Unbiased Advice How to Deal with "Barking" Dog

I wish I had some good advice for you but I don't, I just feel so bad! We have a wonderful family dog too, who although isn't much of a barker, will get excited and noisy sometimes. Fortunatley we have wonderful neighbors who are very understanding! I'm sorry, good luck, maybe you should buy them a dog too haha!

Do you know what their problem is? Do they wear hearing aids (which amplify everything, so already loud sounds are made unbearable), were they a POW in a facility which utilized barking dogs so traumatic memories are being evoked, or do they just need to nap during the day and the sound wakes them up? Have you sat down with them to discuss their concerns, maybe they'd be ok with the dog being out only during certain times of the day or some other compromise. Maybe if they got to know your dog they'd be more tolerant. Could your dog be useful - get their newspaper for them or repel animals/intruders? Point out the positives! However, since the neighbor has had a problem with the barking from day one, it doesn't seem like it's going to change, so in the end I guess you could sell or give away the dog, or move. It's not good to feud with neighbors, and I think the police will continue to side with them. They had a log all prepared - yikes?!? Next they'll be complaining about the noise your kids make...

We had the same problem with our neighbors. We have two beagle mix dogs that lived outside when we were away from home during the day. We got a phone call the week we moved in along with numerous letters while we lived there. (like 3 page hand written letters). Anyway, we did end up buying the bark collar for them to show the neighbors we were trying our best to honor their wishes. I don't know where you live but we lived in a rural area in Lee and there was plenty of space between our house and theirs. We had the invisible fence as well and made sure the area by there house had a big buffer. We put both the invisible fence and bark devices on the same collar. I hope this helps. I would talk to your neighbors and listen to their concerns. Sometimes people just want to acknowledged. However, we have since moved.

we ran into the same thing with our black lab! We bought a bark collar and it did the trick. Our neighbors don't complain anymore and our dog runs around and has fun, I don't think she even realizes it is on. good luck. L.

I would check with your town to see what the actual laws are. It is my understanding that in most areas as long as the dog it not barking at certain hours(11pm to 7 am for example) they can not complain about it. All dogs bark so as long as it is not hours of barking at a time they should not be complaining. I would make sure the dog is not outside when no one is home. The police have no business giving you a formal complaint for normal dog barking. I would inform yourself about what your rights are and then fight back. I would not even consider getting rid of the dog! It is your neighborhood too and they need to learn to deal with it.

Hi M.--I agree with Terry, sarcasm and all.
On a more helpful note, hopefully...
Could you find out what the town ordinances are concerning pets/barking/etc in your town and neighborhood? Talk to other neighbors on your street and find out if you happen to have the "town crier" for your actual next door neighbor. It may help you to know that these people will find something, anything, to complain about and this time it just so happens that it is your dog. If the police are ever involved again you might ask them, nicely, if they have been an issue for the police department in the past and if this is just the next go-round.

You mentioned their record of when your dog has barked. Does this include 3 AM? hours on end? Or, rather simply, when it would be reasonable to expect a dog to bark occasionally? Just because the police were involved does not mean that they agreed with your neighbors or that they were right, but instead were acting as a peaceful go-between. Use your own good judgment with that list of barking times.

Good luck. By the way, no, we don't have any pets and we do have quite a few neighbors with dogs--who do bark at reasonable times.

Putting on a bark collar would probably be a little much for your dog. Having the two electronic collars on could potentially harm him.
Most towns have a limit on what they consider to be nuisance barking--I know in my town it is for ten minutes or more. Does your town have anything like that?
I would suggest that you contact a trainer right away to help you with this problem so that you can keep your dog. Barking shouldn't be a reason to have to give a dog away. If you would like help finding a qualified trainer in your area please let me know.
S. Althen, CPDT

I am not a dog person and can't stand neighbor dogs barking. My sister has two extremely well behaved dogs (with invisible fence) on 7 acres of land and her dogs rarely ever bark. She trained both of them with a barking collar (one is a huge lab as well and train extremely easily). There is no reason for a dog to bark, except for home protection...do yourself and your neighbor a favor and get the barking under control...yes the dogs need space to run and play...they don't need to make everyone (including yourself) crazy.

