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Phoenix Dog Barking Laws and Owner Tips

Phoenix Dog Barking Laws and Owner Tips

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Having a dog as a companion brings many benefits, both emotional and physical. However, when that dog barks, it can cause a nuisance to visitors, family, and neighbors. In Phoenix, there are specific dog barking laws that affect both the neighborhood and dog owners. It’s important to understand the Phoenix laws that apply to your dog, and what to do in case of a complaint.

Phoenix Dog Barking Laws

When your dog’s barking gets on your neighbor’s nerves, the first thing the city of Phoenix asks is that your neighbor talks to you about the issue. If someone in your area approaches you about your dog’s barking, don’t immediately become defensive. There are things you can do to train dogs not to bark, so be open to the conversation. If you’re defensive and belligerent, your neighbor can escalate the complaint to the city government.

If the problem is not resolved, the next step is that your neighbor will request a legal mediation. This mediation must be attempted before a criminal complaint can be pursued against you by the city of Phoenix. Mediation is a confidential dispute resolution process, where one or more impartial mediators tries to help resolve the conflict. If both you and your neighbor are open to exploring solutions, mediation can be a very effective way to resolve the conflict.

Finally, if everything has failed, the dog barking laws in the city of Phoenix allow your neighbor to file a criminal complaint against you. A petition will be filled out and filed with the city documenting the problem. A judge will then review the case, and it can go to trial, resulting in a large fine. Of course, you want to avoid this outcome, so be sure to work with your neighbors as much as possible regarding the noise your dog makes.

Training a Dog Not to Bark

Dog barking is a behavior that dogs do for a variety of reasons, including play, stress, and fear. They may bark primarily when you are not home, which means you might not realize how loud or annoying the problem is. Fortunately, you can train your dog not to bark, even when you are not home. Here are some tips:

  • Give your dog plenty of exercise so it’s not restless during the day
  • Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods of time
  • Give your pet toys and provide sound, such as a radio or television, to help soothe them
  • Consider a dog bark collar or muzzle – your veterinarian can help you find the best one for your dog
  • Keep your dog away from neighbors and other stimuli to keep them from barking as people walk by
  • Do not comfort, pet, or feed a barking dog – this only encourages the behavior
  • Consider professional dog training for help with barking and other issues

What to Do if You Face a Complaint or Prosecution

If you have not been able to resolve the dog barking issues through training, mediation, or discussion, your neighbors may take you to court. If this happens, you may face a misdemeanor criminal charge from the city of Phoenix. If you are found guilty, the fines can range from $150 to $2,500.

If you are facing a complaint or lawsuit as the result of a barking dog, you will need legal representation. You should find a lawyer familiar with dog barking laws in Phoenix to defend your case. If the case is unfounded or your dog does not show a pattern of excessive barking, a good lawyer may be able to help you avoid the fine.

This article is for educational use only and should not be considered legal advice. Every situation is unique and requires professional guidance. For more information about dog barking laws in Phoenix, or to obtain representation in a dog barking case, contact Sonja Duckstein at 602-212-0202.