neighbor rant

For starters, I'm with Emmasmom.

Be proactive here. Build your own file of the dogs barking habits so when if and when by-law comes around you have your own record. It will also demonstrate to them that you are not disregarding your neighbours concerns, and working towards a solution.

I have issues with my dogs too. We back onto parkland, and Indy's favourite past-time is to run the fence whenever someone walks by, barking his fool head off. While I will let the dogs out on their own, I'm never far away. If Indy seems to be out of control, then I rein him in as quickly as I can. So far, its going ok. The only time it is a real challenge is when I let them out in the morning and an early morning walker goes by. Then I have to run out in my nightie and shut him up. Hmmmm.....is that why all of a sudden we have so many early morning walkers????:eek2::eek2:
 
I am going to keep a log of when, how long, what they are barking at etc...
Kodi and gertie are the most reactive..I don't know if it is because they are smaller but Shelton is about 10 lbs heavier than the others and he is calmer and does bark less. I got in touch with Kodi's breeder and 2 breeders from Missouri who are affiliated with the ASSA about finding a vet who will debark located in ks. They are all recomending the same vet that is about 2 hrs away from me. I'll give the vet's office a call and see about cost and any issues with de-barking that might come up. i am also thinking about putting in a tarp or some other type of barricade against the corner of the backyard that we share.
I went back there and her kids were talking to the neighbor dog and kind riling him up. I could get a nice fence panel and make a seating area back there or something..lol.
I got a call from the local sheltie rescue and they are wanting to help me figure out how to fix this situation.
I've been angry and upset about this for a day...I wished to be able to sick spiders on her, it's a good thing I don't have powers as I would use them for evil vengeful purposes!
So I guess the best thing to do is document and keep within the law:biggrin2:
Thanks for letting me vent and your advise.
Lisa G
 
What kind of fence do you have? We have a chain link fence. With Noah, we put up landscape fabric that helped block his view on the side of the yard he most reacted to - this helped.

If you do hear her kids teasing the dogs in the area, document it. If your neighbours are aware of this, get them to document it also. You will need all the paper trail you can get if this goes to court or whatever. If you can show that your dogs (or neighbours' dogs) were teased and made to bark, this will go against her. Do what you can this way before going to the steps of debarking the two dogs. I am afraid I would tell her that her children are causing some of the barking. I had this with Hamish once where we lived. I caught the 10-year-old next door getting him to bark and then telling him to shut up. She would even get up on the garage roof to do this. I heard her one day and she didn't know I was outside. I told her to leave the dog alone. I never had a problem again with her.
 
So sorry you're having neighbor problems, do I EVER know what that can be like!

I'm lucky and have very nice neighbors on either side of me, but the one two doors down has been a nightmare since day one, although for reasons different than you have.

Everyone has made great suggestions! Document everything regarding the barking and the days your neighbor has complained to you, as well as make note of her daughter teasing neighboring dogs. Familiarize yourself with your local noise bylaw and see what animal control has to say. If all else fails, de-barking is a great alternative to rehoming.

Good luck with your neighbors, feel free to PM me if you want to rant about neighbors, I'm certainly always willing, but would love to listen too. :smile2:
 
most of us have neighbors from hell... thankfully Che is not a barker, but with 3 dogs no matter what training you do it is difficult. I would do debarking and keep a peace in your neighborhood.
Working night and then coming home to sleep during the day is difficult enough, on top dogs are awake and demand attention, letting them barkfest fence running is not a good option IMHO
Other option is to take them early morning to the pooch park or forest preserve, let them run their heads off and then keep them indoor until eve walk...
if the neighbors war escalated, maybe videotaping kids teasing dogs would be good idea to give you extra support... the thing is if you have to live there, nobody wins if confilict escalates...
 
Documenting everything is fine, but all that will be is your word against hers. The best thing to do is fine out your noise laws. In Missouri from 9pm until 7am is quiet time.....from 7am until 9pm you can make all the noise you want...chainsaw a tree down if you want. If the dogs have to go out during the quiet time I sit on the back porch with them....just call your city hall and find out the laws.
 
ClantyreSheltie said:
The $1200 is the bullsh*t way of making a statement that they are against it. They would probably botch it up anyway.

I do not allow my dogs outside without me standing there, and all of my dogs are debarked. Debarks are about $100 in Maryland.

I would recommend that you not allow the dogs outside without your immediate presence, and very quickly learn your local laws.

I almost went out the other night to the house with the dog who woke me up at 3am and continued to bark non stop until dawn. At 3 am, it seems totally rational to go bang on their door and tell them to bring the dog in. :smile2:
Click to expand...
I agree with this- I would not tolerate non-stop barking for hours in the early morning- I would make sure to be out with the dogs also, when dogs run the length of a fenced in area, they tend to bark more. It is annoying if it is continuos for hours.
Karen
 
Really sorry to hear about your problems. I have a neighbour like this - she hates dogs and has the meanest cat in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately I live in a body corporate so the rules about dogs become a bit confusing.

