What to Do About Loud Barking Dogs?

Neighbor̵7;s Dog

• It̵7;s easy to get angry or feel helpless when a neighbor has a dog that is barking incessantly. However, there are plenty of things you can do to remedy the situation.

  Write your neighbor a note and let him know that his dog̵7;s barking is a nuisance to the neighborhood. In many instances, pet owners are not aware of the disturbance being caused by their dog while they are away. This is especially true of those whose dogs tend to bark most often while they are at work. Write a non-threatening note and do not sign it--keep the first contact anonymous.

  If a simple, friendly note does not get results, find a copy of the noise ordinances in your area and make a copy. Send this, along with a second anonymous note that explains that if something is not done you will be forced to notify the landlord, homeowner̵7;s association or perhaps law enforcement. Wait a week to 10 days to allow the dog owner time to improve the situation.

  Begin keeping a log of the exact times you notice the dog barking and for how long it goes on. If there is an obvious cause of the barking, such as ̶0;each time a car passes,̶1; then note it. The more information you have, the better the log will serve you.

  If the barking does not stop after taking these steps, contact the local law enforcement entity responsible for dealing with disruptive dog complaints, and file an official complaint. The proper authority may be either the police or animal control. Your complaint is not likely to be a high priority, so having your log to show them along with copies of notes you̵7;ve left will give you a better chance of getting them to take action.

Your Dog

• When it's your dog barking, you may receive complaints. Evaluate your dog̵7;s lifestyle and determine what is causing the excessive barking.

  Many dogs bark continuously because they think their owner is never coming back. Train your dog to deal with this by leaving him alone for short times and gradually get him used to being alone for longer periods. Try leaving the radio on when you leave as well. This will muffle outside noises that may trigger barking, and some dogs are calmed by the sound of a human voice. Talk radio may be a good choice.

  Some dogs bark out of boredom and too much pent-up energy. Make sure you are walking your dog enough and that he is getting enough exercise. Play ball or Frisbee with your dog when you're home, and try to use up all of that excess energy.

  Teach your dog to ̶0;speak̶1; and reward him for doing so. Once the dog grasps the idea of earning your praise with a bark when asked, begin training him to stop barking with the word ̶0;stop̶1; or ̶0;quiet.̶1; This will make him much easier to control when the barking begins.