Difference between revisions of "Stop a Neighbor's Dog from Barking"
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Is your neighbor's dog keeping you up all night? It's time to take action. The fastest and best way to end the noise is usually to speak to your neighbor face to face to work out a good solution. If that isn't effective, get law enforcement involved to solve the problem for you. In the meantime, try using a dog whistle or another method to help the dog stay quiet. | Is your neighbor's dog keeping you up all night? It's time to take action. The fastest and best way to end the noise is usually to speak to your neighbor face to face to work out a good solution. If that isn't effective, get law enforcement involved to solve the problem for you. In the meantime, try using a dog whistle or another method to help the dog stay quiet. | ||
| − | [[Category:Unwanted Barking]] | + | [[Category: Unwanted Barking]] |
[[Category:Animals and the Law]] | [[Category:Animals and the Law]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Confronting Your Neighbor=== | ===Confronting Your Neighbor=== | ||
| − | #Talk to your neighbor. Many people jump straight to drastic measures instead of simply talking to the neighbor about their concerns. Unless you're on bad terms with your neighbor, the best way to solve this problem is usually to just talk to him or her about it. You could casually approach your neighbor next time you see him or her outside, or write a note asking to set up a time to talk.<ref>http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/dog-book/chapter7-2.html</ref> | + | #Talk to your neighbor. Many people jump straight to drastic measures instead of simply talking to the neighbor about their concerns. Unless you're on bad terms with your neighbor, the best way to solve this problem is usually to just talk to him or her about it. You could casually approach your neighbor next time you see him or her outside, or write a note asking to set up a time to talk.<ref name="rf16572">http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/dog-book/chapter7-2.html</ref> |
#*Your tone at this point should be friendly and be respectful, yet firm. Don't make legal threats; you may have to do that later, but for now, try to keep things civil. | #*Your tone at this point should be friendly and be respectful, yet firm. Don't make legal threats; you may have to do that later, but for now, try to keep things civil. | ||
#*Assume your neighbor is unaware of the problem. Say something like, "I knew you'd want to know that Sadie's barking is audible to us at night, especially since our bedroom faces your yard." | #*Assume your neighbor is unaware of the problem. Say something like, "I knew you'd want to know that Sadie's barking is audible to us at night, especially since our bedroom faces your yard." | ||
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#*Thank your neighbor for hearing you out and making a change. Most considerate neighbors will do their best to accommodate you right away. | #*Thank your neighbor for hearing you out and making a change. Most considerate neighbors will do their best to accommodate you right away. | ||
#Make helpful suggestions. It's possible your neighbor is well aware of the issue, but isn't sure how to [[Get Dogs to Stop Barking | get the dog to stop barking]]. If you're pretty sure you know what the problem is, there's nothing wrong with making suggestions. This is especially effective if you're a dog owner, too. You can commiserate over how tough it can be to get a dog to stop barking. Here are a few common problems you might consider bringing up: | #Make helpful suggestions. It's possible your neighbor is well aware of the issue, but isn't sure how to [[Get Dogs to Stop Barking | get the dog to stop barking]]. If you're pretty sure you know what the problem is, there's nothing wrong with making suggestions. This is especially effective if you're a dog owner, too. You can commiserate over how tough it can be to get a dog to stop barking. Here are a few common problems you might consider bringing up: | ||
| − | #*Dogs kept outside commonly bark from boredom; this is especially true for energetic breeds like German Shepherds, terriers (including Pit Bulls), and guard dogs like Dobermans and Rottweilers. Suggest that the dog needs more exercise.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/how_to_stop_barking.html</ref> | + | #*Dogs kept outside commonly bark from boredom; this is especially true for energetic breeds like German Shepherds, terriers (including Pit Bulls), and guard dogs like Dobermans and Rottweilers. Suggest that the dog needs more exercise.<ref name="rf9476">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/how_to_stop_barking.html</ref> |
#*Some dogs are very excitable and nervous, and they bark at everything that passes. Obedience training can be very helpful. You might want to provide the names of a few well-rated training schools in the area. | #*Some dogs are very excitable and nervous, and they bark at everything that passes. Obedience training can be very helpful. You might want to provide the names of a few well-rated training schools in the area. | ||
#*Dogs also bark when they're either too cold or too hot. Many people have the misconception that dogs' fur keeps them warm in subzero weather; it's not the case, unless the dog is a husky. If you've seen the dog shivering or looking miserable in the heat of the day, tell your neighbor the dog could be barking because its uncomfortable. | #*Dogs also bark when they're either too cold or too hot. Many people have the misconception that dogs' fur keeps them warm in subzero weather; it's not the case, unless the dog is a husky. If you've seen the dog shivering or looking miserable in the heat of the day, tell your neighbor the dog could be barking because its uncomfortable. | ||
| − | #Try to agree on a concrete solution. Rather than expecting your neighbor to put a stop to all barking, it might be more feasible to agree on a practical solution that works for both of you. Here are a few solutions that might apply; you can adapt them to your situation as necessary:<ref>http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/understanding-why-dogs-bark</ref> | + | #Try to agree on a concrete solution. Rather than expecting your neighbor to put a stop to all barking, it might be more feasible to agree on a practical solution that works for both of you. Here are a few solutions that might apply; you can adapt them to your situation as necessary:<ref name="rf16573">http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/understanding-why-dogs-bark</ref> |
#*See if your neighbor will agree to take the dog inside during certain hours, such as between 10 pm and 7 am. | #*See if your neighbor will agree to take the dog inside during certain hours, such as between 10 pm and 7 am. | ||
#*If barking during the day is a problem because the dog is left outside, see if the neighbor will agree to install a dog house where the dog can take shelter during the day. Discuss a certain date by which the dog house will be installed. | #*If barking during the day is a problem because the dog is left outside, see if the neighbor will agree to install a dog house where the dog can take shelter during the day. Discuss a certain date by which the dog house will be installed. | ||
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#Get backup from other neighbors. If your neighbor ignores your requests or doesn't make a change after you've asked politely, it can help to get neighbors involved. Talk to other people who live nearby to see if they're also being kept awake by the dog. You can then talk to your neighbor again as a group. This time your requests are likely to be taken seriously. | #Get backup from other neighbors. If your neighbor ignores your requests or doesn't make a change after you've asked politely, it can help to get neighbors involved. Talk to other people who live nearby to see if they're also being kept awake by the dog. You can then talk to your neighbor again as a group. This time your requests are likely to be taken seriously. | ||
#*If you don't want to gang up on your neighbor, ask the other neighbors to contact the dog owner individually. That way he or she won't feel bullied. | #*If you don't want to gang up on your neighbor, ask the other neighbors to contact the dog owner individually. That way he or she won't feel bullied. | ||
| − | #*Best case scenario, the neighbors will be able to put their heads together to come up with a good solution that doesn't leave anyone feeling ostracized. However, if the dog owner is unreceptive and the barking continues unchecked, you may have to change tacks and get authorities involved.<ref | + | #*Best case scenario, the neighbors will be able to put their heads together to come up with a good solution that doesn't leave anyone feeling ostracized. However, if the dog owner is unreceptive and the barking continues unchecked, you may have to change tacks and get authorities involved.<ref name="rf16572" /> |
===Contacting Law Enforcement=== | ===Contacting Law Enforcement=== | ||
#Research your town or city's anti-barking laws. Look online at your town or city's codes, by-laws or dog legislation. There may be a code against unruly pets or incessant barking at night; many places have legislation or regulations in place that deal specifically with dogs and/or noise. There might also be a code covering ignoring requests from neighbors. | #Research your town or city's anti-barking laws. Look online at your town or city's codes, by-laws or dog legislation. There may be a code against unruly pets or incessant barking at night; many places have legislation or regulations in place that deal specifically with dogs and/or noise. There might also be a code covering ignoring requests from neighbors. | ||
#*Often neighborhood or civil dispute centers produce small briefs on dog issues, as they're rather commonplace complaints. See if a precedent has already been set in your neighborhood. | #*Often neighborhood or civil dispute centers produce small briefs on dog issues, as they're rather commonplace complaints. See if a precedent has already been set in your neighborhood. | ||
#*You may want to share your findings with your neighbor to give him or her one last chance to change before you call the authorities. If you're pretty sure it won't work, move straight to the next step. | #*You may want to share your findings with your neighbor to give him or her one last chance to change before you call the authorities. If you're pretty sure it won't work, move straight to the next step. | ||
