Pets in the dog box

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If noisy dogs are driving you barking mad, you're not alone - complaints about clamouring canines are rising fast.

Officials in Auckland and Wellington reported an increase, with experts blaming smaller gardens and longer working hours.

There were 7300 complaints in central Auckland alone, with the annual figure rising almost a third in the past three years.

Auckland Council information officer Bruce Thomas said guard dogs and working dogs were more likely to bark than companion animals.

German shepherds, Labradors and pitbull terriers were the worst offenders.

Thomas said problem barking could be a symptom of "separation anxiety" when dogs were bored and lonely.

"Many people now work long hours and live closer to their neighbours than in previous decades, which can mean that barking is more likely to become a problem for their neighbours," he said.

SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge agreed that dogs had to be matched with their circumstances. "The bigger the dog, the more room it needs. If you don't give it attention you're asking for trouble."

Kerridge said there was a particular problem in central Auckland with apartment-dwelling overseas students buying dogs to "fit in".

"It's spur of the moment and unless they're flatting with others, when it's time to go back home they leave them with us. It happens often enough to cause alarm."

Different councils handle complaints in different ways.

In Auckland, if a problem persists after a resident complains the council will ask neighbours to monitor the dog.

They can the write to the registered owner to warn that an abatement notice may be served.

If the dog continues to bark a $200 fine may be issued. If the offence is dealt with in court, a fine of up to $1500 could be issued.

Auckland Council can impound a dog for breach of an abatement notice and keep it until it is satisfied the owner will take effective action.

In 2008-09 the former Auckland City Council issued 14 abatement notices, 49 infringement notices and impounded 14 dogs. In 2009-10 six abatement notices were issued, 19 infringement notices and five dogs were impounded.

The council recommends citronella collars to control barking. They emit a fine spray when the dog barks which Thomas says is "unpleasant but not painful".

Electronic collars which give a mild shock could make barking worse and should be used only as a last resort, he said.

Kerridge said most vets had stopped a procedure known as voicebox removal because it was "cruel".

"They make a sound to express themselves and when no sound comes out they get frustrated."

Barking mad dogs

Barking pooches think their owners are their puppies, says dog trainer Dan Abdelnoor.

Abdelnoor, aka Doggy Dan, believes badly trained animals think they're pack leaders - and perceive owners as offspring.

A dog that thought it was in charge because it had been given wrong messages could stress when its 'puppy' left the safety of the den "and ventures out into the world of 1000 threats".

That could make dogs prone to destructive behaviour, escape attempts and excessive barking.

"The barking is a way of calling 'puppy' home as a release of stress and frustration," said Abdelnoor.

Three hours of training was usually enough to show owners ways to stop a dog thinking it was in charge - allowing it to relax when home alone.