Dog owners warned of noise fines as school routines change
A pet safety company is urging dog owners to prepare their pets for the September return to school routines, warning that separation-related barking could lead to council fines of up to £5,000.
Noise rules could catch dog owners off guard
With children returning to school this month, dog owners are being reminded that sudden changes to daily routines can trigger anxiety-related barking in pets left alone at home, potentially resulting in noise complaints and council enforcement action.
Under guidance published on GOV.UK, persistent barking can be treated as a statutory noise nuisance. Breaching a noise abatement notice can lead to fines of up to £5,000. Councils have already taken action over the issue, with a resident in Stevenage recently ordered to pay £2,057 after repeatedly breaching an abatement notice linked to a barking dog.
According to the RSPCA, around half of dogs suffering from separation-related distress show no obvious signs of it while their owners are present, meaning the problem can go unnoticed until neighbours complain. The charity also notes that such distress can begin within minutes of an owner leaving the house.
Advice from Dog-G8
Chris Maxted, director of Dog-G8, a British company that manufactures dog safety gates, is encouraging families to help their pets adjust to new routines before problems arise.
Maxted recommends giving dogs exercise or mental stimulation, such as a walk or short training session, before leaving the house, along with puzzle feeders or treat toys introduced gradually while someone is home.
He also advises keeping departures and arrivals low-key, arguing that calmer transitions can help dogs experience alone time as a normal part of the day rather than a source of stress.
For dogs struggling with long periods alone, particularly across a full school day, Maxted suggests enlisting a dog walker, neighbour or daycare service to break up the time and build the animal’s confidence gradually.
Owners are also warned against punishing dogs for behaviour that occurred while they were out, such as barking or chewing, as this is unlikely to resolve the underlying distress and may add further stress instead.
Finally, Maxted stresses that persistent barking should not be ignored, as unresolved complaints from neighbours could escalate into formal council action, including prosecution, if abatement notices are breached.
About Dog-G8
Founded in 2019, Dog-G8 is a family-run British business specialising in dog safety gates, drawing on more than two decades of pet care experience. The company appeared on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den in 2023 and received the King’s Award for Innovation in 2026.