I wonder how the thought process goes for dog owners whose dogs are outside and bark throughout the evening and into the night (like non-stop barking).
Do they much like the dog lovers whose dogs jump up on you and get your clothes all filthy think it’s cute when they bark all night outside as well?
You think those dog owners are saying to themselves “Ahhh, that sweet melody of my dog barking away at bunny rabbits in the yard all night, I bet all our neighbors love listening to our dog just as much as we do. Isn’t it just music to your ears and oh so soothing when you’re trying to go to bed. puts me to sleep every time”
I’m not the kind of guy that ever wants to call the po po or animal control on their neighbors. I’d really just like them to realize that there are neighbors out there that just might not appreciate their dog barking all night the way they do.
What are your thoughts on the subject? Have you ever encountered this and how did you handle it? Leave a comment on this post and explain what course of action or non-action you would take.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Recently we acquired our son’s dog who is very sweet but has great separation anxiety, and barks a great deal when I leave. I have tried it all, first a muzzle which just seemed to harsh, a thunder shirt which he loves to wear, but doesn’t stop the barking….I am in the process of having him neutered Aug 5th but this isn’t a magic ticket either….I really don’t know what to do about his barking he is truly a sweet dog, and I feel bad if my neighbors are disturbed, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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I remember a Dog Whisperer show where he treated this problem. Really skilled dog trainers or patient and disciplined masters can make a change in a dog who has separation anxiety. Good luck.
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When I lived in Burlington, there was a dog that just barked and barked, I did call the animal control because I felt that the dog was not being taken care of
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Barking dogs can be very annoying but, like the living by the train tracks, I guess it’s something we need to get used to and endure until our neighbors can find a way to calm their animals and bring peace to the neighborhood.
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We have not been able to resolve this 20 year plus problem with a neighbor. It is a great source of stress in my household but there is no talking/reasoning with these people(we tried many times) as they feel it’s their right to do whatever they want on their property.When one dog passes, they replace it with another barking dog. A number of years back,the animal control officer said there was nothing he could do-keeping a dog caged outside all day and night in all kinds of weather is not considered animal abuse.He said our only alternative was court which we don’t want to do. We really want to get along with our neighbors.In the meantime, as animal lovers, our hearts break every time the dogs barking turn to crying and is completely ignored by it’s owners.
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For people looking for a solution to their pup barking and want help, you have to keep in mind that dogs are pack animals and leaving them alone can be unnatural to them. Getting a dog walker to come in or dropping the pup off at a doggy day care for at least one of the days a week when you are gone can help the dog. You can keep the dog in a part of the house where he/she won’t hear or see people or other dogs going by. Take your dog for a long, fast walk before leaving the house so they’re a little more tired and will nap part of the time.
As for that neighbor who could care less about their barking dog, I’m in the same boat as a lot of you. I have great neighbors who currently have a not so great relative living with them to help care for their very sick mother. She has two small dogs who wander outside constantly and bark nonstop. I swear they bark at the sound of their own barking. They are high strung, poorly trained and mean. The rest of the family do their best to bring them in when they start yapping, but the actual owner doesn’t care at all. I’ve talked to them, but don’t want to nag since they are dealing with their mother slowly fading in front of them. My solution has been when they won’t stop to go out by the fence and make just enough noise to send them into a frenzy that is obnoxious enough that even the owner can’t handle the noise and comes out and takes them in. Passive-aggressive, yes, but it’s the only thing that gets her off the couch and out to get her dogs.
I’m also kind of hoping a hawk carries them off.
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Rishays: We must have the same neighbor! Most communities have “quality of life” laws which include dog barking. If a neighbor is politely asked to control their dog & fails to do so,then legal action is the only alternative.
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beats the heck out of me. we had a neighbor who absolutely refused over and over again to leash his dogs. Went on and on and on. called animal control. told him right to his face that it was impossible to walk my dog past his house. etc. etc. If anyone has an answer, please let me know. Some people just don’t” shiv a git” !!
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some people just don’t “shiv a git” ! Anyone with an answer, let me know.
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We called the neighbor and told them. They were upset and claimed it wasn’t there dog. BUT, somehow mysteriously the dog barking stopped. On another note, ever see the Modern Family episode about neighbor’s dog barking? Loved when Sophia Vergara said “shut up your damn dog!” hilarious
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I had this problem and I sent the neighbors an anonymous letter. A polite but to the point letter that let them know how disruptive the constant barking was to several of us. I also did say that if the barking continued I would contact animal control. Unfortunately I did have to contact animal control which led the family to purchase a collar that would give small electric shocks to the dog every time it barked. I felt like crap that they did that but eventually the dog stopped barking. Regardless, you have the right to peace where you live. I think you should say something. You’re a very diplomatic guy.
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Some people really don’t know that their dog barks while they are away (because they aren’t around to hear it.) If you can mention it in person or leave a note, they may keep the dog inside when they leave.
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I understand all the reasons dogs bark. But I fail to understand the mind set of owners who think the rest of the world should suffer. I’ve owned a bunch of dogs. All were members of the family and lived indoors, never chained or in a doghouse. A couple of our dogs liked to look out the window and bark at walkers or the mail carrier, or especially other dogs. We’d admonish them, which would generally quiet them down. Failing that, we would close the curtains. We trained our dogs to understand we wouldn’t abandon them. You know, when they are new to the household, leave them alone for a few minutes, then come back and greet them. Gradually stretch out the time alone. They grow less anxious and eventually sleep most of the time you are gone. What is with people who buy a dog, spend good money to feed it, but neglect it and leave it out of doors? Dogs are Social, with a capital S, and their preferred partners are People. If you don’t get it, don’t own a dog. Ever.
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I am a dog owner and I apologize for your neighbor’s rudeness. It is unthinkable that you must listen to barking all night long. In Massachusetts there is a law that states that you have the right to quiet enjoyment. You have the right to enforce this law.
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As one of the only non-dog owners in my neighborhood, I have found mostly support for my grumbling s about constant barking dogs, or nerve grating yelping/ bark of next doors beagle. Most dog owners in the hood share my complaints, but as in life a few just don’t get it and never will, ( common sense) the only way to uphold your rights as a citizen/tax payer/ neighbor is to follow due process. Call PD / animal control & file complaints , don’t feel guilty, it’s unfit dog owners who are forcing the issue.
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I think it best Mac to bring it to the attention of the owner and then if something isn’t done to take it further…. Why make unnecessary difficulties between neighbors??? But if the neighbor doesn’t welcome your concerns then it’s their bad!
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I guess I failed to mention, have politely asked 3 times, not so nice once, then thought not so nice is not the way to go. This is why we have by-laws that are at our disposal to use.
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Kevin George Knipfing (Kevin James), The King of Queens. I LOVED THIS SHOW! 🙂 Dave
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it is comforting to know there are others suffering as their neighbors do not train or care for their dogs. we have neighbors that have allowed their 2-3+ dogs each to bark and bark. leave on vacations and leave them alone.have begged the neighbors to do something, have contacted animal control, pd, and animal care organizations. no help. we cannot use our yard. we have had to soundproof our home and install air conditioning
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