Barking

Most neighbors do not intentionally set out to create problems. The very last person to know that someone is disturbed is usually the one causing the disturbance. Even if you are almost positive that the neighbor knows and doesn’t care about an annoyance, when you approach that neighbor, assume he or she wants and needs to be told. It can’t hurt and may help.

If you are being seriously disturbed by a neighbor, chances are you are not alone. A noise problem, for example, likely affects several neighbors. You may find that other concerns also bother more than one neighbor. Contacting others who are adversely affected and having them join you in your efforts can be very wise. It strengthens your position and also dilutes the possibility of hostility or retaliation.

Complaining to a neighbor is never easy. Ask yourself how you would like to be approached if you were responsible for a problem. You can write a friendly note or call to arrange a convenient time to talk.

If you decide to call, be sure to show your own consideration by calling at a convenient time when your neighbor is apt to be more responsive and less defensive. If you choose to go over to your neighbor’s house, again choose a reasonable time. If you have found other neighbors are also affected by the problem, go together to approach the neighbor. As suggested earlier, it is so much easier to be on pre-existing friendly terms. By being prepared and using common sense, you can make the task less unpleasant and much more productive. Offer positive suggestions. Once you have established some rapport, you may want to suggest, tactfully, that the owner get help with the dog. Try to agree on specific actions to alleviate the problem. After you agree on specific actions, set a time to talk again in a couple of weeks. If your next meeting is already arranged, it will be easier for you to talk about this matter again. It won’t look like you are badgering your neighbor, but will show that you are serious about getting the problem solved.

You may be forced to just come out and tell the neighbor that a problem exists and it needs correcting. Still, some approaches work better than others. Try, “I’m sure you would want to know that your dog's barking is disturbing me.” Explain why you are disturbed, for example that you couldn’t sleep Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights (remember your log). Don’t be afraid to say you are sorry, that you hate to complain. Most people really are sorry to have to complain and if you say it, then it’s easier for the neighbor to also say it. Have a solution to the problem already in your mind and offer it.

Sometimes it is necessary to complain in writing to someone as a first step. If you don’t want to face the neighbor directly or you don’t know them well enough, you can state your complaint effectively in writing. When you have already spoken to the neighbor without success, you’ll want to complain in writing as a next step. A diplomatic approach is still the best choice.

If nothing else has worked

If a friendly visit doesn’t solve the problem of excessive barking, you can choose to speak with an attorney to pursue it as a civil matter or report it to Animal Services. If you choose to report it to Animal Services, we’ll need a couple of things from you:

• Complaint reports signed by yourself and other neighbors willing to testify in court.
• Barking Logs - A completed and signed barking log is required when submitting a nuisance barking complaint.

The most effective way to remain in control when faced with a neighbor problem is to sit down and describe on paper what is happening. This simple act will distance you from your anger and help you manage the situation. Writing down your concerns will tell you how serious the problem is and how often you are being disturbed. List what has happened and when. This record will help later when approaching your neighbor. Even if it means putting up with the problem for a time while you accomplish this, you will have exhibited your own tolerance and discipline and be in a better position to take action. (View Barking Logs)

When the peace of the neighborhood is suddenly shattered and you don’t know your neighbors, the easiest reaction can be to simply call Animal Services to file a complaint. This approach has several disadvantages. A formal complaint can make the situation worse. The neighbor at fault won’t know who the accuser is and so can’t explain or even apologize. The neighbor will feel defensive, isolated, and suspicious of everybody – a bad neighbor. You may succeed in stopping a problem for the time being, but the same problem or others will almost certainly surface again. Try to find out who the offending neighbor is and deal directly with the person responsible. The long-term results will be more desirable.

• Increase your dog’s aerobic activity, it helps to burn excess energy (speed walking and “fetch” are good examples).
• Provide your dog with more and different types of toys to keep him occupied while he’s alone.
• Enroll him in an obedience class.
• Leave a radio or TV on to keep them company.
• Keep your dog in an area away from traffic and other distractions.
• Install a doggie door to the house or garage so he can go in and out.
• If your dog barks during the night, try feeding him late in the evening. He’ll be drowsy and sleep through most of the night.

If a complaint has been aimed at you about your dog’s behavior, you should at least be willing to talk about the problem, even if you think your neighbor is being completely unreasonable. It is in your interest to solve the problem quickly, before it escalates.

If you have received a complaint about your barking dog, open the lines of communications with your neighbors. If you received an anonymous complaint, visit your neighbors and let them know that you received a complaint about your dog’s barking. Explain that you want to work on stopping the barking but until the other day you weren’t even aware that the problem existed. Ask your neighbors if they have heard the dog barking, and if so: 1) When did it start? 2) How long did it last? 3) Was there an apparent stimulus for the barking, such as nearby construction, deliveries or something else?

If you are away from home regularly and your dog is barking, ask if your neighbors can assist with trying to change your dog’s behavior. When the dog barks, ask the neighbors to say the dog’s name and “Quiet!” or “No bark!” This might at least interrupt the barking. When your dog stops barking he should receive verbal praise, petting or a special treat that he gets only when he stops barking.

If the neighbors are not an option for help, you will need to set up a situation that allows you to catch your dog in the act. Do your workday morning schedule on a weekend day. Leave the house and then come back to see if you catch your dog barking. If you have a two-person household, one person could leave and the other could stay behind to observe the dog’s behavior. Use the negative and positive reinforcements described above to correct and reward your dog.

You can also check out local dog training classes. Check the phone book under “Dog Training” or search the internet for a complete listing of trainers in the area.

You can also check your local pet store for barking solutions.

When an annoyance occurs, there are several reasons for not losing your temper. Acting in anger, whether it’s racing over in your bathrobe and slippers, screaming through the telephone, or bringing in the police, reveals your own lack of control and generally guarantees disastrous resentment. But even more important, you need to know just how serious the problem is – whether it will be ongoing or a single or occasional disturbance. You need more facts and therefore more time.

We recommend a rule of wait-and-see. There may be a reason for the barking dog. Perhaps the neighbor is dog-sitting for one night, or trying a new dog outside, and will learn without your help that keeping the dog outside isn’t working.