| − | #Call the relevant authority to report a noise complaint. Find out what town hall/council/municipal office or other relevant authority to call so you can file a report on your neighbors for a noise complaint.The authorities will talk to the dog owner and assess the situation. They will usually inform you of the outcome. If nothing changes, call again a few days later.<ref>http://renters.apartments.com/my-neighbors-dog-never-stops-barking-what-can-i-do</ref> | + | #Call the relevant authority to report a noise complaint. Find out what town hall/council/municipal office or other relevant authority to call so you can file a report on your neighbors for a noise complaint.The authorities will talk to the dog owner and assess the situation. They will usually inform you of the outcome. If nothing changes, call again a few days later.<ref name="rf16574">http://renters.apartments.com/my-neighbors-dog-never-stops-barking-what-can-i-do</ref> |
#*You might want to ask if anonymity is an option when you file the report. In some cases, this may not be an issue for you, especially if it's plain-as-day that you're the one pointing the finger thanks to previous attempts. However, if you have various upset neighbors, maintaining anonymity may be useful to prevent retaliation of any sort. | #*You might want to ask if anonymity is an option when you file the report. In some cases, this may not be an issue for you, especially if it's plain-as-day that you're the one pointing the finger thanks to previous attempts. However, if you have various upset neighbors, maintaining anonymity may be useful to prevent retaliation of any sort. | ||
#*Some jurisdictions will act on anonymous complaints, while others require your name and address but won't reveal this to the neighbor complained about. Check the public or private status of making a complaint before making it. | #*Some jurisdictions will act on anonymous complaints, while others require your name and address but won't reveal this to the neighbor complained about. Check the public or private status of making a complaint before making it. | ||
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#*If the dog is left outside during extreme heat or cold, this would be considered a good reason to call animal control. | #*If the dog is left outside during extreme heat or cold, this would be considered a good reason to call animal control. | ||
#*If the dog looks underfed or dehydrated, you can call animal control. | #*If the dog looks underfed or dehydrated, you can call animal control. | ||
| − | #Get other neighbors to file the same complaint. If the authorities get multiple calls about the same dog owner, they'll be more likely to take action quickly. There's definitely strength in numbers in this situation, so rally as many people as you can to remedy the situation.<ref>http://www.wtop.com/41/3678149/Whats-the-best-way-to-stop-your-neighbors-barking-dog-m</ref> | + | #Get other neighbors to file the same complaint. If the authorities get multiple calls about the same dog owner, they'll be more likely to take action quickly. There's definitely strength in numbers in this situation, so rally as many people as you can to remedy the situation.<ref name="rf16575">http://www.wtop.com/41/3678149/Whats-the-best-way-to-stop-your-neighbors-barking-dog-m</ref> |
| − | #Sue the dog owner in small claims court. Even after getting the authorities involved, some stubborn dog owners won't comply with requests to quiet the dog. If nothing else works, you can sue for nuisance in small claims court. The goal will be to make a case that the dog's barking is preventing you from enjoying your own home.<ref>http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/dog-book/chapter7-7.html</ref> If you win, the dog owner will have to pay a small sum of money. Prepare to sue by doing the following: | + | #Sue the dog owner in small claims court. Even after getting the authorities involved, some stubborn dog owners won't comply with requests to quiet the dog. If nothing else works, you can sue for nuisance in small claims court. The goal will be to make a case that the dog's barking is preventing you from enjoying your own home.<ref name="rf16576">http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/dog-book/chapter7-7.html</ref> If you win, the dog owner will have to pay a small sum of money. Prepare to sue by doing the following: |
#*Try to negotiate with your neighbor, so you can show the judge that you made an effort. | #*Try to negotiate with your neighbor, so you can show the judge that you made an effort. | ||
#*Decide how much you want to sue for. An attorney can help you figure out a dollar amount. | #*Decide how much you want to sue for. An attorney can help you figure out a dollar amount. | ||
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#*Try to look at things from the dog's perspective when the dog is outside. See if there is anything outside in particular he is barking at, such as rabbits, squirrel, another dog, something else you think the dog might be barking at. Then think about whether there is a way to reduce this trigger. | #*Try to look at things from the dog's perspective when the dog is outside. See if there is anything outside in particular he is barking at, such as rabbits, squirrel, another dog, something else you think the dog might be barking at. Then think about whether there is a way to reduce this trigger. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
