Is That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know

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Dogs bark—it’s what they do. But when does a harmless woof turn into a full-blown legal nuisance? Whether you’re a dog owner trying to avoid complaints or a sleep-deprived neighbor wondering if you have legal recourse, knowing your rights (and responsibilities) is key.

The reality is that there’s no universal barking law—it all depends on where you live. Some cities have strict rules, allowing no more than 5-10 minutes of continuous barking before owners can face fines or even criminal charges. Other places are more lenient, only stepping in after repeated complaints.

So, what’s the legal limit for barking? What can you do if your neighbor’s dog won’t stop? And how can owners prevent their pets from becoming a neighborhood nuisance?

Can A Dog Legally Bark Forever? (The Short Answer)

If you’ve ever been woken up at 2 a.m. by a neighbor’s dog enthusiastically announcing its existence to the world, you may wonder—how long can a dog bark legally before it becomes a crime?

The short answer: It depends on where you live. While no federal laws limit how long a dog can bark, most cities and counties have noise ordinances that define excessive barking and impose penalties. These can range from warnings and fines to criminal charges or even pet forfeiture in extreme cases.

What Counts As Excessive Barking?

A common question among dog owners and frustrated neighbors is, how long can a dog bark for before it is considered excessive? While each city and county defines “excessive” differently, most laws focus on prolonged, repeated, and disruptive barking.

Excessive barking is typically defined as prolonged, repeated, and disruptive to others. Here are standard definitions:

• More than 5 minutes of continuous barking (e.g., New York City at night)
• More than 10 minutes of barking during the day when the animal is not contained within an enclosure sufficient to muffle loud noises (e.g., Atlanta, GA)
• Frequent, intermittent barking over 30 minutes (e.g., Forest Lake, MN)
• “Habitual” or “chronic” barking that disturbs others (e.g., Denver, CO)

Each city and county defines “excessive” differently, so checking local noise ordinances is crucial.

Dog Barking Laws: A Quick Comparison By City

These are just a few examples. If you suspect excessive barking might be a legal issue in your area, check your city’s official website or contact local animal control.

What If Your Neighbor’s Dog Won’t Stop Barking?

Dealing with a neighbor’s noisy dog can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to address the issue constructively:

1. Talk to the owner – The first step is to converse calmly and politely with your neighbor. They may not even realize their dog is barking excessively, especially if it happens when they are away from home. Let them know about the issue and see if they are open to working on a solution.
2. Keep a record of the barking – Before taking further action, track when the barking occurs, how long it lasts, and any patterns you notice. Keeping a log can be helpful if you need to discuss the issue with your neighbor again or file a formal complaint.
3. Use white noise or earplugs – While this doesn’t solve the root problem, using a white noise machine or noise-canceling earplugs can help reduce the disturbance, mainly if the barking happens at night or during work hours.
4. Offer a friendly solution – If the barking stems from boredom or anxiety, consider offering helpful suggestions. You could recommend interactive toys, obedience training, or a professional dog walker. If you have a friendly relationship with the neighbor, you might even offer to help by occasionally taking the dog for a walk.
5. Check local noise ordinances – Look up your city’s noise ordinances to see if the barking meets the legal definition of excessive noise. Some areas have strict limits on continuous barking and allow complaints to be filed after a specific duration.
6. Try a bark deterrent device – If the barking occurs near your property, you may want to try an ultrasonic bark deterrent. These devices emit a high-frequency sound that discourages barking but is usually inaudible to humans. PetSafe’s Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control is a nice option since it’s completely weatherproof and looks like a bird feeder.
7. Check if other neighbors are affected – If multiple people in your area are experiencing the same issue, approaching the dog owner as a group (politely and non-confrontationally) can carry more weight and encourage action.
8. File a complaint (last resort) – If all else fails and the problem persists, you may need to file a formal noise complaint with your city or county. Remember that if you file a complaint, your neighbor will likely know where it came from, so this should only be done as a last resort when other methods have failed.

Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively?

Dogs bark for many reasons, but excessive barking is often caused by:

• Boredom/lack of exercise – A dog with pent-up energy is more likely to vocalize.
• Defensive/territorial behavior – Some dogs feel the need to protect their home and will bark at every passerby.
• Medical issues – Pain, cognitive decline, or other health problems can cause unusual barking.
• Separation anxiety – Dogs left alone for long periods may bark out of stress.

What Should I Do If My Dog Barks Excessively?

Excessive barking can be frustrating for both dog owners and their neighbors, but the good news is that there are several effective ways to manage and reduce it. The key is to understand the root cause of the barking and use consistent techniques to correct the behavior. Whether your dog barks due to excitement, anxiety, boredom, or territorial instincts, targeted interventions can help.

Below are some of the best strategies for curbing excessive barking and fostering a quieter, more peaceful home environment.

Don’t Bark Back

I must point out one thing to never do with a loud, persistently barking dog. Raising your voice, shouting, or yelling at a dog to stop will not help. A loud vocal response actually stimulates and triggers the dog to bark more. They take this response as you joining in rather than a reprimand or request to stop.

Training Commands

Training your dog to stop barking on command is one of the most effective long-term solutions. Start by teaching a “Quiet” command. When your dog barks, calmly say “Quiet” in a firm, steady voice. As soon as they stop barking, reward them with a treat or praise.

