My neighbors are working hard to make enemies.
May 14, 2017 11:03 AM Subscribe
They moved in maybe six months ago and have a big dog that barks and barks when I get in, often at 10 p.m. or so. (they leave him tied up outside for unknown amounts of time as well). After reading one of the posts here, I decided to approach them and get more info: now I know his name (which often stops him cold), age, etc.
Fast forward. They have gotten/or are perhaps babysitting two more big dogs who are much more aggressive and meaner and bark more loudly and more often when I come in (There is only one way into my house). I'm a little afraid one of them will jump the fence. My sisters have big dogs but I'm scared of dogs I don't know, especially ones that are so clearly aggressive.
I know the landlord through various channels, and I believe he spoke to them once when I complained. Things got better--for awhile. Any other ideas before I go back to him? ASPCA? City complaint line (barking dogs)? They don't appear to care about anyone but themselves.
I have a stun gun that probably would scare the animals by the sound alone (I have no ideas what the effect of it actually is--do not want to know and would only use the sound), but I really don't want to cause World War III if I can help it.
Fast forward. They have gotten/or are perhaps babysitting two more big dogs who are much more aggressive and meaner and bark more loudly and more often when I come in (There is only one way into my house). I'm a little afraid one of them will jump the fence. My sisters have big dogs but I'm scared of dogs I don't know, especially ones that are so clearly aggressive.
I know the landlord through various channels, and I believe he spoke to them once when I complained. Things got better--for awhile. Any other ideas before I go back to him? ASPCA? City complaint line (barking dogs)? They don't appear to care about anyone but themselves.
I have a stun gun that probably would scare the animals by the sound alone (I have no ideas what the effect of it actually is--do not want to know and would only use the sound), but I really don't want to cause World War III if I can help it.
I got an ultrasonic device to help with our back fence neighbor's dog. When he starts barking again, that's how I know the battery is dead. He still barks but he does it further away from our yard.
posted by amanda at 11:23 AM on May 14, 2017 [21 favorites]
posted by amanda at 11:23 AM on May 14, 2017 [21 favorites]
You could also consider a dog whistle, maybe on your keychain? Our neighbors have changed around us and some have gotten dogs and I'm starting to become a total dog hater due to all the endless barking all day long. I have the ultrasonic on its lowest setting and right on the other side of the fence. It looks like the birdhouse I linked above. Sometimes the dog will give a sneaky "woof" as he cruises by but it really has helped. When his owners are home, he still barks and then they yell out their back door, "Knock it off!" So I'm sad I don't have a device that will work as well for the owners yelling.
posted by amanda at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by amanda at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
If they don't appear to care about anyone but themselves, are you concerned about hurting their feelings? Call their landlord and then call the city.
Dogs are dogs and dogs are the best. People though...
You mentioned the ASPCA, though, do you believe they're being abused?
posted by Time To Sharpen Our Knives at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Dogs are dogs and dogs are the best. People though...
You mentioned the ASPCA, though, do you believe they're being abused?
posted by Time To Sharpen Our Knives at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Are you saying that A. the dogs bark all the time, or that B. the dogs bark when you are coming into your house at night?
Because A is a problem and B is within the realm of normal.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:36 AM on May 14, 2017 [6 favorites]
Because A is a problem and B is within the realm of normal.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:36 AM on May 14, 2017 [6 favorites]
Yes, prolonged barking at any hour of the day is definitely an issue. But your post makes it sound like they are only barking when you come in, which is Normal Dog Behavior, even if it's 10 pm.
As someone who used to be very wary of dogs, I understand it's disconcerting, but loud barking is not necessarily a sign of aggression. Barking is a means of communication. Including "Mom, Dad, someone is walking very close to Our Place/person whom we don't know, don't come in Our Place!" That is actually different from "Person whom we don't know, we are about to scale the fence and attack you!"
posted by praemunire at 11:54 AM on May 14, 2017 [10 favorites]
As someone who used to be very wary of dogs, I understand it's disconcerting, but loud barking is not necessarily a sign of aggression. Barking is a means of communication. Including "Mom, Dad, someone is walking very close to Our Place/person whom we don't know, don't come in Our Place!" That is actually different from "Person whom we don't know, we are about to scale the fence and attack you!"
posted by praemunire at 11:54 AM on May 14, 2017 [10 favorites]
Response by poster: Time to sharpen our knives: I was under the impression leaving dogs out all day is abusive? But I also thought the ASPCA (maybe it's the Humane Society) looked into barking dogs, maybe I'm mistaken.
