Our guidance on addressing neighbours' barking dogs

How to stop your neighbours' dog from barking excessively

Few things are more frustrating than being disturbed by a dog that barks repeatedly, particularly when it happens early in the morning, late at night, or continues for long periods during the day.

If your neighbour's dog is causing a nuisance, there are several things you can try before making a formal complaint. In many cases, a friendly conversation with your neighbour can be the quickest and most effective solution.

1. Talk to your neighbour

The first step is usually to speak to your neighbour. They may not realise how much noise their dog is making, particularly if the barking happens when they are away from home.

Try to approach the conversation calmly and explain how the barking is affecting you. Avoid making accusations and concentrate on the problem itself. Your neighbour may be unaware of the issue and may be willing to take steps to reduce the barking.

For example, you could explain when the barking tends to happen and how long it normally continues. Giving your neighbour specific information can make it easier for them to understand the problem.

2. Keep a record of the barking

If the barking continues, keep a record of when it happens. Make a note of the date, start time, approximate duration and anything else that may be relevant.

A simple diary can help establish whether there is a particular pattern. For example, you may discover that the dog barks whenever its owner leaves for work, or that the problem mainly occurs at certain times of the day.

Keeping records can also be useful if you eventually need to contact your local council.

3. Try to understand why the dog is barking

Dogs bark for many different reasons. They may be responding to people, other animals, traffic or unfamiliar noises. Some dogs bark because they are bored, anxious, frightened or left alone for long periods.

Understanding the likely cause can help your neighbour find an appropriate solution.

For example, a dog that becomes distressed when left alone may need behavioural support, while a dog that is bored may benefit from more exercise, attention and stimulation.

4. Consider mediation

If you have spoken to your neighbour but the problem remains, mediation may help resolve the disagreement before it becomes a more serious dispute.

Mediation gives both sides an opportunity to explain their concerns and try to agree on a practical solution. It can be particularly useful where you want to maintain a good relationship with your neighbour.

5. Contact your local council

If the barking is persistent and is seriously affecting your quality of life, you can contact your local council's environmental health or noise nuisance department.

In England and Wales, councils can investigate complaints about noise that may constitute a statutory nuisance. The council may ask you to provide details about the noise and evidence of when and how often it occurs.

Different councils have different procedures, so check your local council's website to find out how to report a noise nuisance.

6. Don't make the situation worse

It can be tempting to respond to a barking dog by shouting, banging on walls or making noises to try to stop it. However, this can make some dogs more anxious or excited and may actually increase the barking.

It is also important not to enter your neighbour's property or interfere with their dog. If the problem is becoming stressful or confrontational, consider using mediation or contacting the appropriate authority instead.

What counts as excessive dog barking?

There is no single number of minutes that automatically makes dog barking a nuisance. The circumstances matter, including how loud the barking is, how frequently it occurs, how long it lasts and the time of day or night.

A dog barking occasionally is normal behaviour. Repeated or prolonged barking, particularly when it causes significant disturbance, may be considered a noise nuisance.

What should I do if my neighbour's dog barks at night?

Night-time barking can be particularly disruptive because it can interfere with sleep. Keep a record of the times the barking starts and stops and, if possible, speak to your neighbour during the daytime when everyone is calm.

If the problem continues, contact your local council for advice about its noise nuisance procedure.

Keep a record of your complaints

Keeping accurate information about the barking can make it much easier to explain the problem. You can record:

  • The date of the incident
  • The time the barking started
  • The time the barking stopped
  • How long the barking lasted
  • How frequently the dog barked
  • Whether the barking occurred during the day or at night
  • How the noise affected you
  • Any conversations you had with your neighbour

Our dog barking complaint recording system can help you keep a structured record of incidents and build a clearer picture of the problem over time.

Try to resolve the problem amicably

Most people don't want their dog to cause problems for their neighbours. Your neighbour may simply not realise that the barking can be heard from your property.

Starting with a polite conversation, keeping accurate records and giving your neighbour an opportunity to address the problem can often be the best approach.

If the problem cannot be resolved informally, there are formal routes available. Your local council can provide information about the procedures that apply in your area.

In summary

If your neighbour's dog is constantly barking:

  1. Speak to your neighbour calmly and politely.
  2. Explain when the barking is happening.
  3. Keep a record of barking incidents.
  4. Give your neighbour an opportunity to resolve the problem.
  5. Consider mediation if communication breaks down.
  6. Contact your local council if the problem continues.

Dealing with persistent dog barking can be frustrating, but taking a calm and evidence-based approach gives you the best chance of resolving the problem without unnecessarily damaging your relationship with your neighbour.


