The dog’s barking is audible at the complainant’s property line.
Why did I receive a citation for my dog’s barking?
By allowing your dog to bark in violation of Redondo Beach Municipal Code 4.24-502:
Your dog barked excessively.
You permitted a public nuisance to occur.
What are some reasons that dogs bark excessively?
To warn owners of a stranger’s presence
To alert owners to potential danger or problems
Boredom, loneliness or frustration
Fear or defense of property
Lack of socialization
Lack of training
Breeding to be vocal (hounds, huskies, herding dogs)
What types of activity stimulate a dog to bark, and what can I do to stop it?
Causes
One barking dog causes others to bark
Solicitors enter your property
Waste collectors, mail carriers or service personnel
Children playing
Other animals passing near your property
Reaction to a siren
To get attention to enter/exit the house
Loneliness
Boredom
Solutions
Train your dog to respond to the command “Quiet.”
Post your property “No Solicitors, No Trespassing.”
Use a barrier to block your pet’s view.
Don’t leave your dog unattended for long periods.
Provide your dog with a distraction: a radio, companion dog, toys.
Be consistent and persistent with your training.
Obtain professional assistance with counselors or behaviorists.
What are some alternative methods to condition your dog when your dog barks excessively in your presence?
Spray your dog with water from a plant mister.
Say “Quiet” and give one or more squirts of water, only while your dog is barking.
If you spray when the dog is not barking, it will be confusing.
Use a shake can (a can sealed with coins inside)
This makes a loud, distracting noise.
Shake the can loudly and say “Quiet” to distract your dog from barking.
Use the spray bottle or shake can within 2-3 seconds of the barking, or it will not have the intended effect.
Praise your dog when the dog has been quiet for several moments.
Reassure your dog by petting him/her when they remain quiet.
How is loneliness a problem?
Dogs are pack animals; they want company to feel secure.
You and your family are your dog’s pack.
If the dog is kept outside and you are inside, they are separated from the pack.
If you cannot allow the dog inside, consider a companion dog, but not a dog that is likely to bark by breed.
Spend time with your dog.
How is protectiveness and fear a problem?
Your dog may react to people passing or being active near your dog’s territory.
Find a location on your property away from stimulation, or make barriers to your dog’s line of sight to prevent them from seeing service personnel, other passing animals, adults and children on the sidewalk.
This may be as simple as closing the curtains, filling cracks in fences or altering a gate to prevent the dog from seeing through, under or over it.
Don’t expose your dog to teasing by children or other persons.
How can socialization minimize my dog’s negative behavior?
Expose your dog to a variety of situations, people and other animals to avoid barking due to fear or trying to protect you.
Positively expose your dog to new situations and people and reward their good behavior.
What do you mean by providing distractions for my dog?
Leave your dog plenty of toys to occupy his/her attention.
Chewing or playing with toys prevents barking.
Freezing a Kong toy stuffed with kibble or other treats can occupy your dog for hours.
Rotate the toys you use; give them certain toys only when you are gone.
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