Every time I come in and out, so up to eight times a day I'd say. As I mentioned, DarlingBri, I am afraid that they will one day jump the fence. That will be out of the realm of normal.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 11:58 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Every time I come in and out, so up to eight times a day I'd say. As I mentioned, DarlingBri, I am afraid that they will one day jump the fence. That will be out of the realm of normal.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 11:58 AM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
It sounds like your goals are two-fold: reduce barking and increase the well-being of these dogs.
Could you offer to walk the dogs once or twice a week or so? Walks mean a dog gets exercise and new smells, gets tamed a little bit, gets to know you better, and is less likely to bark.
posted by aniola at 12:09 PM on May 14, 2017
Could you offer to walk the dogs once or twice a week or so? Walks mean a dog gets exercise and new smells, gets tamed a little bit, gets to know you better, and is less likely to bark.
posted by aniola at 12:09 PM on May 14, 2017
Many people (including me) don't care to see dogs left out all day. But if the temperature is not extreme, they have adequate shelter from the elements and access to food and water, and they're not chained up on a short or painful chain, most localities will not regard that as abuse. I would say that historically leaving dogs out like that has been a very common practice.
I would ask you to consider whether you should be taxing the extremely limited resources of your local animal control officers to investigate dogs that bark when you walk by. There are dogs in genuine peril, and there are dogs who are genuinely dangerous to others, and based on your description (admittedly, we're not seeing the dogs), these dogs are neither.
Frankly, you don't want to deter social (i.e., not nonstop, agitated) barking. It's a form of communication. A dog that doesn't bark when it gets a little agitated is a dog that is not letting you know how it feels. Like a human, a dog needs to be able to signal when it's a little upset, so those around it can behave accordingly. A dog can't talk to you. This is what it does instead.
posted by praemunire at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2017 [13 favorites]
I would ask you to consider whether you should be taxing the extremely limited resources of your local animal control officers to investigate dogs that bark when you walk by. There are dogs in genuine peril, and there are dogs who are genuinely dangerous to others, and based on your description (admittedly, we're not seeing the dogs), these dogs are neither.
Frankly, you don't want to deter social (i.e., not nonstop, agitated) barking. It's a form of communication. A dog that doesn't bark when it gets a little agitated is a dog that is not letting you know how it feels. Like a human, a dog needs to be able to signal when it's a little upset, so those around it can behave accordingly. A dog can't talk to you. This is what it does instead.
posted by praemunire at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2017 [13 favorites]
It sounds like you have very little experience with dogs.
I would encourage you to try to reframe this idea that barking necessarily equals aggression. I know loads of dogs who are big barkers but will literally just lick you. (And, conversely, some dogs who don't bark but would absolutely lunge or even bite if given the opportunity.) You really need to see and understand a dog's body language to know if barking is aggressive or not.
And many dogs are happy hanging outside during the day; as long as they have access to shade and water, they are not being abused. If you have reason to believe they aren't being properly exercised, vetted, or loved, then you might be looking at a neglect situation, but being outside in normal weather is not abuse.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:17 PM on May 14, 2017 [12 favorites]
I would encourage you to try to reframe this idea that barking necessarily equals aggression. I know loads of dogs who are big barkers but will literally just lick you. (And, conversely, some dogs who don't bark but would absolutely lunge or even bite if given the opportunity.) You really need to see and understand a dog's body language to know if barking is aggressive or not.
And many dogs are happy hanging outside during the day; as long as they have access to shade and water, they are not being abused. If you have reason to believe they aren't being properly exercised, vetted, or loved, then you might be looking at a neglect situation, but being outside in normal weather is not abuse.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:17 PM on May 14, 2017 [12 favorites]
(And to put that last paragraph in perspective, my dog is never outside without me or another human, and sleeps with his head on my pillow. That doesn't mean that some people can't let their dog out during the day and still be good dog owners.)
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2017
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2017
If the dog is tied up in a fenced in property, how would he jump the fence?
posted by pintapicasso at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by pintapicasso at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
If you want to call about suspected animal abuse, that'd be your city animal control. The ASPCA contracts with NYC to handle those things, but I think that's the only place they do it. Both the ASPCA and the Humane Society are privately run non-profits that focus primarily on lobbying. They're not the boss of anyone, except for that one exception, as far as I know, and they don't have local offices in most places.
