A Freedom of Information request gathered showed that Wokingham borough council has received 424 complaints about dog barking since 2020.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson at puppies.co.uk said: “Dogs don’t just bark for no reason. It’s their main way of communicating with us.
“It may mean your pet is excited, anxious, fearful, bored or even warning someone off. But prolonged barking isn’t just stressful for your neighbours,
“It can also impact your pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
“That’s why it’s important for owners to know what their dog’s bark means. That way, you can respond in the right way and prevent small problems from turning into bigger issues.
“If your dog barks when you’re not at home, it may be a sign of distress at being left alone. This can quickly lead to problems with neighbours if it happens regularly.
“You shouldn’t leave your dog alone for hours on end. After all, they need opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people.
“You should also be concerned if you observe other signs of distress, such as howling, going to the bathroom indoors, destructive behaviour, trembling, pacing, or whining.
”If you notice these or other signs of unsettled behaviour, consult a vet who may refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist.
“Barking may also be a response to fear, such as being approached by another dog or person, or even feeling trapped without a way to escape.
“These barks are usually deeper, sometimes with a growl. You can help by introducing your dog to new people and pets slowly in calm settings, and by giving praise when your dog stays relaxed.
“Whether it’s the postman delivering your letters or someone simply walking past your house, some dogs may bark to protect their territory.
“Understandably, this can be frustrating. But the good news is you can reduce this type of barking by using treats or toys to distract your dog or sending them to another area of the house when someone approaches.
“Dogs are intelligent and active animals. If they don’t get enough stimulation, they may bark out of boredom.
“Just like children, when they don’t have enough to do, they may make noise about it. Regular exercise, a variety of toys, and activities can help keep them entertained.
“It’s important to remember that not all barking is negative. In some cases, it’s simply excitement.
“A high-pitched bark with a wagging tail usually means your dog is happy. Keeping to a regular routine for meals, walks and play can reduce over-excited barking and help your dog feel more settled.”
A spokesperson for Wokingham borough council told Wokingham Today: “Such matters can be raised with our anti-social behaviour team and they will talk through the case and advise as appropriate.
www.wokingham.gov.uk/community/community-and-safety/animal-advice/advice-dog-owners/nuisance-barking
