Instructions
Tell your neighbor there's a problem. Dogs are most likely to bark when they're home alone, so your neighbor may not know Fido is serenading the neighborhood every Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some agencies like animal services in Frisco, Texas, encourage neighbors to try working with each other before contacting the authorities. They advise, "When you approach your neighbor, be calm and plan to discuss the barking in a friendly manner." If a personal encounter is more than you can consider, try a polite note.
Propose a solution. Dog-training author Pat Miller says most nuisance barking is a result of the dog being frustrated and bored. The best solution, she says, is for the dog to kept indoors and provided plenty of toys and treats to ease boredom. Doggie daycare is another sure solution to the home-alone problem. If the neighbor is unwilling or unable to try solutions, you may still have good options of your own.
Offer to help. If you are a serious dog lover, or just someone who seriously values peace and quiet, ask your neighbor if you can walk the dog. A tired dog is a happy dog. Or, if the dog barks at you when you're in your yard, ask the neighbor for a face-to-face introduction; dogs are less likely to bark at someone they know. You can also use positive training techniques and reward the dog for being quiet. Ask the neighbor if you can toss a toy or a treat as an incentive for good behavior.
Try training or ultrasonic devices. The Toy Breeds website recommends some electronic devices that emit an annoying sound when the dog barks. They are available in a pitch that humans can hear, or you can find ultrasonic devices that only dogs can hear. When mounted on the adjoining fence or apartment wall, the device emits noise when the dog barks.
File a complaint. Contact your local animal services office and explain the situation. Local rules vary, but Seattle's King County Animal Services follows a typical protocol. There, the County will send a letter informing your neighbors that there's been a complaint. If the barking continues, you and other neighbors keep a log to document the frequency and duration of the barking. County officials will assess fines for continued violations. Sometimes animal control officers require owners to seek training or use ultrasonic devices and other training tools to control barking.
How to Stop a Neighbor's Dog From Constantly Barking
Few things raise neighbors' hackles faster than nuisance barking, and responding to complaints can keep police and animal control agencies quite busy. The Pleasanton, California, animal services department says barking problems are the most common kind of complaint. Most areas have ordinances against excessive barking, so you can call on the authorities if necessary. Depending on the situation, though, you may be able to address the problem on your own.