Look up your municipal codes to see if anything you've seen qualifies as animal abuse where you are. This kind of thing varies a lot. Are they tethered, fenced, or both? Do they have access to food, water, and shelter? If their conditions qualify as abuse or neglect in your area, you can call animal control and make a complaint about that.
If you're more concerned with the nuisance factor, you'd probably call your city's code enforcement or something, which might be a non-emergency line for your local police. This varies too, but you should be able to find the info you need on your city's website.
But if it's not a clear case of animal abuse, I'd suggest talking to the neighbors first. A lot of otherwise well behaved, friendly dogs have a thing called fence aggression, which is exactly what it sounds like. I've had good luck in several cases just talking to dog owners, learning their dogs' names, and getting permission to say Hi and toss them some treats whenever I'm around. Most of them (I think all, in fact) have come around very quickly, so they stopped barking and growling and started mooching instead.
posted by ernielundquist at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
Look up your municipal codes to see if anything you've seen qualifies as animal abuse where you are. This kind of thing varies a lot. Are they tethered, fenced, or both? Do they have access to food, water, and shelter? If their conditions qualify as abuse or neglect in your area, you can call animal control and make a complaint about that.
If you're more concerned with the nuisance factor, you'd probably call your city's code enforcement or something, which might be a non-emergency line for your local police. This varies too, but you should be able to find the info you need on your city's website.
But if it's not a clear case of animal abuse, I'd suggest talking to the neighbors first. A lot of otherwise well behaved, friendly dogs have a thing called fence aggression, which is exactly what it sounds like. I've had good luck in several cases just talking to dog owners, learning their dogs' names, and getting permission to say Hi and toss them some treats whenever I'm around. Most of them (I think all, in fact) have come around very quickly, so they stopped barking and growling and started mooching instead.
posted by ernielundquist at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
What kind of fence is it? If it's chain-link and you can see the dogs, you might consider (and if you don't want to, I totally get that, but it's something to try) -- trying to 'train' them to not bark at you. You might want to OK this with your neighbors, since it involves feeding them and some dogs have special diet issues. The one dog who you know the name of is a good start, if saying his name shuts him up-- carry some treats in your pocket, and when they start barking, say his name, and when he shuts up, throw him a treat. If the other ones stop barking at any point, if you can throw a treat to them before they start again, do it. ONLY give them treats when they're NOT barking. A lot of dogs are trained to "sit", so you might try this as well. Don't linger there; just try, treat if they behave, and move on. Since you're going in and out so much, you'll have ample time to practice. I believe there was a well-known animal trainer (I forget the exact details) who used to walk past a yard full of barking dogs-- after a bit of this, the dogs would rush to the fence--- and all sit, quiet as mice, looking hopeful. After a while, you can carry treats only sometimes, and other times just tell them, "Good dogs"; intermittent rewards are even more reinforcing!
posted by The otter lady at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by The otter lady at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
When we moved into our house, it took almost 2 years for the next door neighbor's dog not to "stranger danger" bark at my husband every time he came and went from the house. (It took a lot less time for the dog to get used to me and the kids, go figure.) I am not a fan of barking dogs visible behind chain link fences, but sometimes dogs gotta dog. I bet after another year the dog will be more used to you.
posted by stowaway at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2017
posted by stowaway at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2017
I also wanted to add - now that the dog is used to us, I find the warning barks useful and comforting - she gives me a head's up about unusual activity on our street.
posted by stowaway at 1:20 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by stowaway at 1:20 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
Big dogs, esp. when not well trained, are scary. I really like dogs, but big, barky, aggressive neighbor dogs are unpleasant. Tell them and/or their landlord, again, that the barking is annoying. You should be able to come home whenever you please without worrying that the dogs will wake the neighborhood. If you have reason to believe the fence is not adequate, talk to the neighbors and landlord asap. The dogs are being good dogs and alerting the pack that someone is on (what they consider) their turf. My son was attacked by a large aggressive dog who jumped out of a parked vehicle with no provocation. My son was okay, but dog attacks do occur, and you shouldn't have to worry about this.
I would probably befriend them by learning all their names, and by giving them treats, so they think you are part of their pack. In theory, you should have the owners' permission, but these owners sound clueless at best.
posted by theora55 at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
I would probably befriend them by learning all their names, and by giving them treats, so they think you are part of their pack. In theory, you should have the owners' permission, but these owners sound clueless at best.
posted by theora55 at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
Here they passed an ordinance against leaving dogs tied up outside. The woman next door that I had taken to court trying to get some quiet just moved. She was a renter and the yard wasn't fenced.
