control authorities. They will guide you through the specific process for your area and may issue a warning to the dog owner.
• Submit a Formal Complaint: If the issue persists, you can submit a formal noise complaint to the relevant authority, such as the local government or animal care center. This often involves filling out a form or contacting a specific department. Make sure to include detailed information about the barking dog, such as the address, dates, and times of the noise.
• Provide Evidence: In some cases, you may be required to provide evidence to support your complaint. This could include audio recordings, video footage, or statements from other neighbors who have also been affected by the noise.
• Follow-up: Depending on the response from the authorities, you may need to follow up with additional information or evidence if the noise continues. Stay persistent and continue to document the noise problem.

It is important to note that the laws regarding barking dogs vary depending on your location. Be sure to check the specific regulations in your area to understand the legal limits for barking duration and the steps required to file a noise complaint.

Potential consequences

The consequences of your dog barking can vary depending on where you live. In some places, there are no specific laws regarding how long a dog can bark, while in other places, there are laws that specify a maximum duration for legal barking. It's important to be aware of the local regulations in your area.

If your dog's barking is causing a disturbance to your neighbors, they may take legal action. The first step is usually to discuss the issue with the dog owner and try to reach an informal solution. If this doesn't work, the neighbor can contact local authorities, such as animal control or the police, who may issue a warning or a fine. In some cases, the dog owner may even be arrested and face minor criminal charges if they ignore repeated warnings.

If your dog's barking has led to multiple complaints, you may be required to pay fines or even face imprisonment. The fines for having a dog that barks excessively can range from a small amount to several thousand dollars, depending on the local laws and the severity of the problem. For example, in Los Angeles, dog owners can be fined $1,000 or jailed for up to six months for repeated offenses.

In addition to legal consequences, excessive barking can also lead to social repercussions. Your neighbors may become frustrated and angry, leading to a strained relationship. It's important to be mindful of your surroundings and take steps to address the issue if your dog is causing a disturbance.

If you are a renter and your neighbor's dog is barking excessively, you may be able to break your lease if the landlord fails to address the issue. However, it's important to review your lease agreement and local laws before taking any action.

Frequently asked questions