Repetition and consistency are key. Over time, they will associate the command with stopping their barking.

Another useful method is training your dog to “Speak” on command first. Once they understand when to bark, teaching them when to stop becomes easier. This technique helps them gain control over their barking behavior and strengthens your communication with them.

Block Visual Triggers

Many dogs bark because they see something that excites or agitates them, like a passing car, a squirrel, or a stranger walking by. Reducing these triggers can significantly cut down on barking. Try closing blinds, using privacy film on windows, or installing a solid fence instead of a chain-link one.

If your dog spends a lot of time outside, consider limiting their access to areas where they can see frequent distractions. A well-placed outdoor barrier or strategic landscaping can help keep your dog calm by reducing exposure to barking triggers.

Increase Exercise & Stimulation

A tired dog is a quiet dog. Many dogs bark excessively due to pent-up energy or boredom. Ensure your pup gets enough physical exercise through daily walks, playtime, or even agility training. For high-energy breeds, activities like running, swimming, or dog sports can be beneficial.

Mental stimulation is just as important. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and obedience training sessions keep their minds engaged, reducing boredom-induced barking. Regular interaction and enrichment activities prevent dogs from seeking attention through excessive vocalization.

Consider Anti-Bark Devices

There are several tools available to help deter barking. Ultrasonic bark deterrents, like the Sunbeam Sonic Egg, emit a sound that is unpleasant to dogs but inaudible to humans. Citronella collars release a harmless spray when the dog barks, discouraging the behavior. Some pet owners find success with vibration collars, which provide a gentle correction without using electric shocks.

A bark whistle is another tool that can be effective in training. These high-frequency whistles are designed to capture a dog’s attention without harming them. When used consistently with a command like “Quiet,” they can help reinforce desired behavior. Some owners use a whistle to redirect their dog’s attention during barking episodes, providing a clear and immediate auditory cue to stop barking.

While these devices can be helpful, they should be combined with positive reinforcement training for the best results. Avoid relying solely on bark deterrents, as they don’t address the root cause of barking.

Seek Professional Help

If excessive barking persists despite your efforts, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the underlying cause and develop a tailored training plan.

In some cases, a veterinarian may need to check for medical issues, especially if the barking started suddenly.

Additionally, group training classes or one-on-one consultations with certified trainers can provide structured solutions for barking control.

The Best Online Dog Training Courses

For dog owners struggling with excessive barking, online dog training courses can provide structured guidance from professional trainers. These courses cover essential techniques like obedience training, behavior modification, and positive reinforcement methods to help curb unwanted barking. Many programs offer video tutorials, step-by-step training plans, and interactive Q&A sessions with certified trainers, making them a flexible and effective alternative to in-person classes.

International Dog Barking Laws

Excessive barking isn’t just a U.S. concern—many other countries have noise laws that apply to dogs:

• England – Dog barking can be classified as a “statutory noise nuisance.”
• France – Excessive barking violates Public Health Code noise laws.
• Germany – Dogs shouldn’t bark for more than 10 minutes at a time, with stricter quiet hours at night.
• Italy – Owners can face jail time if their dog’s barking repeatedly disturbs neighbors at night.
• Spain – Excessive animal noise may be considered pollution and can lead to legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of questions about excessive dog barking and how to stop it. I’ve answered a few of them below, but if I didn’t get to yours or you have experience to share, let me know in the comments.

Where Can I Find My City’s Dog Barking Ordinance?

You can look at your city’s official website or search for noise ordinances in your area online. You can also ask your vet or local animal control office for information, as they may know.

What Should I Do About My Neighbor’s Barking Dog?

If a neighbor’s dog barks excessively, try to resolve the issue by talking to them first. If that doesn’t work, check local noise ordinances and consider filing a formal complaint if necessary.

How Do You Report A Barking Dog?

Reporting a complaint requires filling out a form with the appropriate office. It will require you to describe the behavior and the animal and share your contact information. The exact process depends on the laws in your area and what official department handles nuisance barking.

Can You Call The Cops For Barking Dogs?

You can call the police; however, in many cases, unless it concerns an animal attack, they may direct you to animal control. If they do respond, they may issue a ticket or citation. It all depends on the laws in your area.

Know The Laws & Be Considerate

Barking is normal, but excessive barking can lead to real legal consequences—or, at the very least, a frustrated neighborhood. Knowing local laws and practical solutions can help create a better living environment for everyone, whether you’re a dog owner or someone suffering from noise disturbances.

If you’re struggling with a barking issue (on either side of the fence), what’s worked for you? Let us know in the comments!

Learn More About Why Dogs Bark

Dogs bark as a way of communication, but there is more to it than that. We discuss whether dogs get tired of barking and ways to stop excessive barking. You can also learn more about bark collars, sonic collars and muzzles for barking, which may help.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle is a dog parent with over 30 years of canine care experience. She is the proud mom to two rescue pups who are highly skilled at loud, excessive barking. She has tried many methods over the years to help deter and stop this behavior in her own pups, as well as to help her neighbors, friends, and family with theirs. Danielle is a dedicated researcher with a background in education and behavior management. She works alongside a talented team at Canine Journal who strive to bring our readers the best, most relevant information to better their lives.