Having a problem with the neighbor's barking dog again.....

**PrairieRose** · 02-12-2005, 12:01 PM

and it's not something that I want to just call the police dept. and complain about. These people are our neighbors and have been for over 20 yrs. , our kids grew up together and are great friends. I really don't want to cause irreversable damage to the relationship we have. That being said....I have talked to my neighbor before about the dog.... . It's a blue healer (very loud bark!) and very territorial and mean. They have a stockade fence and he stays in except for when he goes with the dh. After I spoke to her before about it the dog for some reason and she didn't know why.....quit barking so much. We laughed that he knew we were talking trash about him.... . But now he's back at it. The worst part is he only does it when they are away. They don't hear it. They have no idea that when he does it he barks until 3 a.m. and it's right under my bedroom window......I cannot sleep at all. I'm going to go and talk to her again about it, but I do so dread it. If this were my dog, we would have already been told off in no uncertain terms about it....I know that from previous experiences. But I don't want to be like that. I want to be diplomatic and handle it gently. Any suggestions?

**Mamawolf** · 02-12-2005, 12:05 PM

Just gather up the courage and talk to her! Unfortunately, unless your city has a noise ordinance there isn't anything they could do about it anyway. DH is a police officer here and we have the same probs.

**mommy2many** · 02-12-2005, 12:06 PM

No suggestions. I know as a dog owner I am so protective of my dog

It's hard i have been on your side of things before also.

**Darlene** · 02-12-2005, 12:18 PM

Yep, gotta go talk to them again. Go on...scoot...
Nothing wrong or bad about letting them know what their dog is up to when they are gone. Go on....scoot out that door

**forestdale** · 02-12-2005, 02:13 PM

I agree with darlene. It's not your fault, it's the dog's fault and theirs. Blue heelers are Australian dogs, they are bred to work. That dog is bored and they need to do something so he's not bored. So off you go, and let us know what happens.

BTW, blue heelers are the most dumped dogs in Australia. Unless they are working, they're a real pain to deal with and definately not the dog to have alone in a backyard.

**AmyMCGS** · 02-12-2005, 03:31 PM

I agree that you'll have to talk to them again.... and I know it won't be fun.

But, a good neighbor like the one you're describing might just be more embarrassed about the trouble her dog is causing, rather than being upset at the person who tells her about it. Chances are, if it's bothering you, it's also bothering others in your area. Good luck!

**MarshHen** · 02-12-2005, 03:35 PM

Yeah, I'm with everyone else, I think you should go ahead now and talk to the neighbor about this. Maybe they could board him at a kennel whenever they know they will be gone overnight. If they don't want to do this, I think I would would call the police the next time they leave him and he is barking and keeping you awake. At least you will have a police report to back you up even if there are no noise ordinance laws in your area. Better yet, record the barking and play it back for them when they come home. Hope you get this problem resolved soon.

**PrairieRose** · 02-12-2005, 06:27 PM

I've been seriously considering using a security cam that I'm expecting from another FV member for this before we mount it at the carwash for security purposes. I think they'll be shocked at how bad it is. And there is a neighbor on the other side that is very upset about it. The thing is this, the neighbor won't take it well. I know her, like I said above it it were our dog we'd have had the what for told to us already.... I just really dread it. Ugh.

**dolphin** · 02-13-2005, 02:09 AM

So what can be done about a barking dog? Dh gets mad and upset when Our dogs bark at night and he keeps yelling for them to shutup but what can you actually do to stop them? We've never found a solution except telling them to shut up.

I'm sorry you're having to confront them over it but I completely understand. The neighborhood dogs are going at it right now but luckily they are quite a distance from our house.

**PrairieRose** · 02-13-2005, 12:53 PM

Well Carolyn honestly I think out of courtesy they should either git rid of it or put a bark collar on it (even though that didn't work last time) or something.

**dolphin** · 02-13-2005, 01:18 PM

Awe, I never considered the idea of them getting rid of it. I've never been in that situation so I didn't realize people do that. I know, sounds dumb of me, but I just didn't.

Now I do remember the bark collar after you mentioned it. My friend used one on their setter. Can't remember if it worked or not.

I sure hate confronting neighbors though. Our neighbors across the street have started up their head banging music again at 9:00 this morning and it will continue till 10:00 (atleast) tonight. Dh and I have both asked them not to play the bass so loud several times and it's the wife who is doing it and the dh says he can't do anything about it.....

I put up with it everyday while dh is at work by turning my TV up louder but I can still hear it with all my doors and windows shut. They actually told me that there is nothing the law can do it about it as long as they stop my 10:00 pm. I think their are getting forclosed on so hopefully they won't be there much longer.

Good luck with getting the dog barking elimanated.

**pamy** · 02-15-2005, 07:41 AM

I hate confrontation as well but I am getting increasingly disgusted with inconsiderate neighbors. I know they will say 'it is my home and I can do what I like' BUT 1. they don't live in a vaccum and 2. they are not animals. I would go absolutely crazy if someone played loud music for hours a day.

I hope your talk with your neighbor goes well.

ssn01 · 02-15-2005, 08:38 AM

You laid your own suggestion in what you wrote:

Quoted: If this were my dog, we would have already been told off in no uncertain terms about it....

Well... table's are turned... just do it.

I wouldn't worry about it causing any damage. If it does, it probly wasnt a solid relationship anyway. Just remember to say at least Hi while passing taking out the trash!

If they're away when it occurs... then they DONT KNOW ABOUT IT.

So it's not gonna hurt a thing to say "hey, the dog's disturbing the neighbourhood at night while you're away. And he's right under MY window..." yadda yadda yadda

It's that simple.

You'll more than likely lose the relationship AND trust if you simply call the cops w/out talking first.

**graci42** · 02-15-2005, 09:02 PM

Perhaps they have family they could leave the dog with when their gone...from the sounds of it, the dog is lonely. Do they keep it in the house while they are home?

I agree with the majority...tell them!