How to talk to your neighbour about their barking dog

Having a neighbour whose dog barks excessively can be frustrating, particularly when the barking is frequent, lasts for long periods or happens at night.

However, speaking to your neighbour is often the best place to start. They may not realise how much their dog's barking is affecting you, particularly if the dog mainly barks when they are out of the house.

A calm conversation can sometimes solve the problem before it develops into a formal neighbour dispute or noise complaint.

A good starting point: Assume that your neighbour may not know there is a problem. They may be surprised to discover that their dog is barking when they are not there.

Choose the right time to talk

Try to choose a calm moment when neither of you is busy, angry or distracted.

Approaching your neighbour immediately after being woken by barking at 2am is unlikely to produce the best conversation!

If possible, speak to them during the day when everyone has had an opportunity to calm down.

Think about safety first. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe approaching your neighbour directly, you do not have to do so. Consider another approach, such as mediation or contacting your local council.

Start with the problem, not the person

Try to explain what is happening without accusing your neighbour of being irresponsible or inconsiderate.

There is a big difference between saying:

"Your dog is completely out of control and you clearly don't care."

and saying:

"I wanted to mention that your dog has been barking quite a lot at night recently. I'm not sure if you realise because it seems to happen when you're asleep or out."

The second approach is much more likely to start a productive conversation.

Be specific about the barking

General statements such as "your dog is always barking" can sound exaggerated, even when you are genuinely frustrated.

Instead, explain when the barking normally happens and approximately how long it lasts.

For example:
"It seems to happen most evenings between about 10:30pm and midnight, and sometimes it wakes me up during the night."

If you have been keeping a barking diary, the information in it can help you describe the problem accurately.

Explain how it affects you

Your neighbour may understand the problem better if you explain the effect the barking is having on you rather than simply telling them that the dog is noisy.

For example, you might explain that:

  • the barking wakes you during the night
  • you are struggling to get enough sleep
  • it is affecting your ability to work from home
  • it makes it difficult to concentrate
  • you are finding the repeated noise stressful
  • you are unable to enjoy your garden or home normally

Try to describe the impact honestly without exaggerating it.

Remember: Your neighbour is much more likely to understand the problem if they can see what the barking actually means for you and your household.

Don't assume your neighbour knows

One of the most important things to remember is that your neighbour may genuinely have no idea how much their dog barks.

This is particularly common when barking occurs:

  • when the owner is at work
  • when the owner is shopping
  • when the owner is asleep
  • when the owner is in another part of the house
  • when the dog is left alone

Dogs can behave very differently when their owners are not present.

A useful conversation starter:
"I don't know if you realise, but your dog seems to bark quite a lot when you're not around. I thought I'd mention it because I wasn't sure you knew."

Give your neighbour an opportunity to respond

Once you have explained the problem, give your neighbour a chance to respond.

They may tell you that:

  • they were unaware of the barking
  • the dog has recently developed a problem
  • the dog is anxious when left alone
  • they are already working with a dog trainer
  • the dog has an underlying health problem
  • they have recently changed the dog's routine

Listening to their explanation can help identify a solution.

Try to understand why the dog is barking

Barking is normal canine behaviour and can have many different causes.

A dog may bark because it is:

  • bored
  • frightened
  • anxious
  • excited
  • protective of its territory
  • reacting to people or animals
  • seeking attention
  • distressed when left alone
  • responding to unfamiliar noises
  • experiencing pain or illness

Understanding the cause can make it easier for the owner to address the behaviour.

Suggest solutions rather than demands

If your neighbour is receptive, you could discuss practical ways of reducing the barking.

Depending on the cause, this might include:

  • more exercise
  • additional mental stimulation
  • training
  • reducing the dog's exposure to visual triggers
  • changing where the dog spends time in the house or garden
  • addressing separation anxiety
  • consulting a vet
  • working with a qualified dog behaviour professional

You don't need to tell your neighbour how to train their dog. The important thing is to make them aware of the problem and encourage them to find an appropriate solution.

Don't threaten your neighbour

It can be tempting to say that you will immediately report them to the council, contact the police or take legal action.

In most situations, this is unlikely to improve the relationship.

Avoid statements such as:
  • "I'll report you if that dog barks again."
  • "You'll be hearing from my solicitor."
  • "Everyone on the street hates your dog."
  • "You obviously don't care about anyone else."

If the problem eventually does require formal action, you will generally be in a stronger position if you can show that you have tried to resolve the issue reasonably.

Don't criticise the dog

Remember that your neighbour is likely to be emotionally attached to their dog.

Saying that their dog is "horrible", "bad" or "out of control" can make the conversation personal very quickly.

Concentrate on the noise and its effect, rather than criticising the animal.

Better: "The barking is becoming difficult for us."

Rather than: "Your dog is horrible."

What if your neighbour becomes defensive?

Some people will understandably feel defensive when they are told that their dog is causing a problem.

If this happens, try not to turn the conversation into an argument.

You could simply say:

"I understand that your dog is important to you. I'm not trying to cause an argument. I just wanted to let you know that the barking is affecting us and hopefully we can find a way of reducing it."

Sometimes ending the conversation politely and giving your neighbour time to think about what you have said is more productive than continuing the discussion.

What if your neighbour says they can't hear the barking?

This is quite possible.

The location of the dog, the construction of the properties and the direction in which sound travels can all affect what different people hear.

A dog may also bark when the owner is out of the house and remain relatively quiet when the owner is present.

Rather than arguing about whether the barking happens, explain when you are hearing it and what effect it is having.

What if your neighbour agrees to do something?

Give them a reasonable opportunity to try to address the problem.

Behavioural problems do not always disappear overnight. Depending on the reason for the barking, it may take time for training or other changes to have an effect.

Be realistic: The aim is usually to reduce excessive or unnecessary barking, not to make a dog completely silent. Some barking is normal dog behaviour.

What if nothing changes?

If you have spoken to your neighbour and the barking continues, you still have options.

Continue keeping an accurate record of the barking, including:

  • dates
  • times
  • duration
  • frequency
  • whether it occurs during the day or at night
  • how it affects you
  • any attempts you have made to resolve the problem

You may then wish to consider mediation or contacting your local council if the barking is persistent and seriously affecting your enjoyment of your home.

You can find more information in our guides:

  • How to prove your neighbour's dog is causing a nuisance
  • How councils investigate dog barking complaints
  • Dog barking at night: what are your rights?

What if you are the dog owner?

If a neighbour approaches you about your dog's barking, try not to immediately assume that they are complaining unfairly.

Even if you rarely hear your dog bark, it is possible that it behaves differently when you are not there.

Ask your neighbour for specific information about when the barking occurs. This can help you identify a pattern and work out what might be causing it.

A positive response can make a big difference:
"Thanks for telling me. I didn't realise the dog was barking when we weren't here. Can you let me know roughly when it happens so we can try to work out why?"

Taking a complaint seriously does not mean admitting that you have done anything wrong. It simply shows that you are willing to investigate the problem.

Could mediation help?

If communication between neighbours has broken down, mediation can sometimes provide a way forward.

A mediator can help both sides explain their concerns and work towards an agreement without turning the dispute into a formal legal process.

This can be particularly useful where both neighbours want to resolve the problem but have become frustrated with each other.

Keep the relationship civil

You may have to continue living next door to this person for many years.

Even if the barking is extremely frustrating, keeping communication civil can make it much easier to reach a solution.

You don't have to become friends with your neighbour. The objective is simply to find a way for everyone to enjoy their homes without unreasonable disturbance.

The goal is a solution, not a victory. A successful outcome is one where the barking is reduced and both households can get on with their lives.

If the problem becomes a formal complaint

If informal discussions and mediation do not resolve the problem, contacting your local council may be appropriate where the barking amounts to a potential noise nuisance.

Your previous attempts to resolve the issue can be useful background information, particularly if you have kept an accurate record of the problem.

However, you should not feel that you have to endure a serious and persistent noise problem indefinitely simply because you have tried speaking to your neighbour.

In summary

Talking to your neighbour about a barking dog can feel awkward, but a calm conversation is often the best place to start.

  1. Choose a suitable time to talk.
  2. Explain the problem calmly.
  3. Be specific about when the barking happens.
  4. Explain how it affects you.
  5. Give your neighbour an opportunity to respond.
  6. Avoid personal criticism or threats.
  7. Give reasonable time for solutions to work.
  8. Keep a record if the problem continues.
  9. Consider mediation if communication breaks down.
  10. Contact your local council if the problem remains serious and persistent.
Sometimes the simplest conversation solves the problem. Your neighbour may genuinely have no idea that their dog is disturbing you. Giving them the opportunity to do something about it can prevent a minor problem from becoming a major neighbour dispute.

Legal information

This article provides general information about dealing with neighbour disputes involving barking dogs in the UK. It is not legal advice. Noise nuisance laws and enforcement procedures can differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Together, we can

STOP excessive dog barking in the UK

Helping communities understand, manage and prevent excessive dog barking across the UK.
Dog Noise UK is an animal-loving, dog-positive organisation that aims to educate dog owners about excessive illegal noise, by facilitating tools, methods and training that prevents dogs from barking to the annoyance of everyone around them.

 

We facilitate methods making it easy for the public to report issues to the local authorities, as well as keeping a centralised record of dog noise complaints that UK councils and the general public can easily get access to.