Lessons in language of barking

Owners of noisy dogs are being offered a free lesson to help them to understand the language of barking.

Peterborough City Council is offering the session on 22 May in an effort to cut complaints about barking dogs.

Owners will be taught tricks and techniques to help understand exactly what their dog wants, with a vet and a dog behaviourist on hand.

Of the average 1,365 noise complaints to the council each year, 15% concern barking dogs.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has identified 10 different ways a dog barks and nine reasons why they do this.

The council's pollution control office, Laura Bradley, said: "When dogs are left on their own they can often bark for hours at a time.

"The event will include advice from a dog behaviourist, a vet and a head nurse, who will explain why dogs bark, what they are saying and how to stop the problem."

Owners can contact Laura Bradley on 01733 453535 to book a place.