A day in the life of a Neighbourhood Officer Dom, MHA Neighbourhood Officer

Simply by providing a little advice

I received a report from an elderly lady of constant dog barking from her next-door neighbour. On visiting the lady, she informed me this had been ongoing for some time and was “driving me mad”. She was also concerned for the dog’s welfare as it only barked when the owner went to work, roughly 8 hours per day.

I visited her neighbour, who said he had rehomed a rescue dog during covid for company, and stressed he must go to work and was puzzled as how to stop the dog from barking when he is not home with it. He added that he would have to put the dog down, as he cannot give up work, and that the dog is attached to him so wouldn’t let it go to a rescue shelter.

I asked if he had tried to prepare the dog, train it for when he goes to work, as the dog had a rough start in life and is attached now to its owner. The owner said no he hadn’t and suggested he could buy a shock collar. I advised I thought such collars are illegal, and in my opinion not good for animals.

I advised about desensitising the dog, which involved leaving for short periods, returning, giving the dog fuss and reassurance, and extending the time so the dog gains confidence that its owner would return. I also suggested turning on the radio (talking type station) and listening to that with his dog, when he leaves for short periods, and then when he goes to work.

After a short time, the barking stopped – I recently spoke with the complainant, several months after closing the case, who states that all is still quiet.

The tenant and dog’s wellbeing has significantly improved - simply by providing a little advice.