Noisy Dogs
Does anyone else in Kingsway have issues with noisy dogs?
We live near Thatcham Avenue, and there is a dog (Some sort of Husky) that permanently seems to be left on his own and howling.
The other day I thought he was going to jump out of the bedroom window. The poor thing is obviously distressed at being left on his own all day, and I am very distressed by having to listen to it 
Is there anything that can be done by law to make the owner train his/her dog to be quiet?
This post was submitted by Salz.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Hi Salz,
I live on Thatcham Avenue too and I must say I have had a few sleepless nights recently because of noisy dogs in the neighbourhood
I’ve never kept a dog myself (too many kids and cats - lol), but I have found some interesting websites on the subject.
The most relevant and useful is from DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
In their section on neighbourhood noise, they include Guidance on Noisy Dogs, which links to Is your dog barking too much? & Constant Barking Can Be Avoided.
Between them these 2 (excellent) documents give a host of causes, solutions and advice on the subject of noisy dogs and how to deal with them, as well as ideas like "talking it over with your neighbours" and what to do if that doesn’t work!
The subject of "complaining about dogs that bark" is tackled on the DirectGov website, on their page about Noise nuisance and neighbour disputes, although I also recall reading on another site that owners of dogs who bark in their absence are often unaware of the problem, as the noise will - of course - stop when the owner returns!
July 15th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Salz,
Your best bet would be to go direct to the Council. Noise caused by dogs falls into a different category from say loud music.
It is a very tricky problem as dogs naturally bark, and it is not illegal to own a dog!
I sympathise with your position and hope that you can get a speedy resolution (for you and the dog)!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I live on Thatcham Avenue and am also disturbed by the same dog. I work from home, and the constant howling is driving me to dispair. This has now been going on for nearing two months, and has recently gotten worst. When this first started, I contacted the RSPCA as the dog was stood on the outside window sill! They said they would only take action if the dog were to jump from the window and injure itself. I couldn’t believe it!
I also contacted the local Council and was told to keep a log over at least two weeks. I initially started keeping this log as the dog was howling until 4am some nights. While the dog is howling, the owner is absent. As soon as the owner returns, the howling ceases.
I have recently reopened the ‘dog log’ and will be ending it into the Coucil shortly. I am at my wits end with sleepless nights
, and frustrating days.
I’m sure it can only do good if more people are willing to contact the Council if they are disturbed by this poor creature who clearly misses it’s owner.
darreng
July 18th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hello all,
Has anyone tried speaking to the owners of the dog about this issue?
Might be a simple way to help resolve this issue.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Hi All,
Not a resident but a qualified dog trainer and pet carer who has had this problem highlighted to her.
If someone would like to pass my phone number or website details onto the owner I will be happy to make an appointment to see if I can help. Obviously I do charge (as it is my job) but I may be able to provide a happy solution for everyone - especially the poor dog.
Holbeach Miserable you are completely right, dogs naturally bark and unless we deal with why then all attempts to stop it make the dog supress natural behaviours which would surely manifest as stress exhibited in other ways. This dog appears to be communicating its anxiety and calling the return of its family.
All dog behaviours are natural but just not always compatible with living with humans! lol
Anyhow, passing my details on may help someone to break the ice and approach the owner - who may not have a clue that his/her dog is distressed and causing a nuisance, as Darreng commented that the noise is never present when the owner is home.
Best wishes,
Claire Stewart FdSc
Email
Animal Magic - Website
Tel: 01594 540011
August 12th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Yes!
I also live on Thatcham Avenue and the particular dog in question seems to making more and more noise! This evening it has been howling for hours. I have no idea when it comes to pets etc. can it/the owner be reported to any animal authorities etc? If any one has any guidance on this it would be welcomed. I have no problems with people having pets etc. as long as they look after them , surely it’s unfair to be out all day at work with it being left on it’s own and then in the evening also?
August 13th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Can I echo Kingswaymum’s question…
Has anyone approached the owner of the dog?
In my mind it is much more preferable to try and sort this out face to face in a friendly manner, rather than engaging the authorities in the first instance. It could be that the owner just doesn’t realise.
If that fails, then go down the official route, but I think the first reaction in all cases of neighbour issues should be to engage with the neighbour rather than just declaring open war.
Barry
August 13th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hi babymeb,
Thanks for posting.
I agree with Baz… as I said (above) "owners of dogs who bark in their absence are often unaware of the problem" (because the barking stops on their return); so it would be a good idea to speak to them about it.
If enough people do that it should get results