Good luck!! H. Z.

Dear M.,
I'd start by reading and owning a copy of the noise ordinance. I'd do the same with the town laws regarding dogs.
I seems to me that with three children, you have your hands full, so you'd not want to make this a protracted fight. As for the complaint, your neighbors would need the rest of the neighbors complaining too. If the other neighbors aren't complaining, is it possible these two are just grouchy? If you don't fight this, if you give up your dog, what will you do when the kids are older and playing in the yard? Will they be allowed to shout? Will they be able to have friends over? Will you be able to have barbecues?
As for the anti-bark collars, they don't work well. Again, what will you do with the children. Those two will not stop with your dog. Talk to your other neighbors. Keep your dog.

Hi M.

It is true, your neighbors are probably used to having things a bit more quiet. Often times people have difficulty with the lifestyles of others when they are no longer sharing that lifestyle. People quickly forget what it was like to be a parent of an infant, a school age child or a teenager. All of these age groups come with different experiences.

As a mother of four ages 29-7 I have been in all these groups many times. Even now, although I've been there and I sympathize, when we go out to dinner in a restaurant, I am somewhat disturbed if someone has an infant and allows them to cry incessantly throughout the meal.

You did not say how old your dog is, but if you've had him a long time, I'm sure you don't want to get rid of him. The best thing I can suggest, although your life is likely quite stressful and you probably are feeling less than neighborly at this point. I would try to talk with your neighbors. Allow them to get to know you and your children. When they can identify and empathize with you on a personal level, they will be less likely to complain.

You could try approaching them and apologize for the barking. Ask them how much barking from a dog they consider ok and what time of day it bothers them most. Assure them you will try to keep the barking at a minimum and ask them to please call you when the barking seems excessive. Try to appear sincere in your concern for their quiet enjoyment.

Do you know what triggers your dog barking? For me my dog barks only when others walk a dog past our property. This is normal dog behavior and would be very difficult to stop. If your dog is barking more frequently than that then his barking could be a behavior in response to frustration. If you can find the cause you could hopefully limit the barking. With 3 small children you are probably very busy. Is your dog getting walked less frequently than usual? Is he lonely and understimulated in the yard? Is he hungry or thirsty, hot or cold?

Best Wishes
J. L.

Poor you..... We've had two dogs. One a recreational barker who must have driven our neighbors wild when I was working.... yet I never had one complaint. Here's what I would do if these people seem "over the top" about this. I would sweetly speak with the police and animal control about how you're home all day, never let the dog bark incessantly, keep the animal under control, etc...and feel your neighbors are a "tad set in their ways." Make it clear that you're working with your neighbors difficult requests and want to get along with everyone for the benefit of your three small children (who I am sure make noise, too). Then walk next door and sweetly tell your neighbors
that you are working with them (even if you have to bite your cheek off). If they lodge another complaint against you, everyone will start to get the drift that they're "over the top." If you're feeling vindictive, stage a large and noisy afternoon BBQ with lots of family and kids (and smokey BBQ). If you're really feeling vindictive, invite them (I am sure they'll say no but you can tell the authorities they were invited). If they come over to tell you to keep it down, send deaf great Aunt Alice out to speak with them! Maybe they'll move before you have to (or maybe they'll soften a little because you're so nice!). Take care!

We use a netted muzzle on our shephard mix as he likes to bark at everything. He is still able to drink and bark quietly. Since using it he barks less because I have started putting it on only when he starts to bark sometimes just showing it to him even gets him to stop. Fortunatly no one had complained but I noticed he was the only "barking" dog in the neighborhood that we had just moved to last fall. I had thought about a no bark collar but shocking him sounds too harsh.

Hi,

I would suggest finding out what constitutes a noise compaint in your city. In ours... the dog has to bark pretty much non stop for 30 minutes and ours never does.

As far as the dog... your could try spraying a water bottle or quirt gun at the dog when it barks and see if that will prevent it. Labs like water, so that may not work. They make a collar that sprays citronella at the dogs nose when it barks... dogs hate citronella sprayed at their nose... but it is nice than shocking them all the time.

Good luck,

L.

I have read these posts with a lot of interest, as we also have two dogs (one of whom is a real barker) but thankfully have very understanding neighbors. I agree with most posts that it is reasonable for a dog to sometimes bark, but that for the good of all involved, should not be allowed to bark either constantly or at inane hours. You might want to speak with the animal control officer in your town as a potential mediator (or she might be able to refer you to someone) as you can't be the first people in town to have disagreements about animal noise levels with your neighbors. Also, we have used the citronella bark collars on our dogs. One of them really hates it, but obviously survives, but the nervous barker actually doesn't seem to mind it too much. She gets herself into this cycle where she's scared and can't stop barking and she gets all riled, but with the collar on she can be calm enough to meet the new person coming over and then she can be really friendly. We never leave the collars on for long, but it might be something to consider having on hand for when the handyman comes around, or set times of "quiet" you work out with your neighbors. They aren't cruel at all - the dogs just don't like the smell (which smells a lot like lemon Pledge). It's like an automatic squirt from a water bottle. Good luck!

This is a tough one. My next door neighbor too has a yellow lab and I cannot tell how many times that dog has woken me up from a nap, and from sleep - more times than I can count. I swear all he does is bark! My neighbor behind me and across the street also both have dogs and I never hear them - so I am not sure if yellow labs are louder or just bark more?
BUT I can tell you I have never called the cops, and still pet and smile at the dog every time I see him! I just wish he was quieter. Maybe getting your neighbors to meet the dog would help?

First off, shame on your neighbors. Elderly or not, a dog is to be able to bark and be free. If he was going up to them barking and growling or truly bothering them, then yes, I could see the point in them complaining. However it sounds as though that is not the case, he is just simply being a dog, which do bark... I feel for you and your situation, I truly find it inhumane to put all the collars on a dog to prevent him from doing what he is suppose to do. Let's take this scenario: if your kids were crying non-stop and they heard it all the time, would they call the police on you for that and request them to have some type of "collar." It seems as though they have nothing better to do then log your dogs barks and they need to fill up their time with other things. Have you tried talking to them and letting them know the next steps you'll have to take to try to prevent your poor dog from barking? Maybe if you explained to them how you feel abut it, which seems like you do not agree with it, and let them know now you may have to get rid of the dog that they may, and I say may very heavily see it in a different light? I wish you all the best with this situation.

Well I personally would not get rid of the dog and if you do not feel comfortable putting a bark collar on the dog then I wouldn't do that either.

If you say that the dog does not bark constantly and it only barks a respectable amount of time then I say that it is there problem not yours. There is no law that says you have to put a bark collar on the dog or get rid of it.

Good luck

Hello, I've always been a dog owner, but I can sympathize with neighbors who live near a barking dog, especially when they are used to having a quiet neighborhood- it is stressful to hear! But it does sound like your neighbors are particularly sensitive about it. I agree with the poster about getting a trainer and seeing if that could help. Also, I know labs love to run and play and are quite social- what about regular times at a local dog park to burn off some more energy? (I know our poor dog has taken second seat since the birth of our daughter... we don't dote on him quite as much as before.)

Hi M.,

When we took our Carin Terrier to training classes the teacher suggested Bitter Apple. http://www.petsmart.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=...
When the dog barks you spray the side of the snout and say "No bark!" In less than a month a dog breed that is known for barking didn't bark any more. It is far less expensive than the collar and worth a try.

Good Luck.
D. C

I am strongly against putting a no barking collar on your dog. I think that your better option would be to provide your elderly neighbors with some literature on humane practice, natural behavior of dogs and the like. If you are accurate in your description of how frequently your dog is barking, they are being unreasonable. I would also suggest you contact your local police dept. and ask for their suggestions. You can also call the Boston Animal Rescue League for advice and possibly educational literature for your neighbors.
I suggest you approach them, in a non-confrontational way, when the dog is NOT barking. Sort of pro-actively, so to speak, and talk about it when they are not upset already.
Good luck.

I am pretty surprised about thepolice coming over. Or maybe they did it to keep the neighbors happy. I would check with your police station but most towns have noise ordenances. If the dog is barking within the allowed "noise" times, there really isn't much they can do. My parents had a problem with this once before and they were told unless the noise was during the noise ordenance, then there was nothing that could be done....and most towns have noise ordenances between 11 pm - 7 am. I think its ridiculous that these neighbors are being so picky. Dogs bark.....its just the way they are, and its horrible if you have to consider getting rid of your dog, your family member to please them. Its one thing if the dog is tied up outside all the time and barks all day long all the time, but if he is just barking normally, then I don't see the big deal.

It's too bad that the neighbors can't understand that dogs bark. That is their nature... I personally think it would be wrong to put a collar on the dog to keep it from barking. We have 2 acres and no neighbors so we used to let our dog bark and run free until the day she died. We miss the barking.... I never could have but a collar on her to stop her barking. Maybe they could find a way to put a collar on the neighbors to keep them from complaining.... sorry.... I know that wasn't nice... but maybe you could complain that their cat meows too much!!

T.

I have a neighbor who's dog barks everytime he is outside and it is really really annoying. He is a black little lab mix and he sounds so mean and it is really a nuisance dog. Other dogs don't bother me, but when someone is used to a quiet neighborhood than a barking dog can cause anxiety and stress. There is something that they sell that makes a sound that dogs don't like every time they bark over a certain decibal. Humans can't hear it. It is like a dog whistle. It is used as a traing device to get the dog to quit barking. Dogs shouldn't be allowed to stay outside and bark the whole time, which is what my neighbors dog does, but he is protecting his territory and it is a mean bark. The other dog down the street is tied up and barks the whole time he is outside. I am thinking about trying this device to see if it will work on the neighbors dog. You might consider it for your dog. Good luck. We love dogs too, but we also love our sanity.

HI
I agree with the other posts. Your neighbors may be the root of the problem.
I suggest you go to your town hall and get information about town ordinance. Here in MA if your dog barks for 15 minutes its called a nuisance animal. And they can have it removed from your custody.
I always try to keep my dogs in the house as much as possible and go out in the yard when they go out. That way you can see what he's barking at and why. You can also train your dog not to bark with out electrocuting him.
Try calling an obedience school or your vet for some training tips.
hope this helps

It sounds like your neighbors are a nightmare. I know you don't want to put another collar on the dog, and I understand, but your dog must be attached to you and you to him. The bark collar worked for my yellow lab when I lived in a condo. He learned after about 3 times not to bark when the collar was on. Make a big deal when you put it on and say no barking. Make sure the dog sees the collar. Then when you want him to be able to bark show him the collar and hang it up or set it on a table so he knows he can bark, like when you are out playing, on walks or at the park. Hopefully your neighbors move to a 55+ community. You can try the citronella first but it didn't work for us.

Yikes! I would check with your vet or other animal expert about how much barking is normal or to be expected with your kind of dog, just to give you a baseline. You could also ask your local animal control officer about how much barking is allowed before it is considered a nuisance. You might also check your local ordinances to see what the threshold is for nuisance level. Although your neighbor complained, you did not say if the police officer told you that you had to make the dog stop barking. If you have not been told by the police or other official that your dog is a problem you may not have to do anything.

It sounds like you want to be a good neighbor. Maybe you could compromise with the neighbor and promise not to let the dog bark more than a set amount of time, or not to leave the dog outside if you are not home. But compromise is the key word here. It is not against the law to have a dog, and the nature of dogs is they do make noise. Maybe you could let the neighbor know what your vet said is normal and try to keep the dog indoors at times that are particularly bothersome for the neighbor. If that fails, and you are within the law, I'd say smile and wave, be polite and enjoy you dog and kids.

If the dog is not barking constantly it would seem as though the neighbors are being overly sensitive. This often happens with older people. Which makes life difficult for all involved.

What are your towns rules regarding noise? Are you within those rules?

If you are then perhaps the neighbors are legally harassing you? It will not make life easier but it may end the constant calls to take legal steps toward these people.

Hopefully there is a way to peacefully co-exist with these people, I hope that you find it.

Good luck with these people, these are the ones who test you thoroughly.

From someone who has been there.

Sinceely,

L.

I havent yet read any advice that has been given to you but wanted to let you know that there are a ton of people like your neighbors! Its ridiculous. Its a dog. Can we complain when their cat pees in our yards? Can we complain when it meows? Whatever.

