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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 12:44:30
I had a home built in a very quiet negihborhood that was handicapped accoomadation that has wide door ways and a roll in shower. I planned to live here until I died.
Now I have several next door neighbors whom let their dogs out either very early in the morning( its been very cold at night here lately) or just leave them outside all day and night. These poor animals bark for up to 10 mns at a time for the better part of several hours. Telling them to be quiet only makes it worse. They throw their metal food dishes around in their dog runs.
When I go to the onwers when they are home, they look at me like either "the only reason my dog barks is he is protecting our home" or they just give you that "deer in the headlight look" and tell you they will take care of it. this take care of it lasts about three hours.
I dont know how these people sleep through this noise at night... I know I dont.Anyone out there got any suggestions on how I could better deal with this situation? I dont want to cause a angry neigbhor but man this has to stop.
thanks.
syringachalet
Posted by Tabitha on February 27, 2003, at 14:14:37
In reply to I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 12:44:30
Boy, bad neighbors are tough.
If you've tried and failed to reason with the neighbor, you might try to go the legal route. Call the police and ask if there's anything they can do. The neighbor might be violating the noise ordinance, and the police can come out and talk to them, or ticket them or something. You also might be able to sue the neighbor in civil court.
Getting the police involved is guaranteed to make the relations with the neighbor more tense, but it might pressure them to do something about the dogs. Especially if they're the type who might be doing anything illegal at home, they won't want the cops coming around for any reason.
Oh, there are also different types of anti-bark collars for dogs. Some of them give electric shocks, and some spray citronella under the dogs nose. Of course that would require the neighbors to cooperate.
Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll move out soon. Do they own the place?
Another idea, talk to other neighbors who might be bothered too. It could help to get more than one person to complain to them.
Posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:03:42
In reply to I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 12:44:30
Dogs generally bark alot when they are ignored by the owners. Sounds like you are unlucky enough to live next to some people who aren't taking very good care of their animals. But if dogs are neglected and ignored, they will bark. Mine bark if they are lonely and want in. They also bark to warn me that someone is in the alley. If I were you, I would call the police. It may make things
worse for awhile but your health is more important than disgruntled neighbors. Rarely ever does someone strike back when they know that they are at fault. And obviously, they know it. Best to you.
Posted by JohnV on February 27, 2003, at 22:36:27
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:03:42
It's the owners, not the dogs, and I disagree with any punishment of these neglected beautiful animals. Sorry, I am a massive dog lover and they can be just as sweet as any animal, and cats, which I also have two of. :-) I say muzzle the humans. ;-)So, to fix the problem call the Humane Society, and then call the police. Oh, and why do dogs bark? They have A LOT to say, are very intelligent, and my sweet little powder-white bichon speaks to me in many different ways. She loves to howl and sit on the door rest and watch the world while driving, telling me what she thinks of the weather and such. She sleeps underneath the covers with me, and offers unconditional love 24-7, which is more than I can even say for many humans. ;-) She loves to snuggle and be close and give kisses. Oh, and she is the cutest little thing in the universe. (Ok, I may be a bit biased.: ) Now if I could only find a girlfriend like such. Hahaa. Peace. John (the "V" one:-)
Posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 23:06:08
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:03:42
Thanks for your suggestions..You ALL have good ideas. i just need to decided how much more I can take before I action of this very big problem....
Thanks again.
syringachalet
Posted by jane d on February 28, 2003, at 0:05:37
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 23:06:08
Have you tried earplugs? I know it's annoying to have to do that when it's your neighbor's fault but, if the earplugs work, you can solve your problem with a quick trip to the store tomorrow - without any trouble with the neighbors. Running an electric fan to mask the noise, closing doors between rooms and making sure you have weatherstripping on windows all can help too. Did the barking just start with the cold weather? Is it usually at night? Could they be reacting to another animal passing by?
