Short spells of barking are not normally regarded as a noise nuisance however in some cases a dog will bark, whine or howl for long periods. If this is the case see the noise nuisance page on the steps you can take, including how to make an online complaint.

What can I do if my dog is being noisy?
There are some steps you can take to discourage this behaviour you could try some of the suggestions below:

• Take your dog for a long walk before you are due to leave him.
• Make your walk as exciting as possible. Exercising your dog will encourage him to sleep whilst you are out.
• Ensure your dog is left with an ample supply of toys and possibly a bone, in an attempt to prevent boredom. Try leaving a radio playing very softly in the room to calm the dog down.
• Allow the dog to have a small portion of his meal before leaving him. Again this will encourage him to sleep whilst you are out.
• If your dog becomes too protective of your home and barks at anyone or anything that passes outside your house, try restricting him to a room or part of the house where he cannot see passers-by.

For more information and advice please contact the dog warden.

Dog Warden
Environmental Health
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444765
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk