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Barking Dogs - Guides for Owners and Neighbours

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This page offers practical guidance to help dog owners and neighbours understand and manage barking in a way that supports good neighbourly relations and the wellbeing of the dog.

Barking is a normal behaviour for dogs and an important way for them to communicate. However, excessive or persistent barking can become a nuisance for owners and neighbours.

This page explains what you can do, what the Council can do and provides two guides to help resolve barking issues.

For dog ownersBarking Dogs Guide for Owners Cover Thumb

Barking Dogs – A Guide for Owners

This guide helps you understand:

  • Why dogs bark
  • How to identify the cause of excessive barking
  • Practical steps to reduce barking
  • Enrichment ideas and behaviour tips
  • When to seek help from a vet or behaviourist.

Download:

Barking Dogs: Guide for Owners

For more information on dog behaviour, visit: Dog and Cat Management Board or RSPCA

For neighbours

Barking Dogs A Guide for Neighbours 2Barking Dogs – A Guide for Neighbours

If your neighbour’s dog is barking frequently, there are some simple steps you can try. In most cases, these issues can be resolved without involving the Council.

The Guide for Neighbours explains what to do and how to approach the situation in a calm and neighbourly way. It includes:

  • Suggested steps to follow
  • A letter template
  • A noise diary
  • A complaint form
  • Information about Council’s process

Download:

Barking Dogs: Guide for Neighbours

Below is a summary of the steps to resolve barking, as included in the Guide. Following these can often help resolve the issue quickly and smoothly.

Steps to resolve barking dog issues

Step 1: Talk to your neighbour

Start with a calm, friendly conversation.

The dog’s owner may not know the barking is happening — especially if it occurs when they are away from home.

A respectful discussion often resolves the issue quickly.

Step 2: Send a polite letter (if needed)

If you feel uncomfortable speaking in person, or if you have already tried talking, you can leave a polite letter.

A letter template is included in the Guide to make this easier.

Step 3: Provide helpful details

Whether you speak or write, include clear information such as:

  • When the barking happens
  • How long it lasts
  • What seems to trigger it.

Specific details help the owner understand the problem and take action.

Step 4: Allow reasonable time

Most dog owners want to fix the issue.

Give them a reasonable opportunity to investigate the cause and make changes.

Step 5: Keep a record (if barking continues)

If the barking does not improve, start completing the Barking Dog Noise Diary, included in the Guide. 

This diary:

  • Shows patterns of behaviour
  • Provides important evidence
  • Helps Council understand the situation.

Step 6: Lodge a formal complaint (if unresolved)

If you have tried to resolve the issue and it continues, you can submit a complaint to the Council.

You must provide:

  • A completed Barking Dog Complaint Form, and
  • A completed Noise Diary.

Important: Council cannot begin an investigation without both documents.

Step 7: What Council will do

Once a complaint is received, the Council will:

  • Contact the dog owner
  • Discuss the concerns
  • Provide advice to help reduce the barking.

Council’s first approach is education and cooperation.

Step 8: If the problem continues

If the issue remains unresolved, the Council may:

  • Gather further information
  • Monitor the situation
  • Take formal action if necessary.

In some cases, you may need to provide additional details or evidence.

Contact

Citizen Services, Norwood Town Hall
T: 08 8366 4555
E: townhall@npsp.sa.gov.au