Jane
Posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 0:51:33
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much??? » syringachalet, posted by jane d on February 28, 2003, at 0:05:37
The problem, as others said, is the owners. You said the dogs throw their bowls in their runs which makes me think, well, they aren't getting enough activity so they are playing however they can, and they need attention and communication (thus the barking), and a run is not nearly sufficient space for a dog (unless it is a large run and a tiny dog).
Not to anthropomorphize dogs to an unreasonable degree, it is important for owners to realize they are pack animals by nature. That means they are NOT good loners, even if they are put out in pairs. The way they feel good is in their pack (led, unfortunately, by their humans who evidently don't get this).
I have three dogs, and they have a doggie door. The next alpha, under me, goes out almost every night, and stands on the deck and barks. About 5-6 barks, about 5 times. Then, after a few minutes, she comes back in. This is guard duty.
On rare occasions, the whole crew (two big ones and one little one who does this scream-barking thing that makes it sound like he's being tortured) will go out for a brief bark fest. It lasts maybe at minute at the most. I think they are making their presence known, and maybe barking at some other animal (but they don't rush out like they're barking at an animal).
Anyhow, it is my responsibility to herd them in, if they are feeling particularly communicative sometimes. I have the bigger brain, it's my job to take care of them, and to make sure that they fit into their environment.
I am amazed at the people who get any kind of companion animal and are not even aware of its most basic nature and/or needs.
Ear plugs and white noise can be a good solution, and I would follow up on the ASPCA suggestion also, then police.
The only real possible harm, imo, is that the dogs get damaged (hurt, beaten) in an effort to shut them up, which won't work, and still ignores the root of the problem.
More than anyone wanted to know, I'm sure.
Shar
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 10:35:51
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 0:51:33
i think everyone gave good feedback on the barking dogs. i had not thought of the humane society. but call them. and the white noise would help. a ceiling fan helps me. for traffic noise.
hang in there!!!!!
Posted by noa on February 28, 2003, at 21:21:52
In reply to I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 12:44:30
I think leaving a dog unleashed or leaving a dog out all night in the cold is grounds for complaining to the Humane Society, or local animal shelter. The one near me would probably label the barking as "nuisance" which fall under their purview to intervene with the owners. Also, the leaving out all night definitely would get this local shelter's attention because it could constitute neglect.
Of course, I can imagine that the idea of reporting them and then having neighborly tensions roused isn't so appealing.
The dogs of my neighbors do bark, from inside, but it seems only when someone is in the building hallway, and only if they are awake. The problem I have is that one of the dogs in the building often smells awful, and the smell fills the entire hallway. It is better in winter, but if it returns in spring and summer, I do plan to talk to my neighbor about it.
Posted by noa on February 28, 2003, at 21:25:36
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 0:51:33
Shar, your dogs seem to be doing the evening news barking, a la 101 Dalmations!! Perhaps they are relaying an urgent message about some missing pups?
Posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 23:36:59
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much???, posted by noa on February 28, 2003, at 21:25:36
Noa,
That could well be. Or, she may be planning the local doggie uprising against dog food that is good for one but otherwise totally unappealing. I sometimes wish I had a doggie-English dictionary, but then I figure what I don't know won't hurt me.:)
And, I totally agree with you about fragrant dogs. They can emit quite powerful assaults simply by being there.
Shar
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 15:09:30
In reply to Re: I love dogs but why do they bark so much??? » noa, posted by shar on February 28, 2003, at 23:36:59
And, Shar, those fragrant dogs are not responsible--it is the owners who aren't bathing them or cleaning up after them, or taking care of whatever makes them smell. The neighbor who has the smelly dog (btw it is one of the hugest dogs I have ever seen, living in a 2 bedroom apt.) is a very nice person, but I am at some point, if the smell problem persists, going to talk to him about it. It is also a problem that the carpet in the hallway is often covered with mounds of hair from the dog, so I think some regular grooming is in order. I have even thought about getting him a coupon to PETCO or some similar place for grooming!
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