I agree you should contact animal control at your council (or whatever it is called over there) and find out what the local laws are. Often there will be information on a website. Over here there is a process that needs to be followed for a complaint - which includes diarising the times and having at least one other neighbour who will back up the complaint. As you can imagine, a lot of people dont like dogs and will lodge frivilous claims if they can. So usually animal control has a process to ensure that doesnt happen. Your best bet is to pre-empt this woman and find out what the process is first.
 
You can find the local dog laws by going online to your city hall and using dog laws in the search bar.

Barking
HOW TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE EXCESSIVE BARKING

Part of responsible dog ownership is ensuring that your dog is not a nuisance to others. Barking is a natural dog behavior and most people want their dogs to bark to alert them to potential danger. However, owners who permit their dogs to bark excessively are permitting a public nuisance to occur and can be fined or issued citations or even be taken to small claims court.

Try to correct a barking dog problem by understanding why dogs bark

Dogs bark for many reasons. Some breeds, such as hounds, huskies, and herding breeds have been bred to be vocal. It can be difficult to eliminate this behavior since it is inherited. Other dogs bark out of fear or defense of their property. Being located near a busy sidewalk or other stimulus will cause many dogs to bark a lot. Many excessively barking dogs do so out of boredom, loneliness, and frustration. Changing their living conditions, finding them a companion, or devising other environmental changes can address this problem.

The first step to addressing a barking dog problem is to identify the reason for the dog's behavior.

LONELINESS: In most situations. dogs bark because they are lonely. Dogs are pack animals and must have companionship to feel secure. In our society, the dog's pack is his human family. The dog that is kept exclusively outdoors, separated from his family, is frustrated and isolated. He barks to voice his loneliness. The best solution to this situation is to allow the dog to live indoors. If this is not possible due to allergies or other serious obstacles, a second dog can provide companionship to the barking dog. Care should be used in selecting the second dog to ensure it is not predisposed to barking as well. In any event, always make sure you spend time with your dog every day. Your dog relishes your attention and needs it to be happy and well adjusted.

PROTECTIVENESS/FEARFULNESS: Other dogs bark because outside stimulus agitates them. Being located next to a busy sidewalk, stairwell, a playground, or other area of high human activity will cause dogs to bark to protect their territory or out of fear of strangers. Try to find a location on your property where the dog will be the least exposed to these triggers. Provide a crate (if indoors) or doghouse (if outdoors) for the dog to retire to if he chooses. Never leave your dog in an area where he can be teased by passing children. This torment causes heightened aggression in dogs and may result in a bite or attack.

LACK OF SOCIALIZATION: Well-socialized dogs are less likely to bark excessively. They have been exposed to a variety of situations, people, and other animals and are less likely to bark out of fear or protection. Well-socialized dogs live indoors where they are part of the family and learn, on a daily basis, what is acceptable behavior. They are trustworthy around new people and new situations. All dogs should be positively exposed to new situations and rewarded for their good behavior.

PROVIDE DISTRACTIONS: If your dog barks when left alone, leave him with plenty of toys to occupy his attention. If he is playing or chewing on toys he will be too preoccupied to bark. Good diversions are Kong toys that you can stuff with kibble, peanut butter, or other treats. Freezing the Kongs first makes the treats last longer and can occupy your dog for hours. (Antlers are also a good choice) Rotate the toys so your dog doesn't become bored with them, and only give them to him when you are gone. This will increase their attraction for your dog and he will be even more inclined to devote his attention to them instead of barking.

TRAINING: Use training to modify your dog's excessive barking.
Never pet or soothe your dog if he is barking from fear. This reinforces his barking, which you are trying to stop. Do not encourage aggressive barking. Any positive reaction he gets from you will reinforce his behavior and make it more difficult to control.

If your dog is barking to demand something – a toy, treat, car ride, etc. – do not give into his demands and reward the undesirable behavior. Wait until he is quiet to give him his reward.
 
Be aware that just because you debark does not mean this lady will stop complaining. If she is the type she sounds then if one of your dogs lets out so much as a squeak she'll be moaning.

I'm not keen on debarking and certainly not because of this woman.

Cadbury barks in warning. I have taught him 'enough' which means I heard you stop now and if he is outside and starts he has 'in' which means come in instantly and he always does and I close the door.

Once indoors you can't really hear him anymore, except a muffled whuff if you are by the front door (and quite frankly I like that as he sounds big and scary:lol:).

Have you consider setting a room aside for them during the day (such as kitchen) and perhaps soundproofing it a little? Playing a radio or the TV will cover outside noise and prevent them barking and you could either have the window double-glazed, or make some cheap wooden shutters to slot over. That will sound-proof but also prevent movement from triggering the dogs.

I don't see why you should put your dogs through an operation because of this woman.
 
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