My grandmother has a neighbor like yours and thankfully the dog catcher (or whatever they are called) is level headed and understands the situation. Her neighbor once complained that a rabbit had burrowed a hole under my grandmothers fence into this neighbors yard..... it wasnt even her rabbit!

Some people are just crazy and depending on the dog catchers response and how they handle this... I dont think I would stess unless these people are crazy enough to take you to court over it. (if thats even possible).

I think you took the right precautions. I would just be extra careful. But yes, I do think that many collars is excessive. I hope you got some great advice and this blows over for you.

Hi Michelle,

Have you asked other neighbors if they've heard your dog barking? Maybe your dog is barking more than you realize. It can be easy to tune it out much like parents can tune out a lot of things. I had one neighbor who thought his dogs never barked, but at night they barked nonstop. I had another neighbor who swore up and down that her dogs were never allowed to run around outside, but I can't tell you how many times I had to chase them out of my yard because they were growling and barking at my son. It's not that she was lying, she truly believed they were kept under control. But I agree with the poster who suggested finding out if the complaining neighbors are chronic complainers. If they are and you can get proof, then it may help the next time the police are called out.

Good luck.

C.

Hi M.,
I feel terrible for what you are going through and it is something I have always been worried about. I am a "crazy dog lady" who has had as many as 4 dogs, right now I am down to 2. I have had to use an anti-barking collar on one of my dogs and it worked very well. After a week, I only had to show it to him and he would stop barking because he didn't want to get zapped. After that, I would have to put it on him every once in while to remind him that I would follow through. But he was a real barking maniac. It doesn't sound like your dog is and dogs do need to bark a little, even a cat person should understand that. I have a feeling that even if you get rid of your dog, your neighbors are going to find something else to complain about. Next they will probably complain about your children laughing and screaming and making the noises that kids make when they are playing outside. I would be interested to know a couple of things. First, how many "barking incidents" were on their log and for how many days or weeks did it cover. Second, what is the law for nuisance barking in your town. In some towns the dog has to bark continually for more than 10 minutes in order to file a complaint. I would try to have a conversation with your local dog warden first before deciding to give up your dog. My local dog warden is great, they can be your best ally especially when you approach them diplomatically. Find out exactly what your rights are as a dog owner. There is a chance that these people have also complained about everyone who lived there before you. Or you may be a target for "harrasment". Also, this will sound a little kooky and complicated, but I would consider giving the neighbor a test. Find someone to take your dog for just 1 or 2 weeks (He might actually like a little vacation). Then tell your neighbor the dog is gone for good and see what happens. If they start complaining about other things, then you've got their number and you can take legal action and bring your dog home. No one likes confrontation or feeling uncomfortable in their own home but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. They just sound like the neighborhood bullies. Good Luck.
H. R.

M.,
I feel for you. What an unfortunate situation. You have to find something that you are comfortable with. We have two dogs that are both barkers. We had to choose to keep them with a bark collar or some sort or get rid of them. We chose the collars. We have the citronella collars that spray citronella when they bark. It works well. They don't like the collar but don't seem to mind to terribly. They run around and play just the same. We have got to the point where they are just quieter all the time. We don't have to put tho collars on all the time just when needed (when the mail carrier is expected, when camping etc.) Half the time the collars are out of citronella or the batteries are dead but they don't bark anyway. It is an alternative. The collars can be purchased at Petco.

Watch "It's me or the dog" on the Animal planet channel or tape the shows. They have "great" advise on how to get dogs to behave as you need them to. You may easily get your dog to stop barking or at least cut back. I highly recommend the program for everyone that has a dog. You will get a lot out of the programs, not just on barking.
Good luck!
S.

Hi M.,
Sounds like your neighbors are pretty hard to deal with. Unfortunately, if their going to live in a neighborhood with other homes then they need to get used to outside noises.
Maybe you could get together with them and come up with a schedule to let your dog out (unless he has to go potty of course). Like if there's a time of day when they're not home or not napping or what not. At least if you guys are compromising hopefully they can find it in their hearts to give a little to. It would be to bad to have to give your dog up because of crotchety neighbors (sorry).
Hopefully you guys can work something out:)