We all love dogs: they are loyal, helpful animals, and we have bred and domesticated them over thousands of years to accompany us in our lives. However, we must also be honest… and admit that listening to a dog barking non-stop for hours on end can give you high blood pressure (to put it politely). Modern lifestyles mean that we spend many hours away from home, and our four-legged companions spend the day alone at home waiting for us to return. Some cope with anxiety better than others; while some resign themselves to their fate, others destroy the sofa and bark constantly—much to the dismay of our neighbors.
However, there is a small town in Ohio that has enacted a strict law. The peaceful sounds of nature include our pets, but constant noise can give anyone a headache.
The Findlay Law
The City Council of Findlay (population 40,139, Hancock County, Ohio) formally adopted a new animal noise ordinance earlier this month. The law targets pet owners who allow an animal to bark, howl, or make “other continuous audible sounds that create excessive noise that is offensive.” To constitute a violation, the noise must cause “annoyance or discomfort to any person of ordinary sensibilities in the neighborhood.” This ordinance applies not only to dogs, but to all animals. A violation of this new rule would be treated as a misdemeanor.
The controversy has kept us waiting: local attorney Miller, one of the biggest detractors of this measure, has denounced the law as unconstitutional. Owning a rooster and asking this type of animal not to make noise goes completely against the biological nature of the species. Ms. Miller argues that the law is “neither democratic nor American.” It could be the first step toward a new era in which any noise above absolute silence could result in a trial or a fine.
The wording of this municipal ordinance is so vague that it allows virtually anyone near a property to file a complaint. A FedEx driver passing through the driveway or a cyclist riding down the street may have grounds to file a formal complaint, even if they do not spend hours of their daily life in that area. Ultimately, the lawyer argues that the city has no right to regulate the natural sounds of animals in this way. She finds it absurd that the law puts at risk property owners whose animals—such as her rooster—behave naturally.
The animal noise law was narrowly passed, with the opposition losing by only one vote. Attorney Miller argues that this law infringes on individual property rights in favor of overly regulated tranquility.
While it is normal for a rooster to crow at the crack of dawn… Is it remotely normal for a dog to bark for hours? We suspect not.
Chronic barking and its causes
Although attorney Miller is right in saying that the law is poorly written, we all know that it is aimed at pet owners who do nothing to improve their pets’ lives, causing the animals to suffer. Chronic, prolonged, incessant barking says a lot about the animal’s state of mind and needs. It is a sign of communication or, rather, a cry for help. Dog behavior experts identify four causes behind this excessive barking: separation anxiety (when the dog enters a state of panic and distress when left alone); boredom and frustration; territoriality; and finally, attention seeking.
The solution is never to punish the barking, but to address the underlying cause. The first step is to ensure that the dog receives adequate physical and mental stimulation. A dog that has had sufficient physical exercise and exhausted both its body and mind has less energy for their usual barking session. This means you need to go out for two vigorous exercise sessions a day—at least! If you have to work long hours, get up earlier and take your dog for a long walk before leaving it alone at home. The barking episodes will go down overnight.
If the problem is separation anxiety, you should desensitize the dog by modifying your departure ritual. One thing you can do is give them a high-value treat, such as a snack or chew toy, just before you leave to create a positive association with your departure.