I've always looked at tieing up a dog as a form of neglect. This poor mutt was sure neglected.
If they can't tie it up, and they can't keep it inside the fence because it jumps, the problem would sort itself out pretty quick.
posted by rudd135 at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2017
I've always looked at tieing up a dog as a form of neglect. This poor mutt was sure neglected.
If they can't tie it up, and they can't keep it inside the fence because it jumps, the problem would sort itself out pretty quick.
posted by rudd135 at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2017
My advice about your last bit is don't brandish a stun gun; that could so easily be misconstrued and really escalate things.
posted by kapers at 3:55 PM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by kapers at 3:55 PM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Ugh, this is the worst.
My neighbor adopted two German Shepherds a couple of years ago and left them in her backyard all day long. They barked constantly. We had friendly conversations, unfriendly conversations, used a dog whistle app, called for a humane society check, called the cops, called the local elected official, had neighborhood meetings...we tried everything. She refused to train them, walk them, or do anything to make the situation better. Finally they escaped her chain link fenced yard, attacked a neighbor who was walking her dogs, and were taken by animal control and presumably put down. That was not the end result that I wanted, but I can now spend time outside my house again and the neighbors are not afraid to walk past the backyard anymore.
I wish i had a better suggestion for you, because I think we tried everything we could, but nothing helped. Good luck.
posted by jindc at 4:43 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
My neighbor adopted two German Shepherds a couple of years ago and left them in her backyard all day long. They barked constantly. We had friendly conversations, unfriendly conversations, used a dog whistle app, called for a humane society check, called the cops, called the local elected official, had neighborhood meetings...we tried everything. She refused to train them, walk them, or do anything to make the situation better. Finally they escaped her chain link fenced yard, attacked a neighbor who was walking her dogs, and were taken by animal control and presumably put down. That was not the end result that I wanted, but I can now spend time outside my house again and the neighbors are not afraid to walk past the backyard anymore.
I wish i had a better suggestion for you, because I think we tried everything we could, but nothing helped. Good luck.
posted by jindc at 4:43 PM on May 14, 2017 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Not planning on using up precious resources, : Please read: (my emphasis) any ideas?...
Correct aniola, and I also recently read a long thread where "he won't bite" and then in several instances the dog(s) did just that. None of that will convince me I need to help out and walk strange dogs.
Sometimes the dogs are tied up, sometimes not. I wrote this fast and should've been clearer. Sometimes jumping at me against the fence.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 5:34 PM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Correct aniola, and I also recently read a long thread where "he won't bite" and then in several instances the dog(s) did just that. None of that will convince me I need to help out and walk strange dogs.
Sometimes the dogs are tied up, sometimes not. I wrote this fast and should've been clearer. Sometimes jumping at me against the fence.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 5:34 PM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
You have a right to the quiet use and enjoyment of your home. I love and have dogs myself, and if I were your neighbor I would be mortified to learn that my dogs are causing fear and anxiety in my neighbors.
First, let the landlord know that there are now 3 big dogs, in case he still thinks there's only one.
Then, check the city ordinance to make sure that there's no restriction on the number of dogs. If there is, then the rules are clear.
Next, bring some cookies over and tell your neighbor that sadly you are not entirely comfortable with big barking dogs. Tell them it would be a great help if they could get the dogs temperament-tested by a professional - at the local humane society or with a private dog behaviorist.
If they are not willing, then you can feel justified in calling Animal Control and have them come by to check out the dogs for excessive aggression, and also to make sure they are vaccinated against rabies. (This is important because if you ever get bitten, their vaccine status determines which expensive and painful treatments you get.)
Good luck with this. I support you in being very careful. It only takes one bite to do serious, permanent damage. If they are conscientious dog owners, they should work with you to make things better.
posted by metaseeker at 5:39 PM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
First, let the landlord know that there are now 3 big dogs, in case he still thinks there's only one.
Then, check the city ordinance to make sure that there's no restriction on the number of dogs. If there is, then the rules are clear.
Next, bring some cookies over and tell your neighbor that sadly you are not entirely comfortable with big barking dogs. Tell them it would be a great help if they could get the dogs temperament-tested by a professional - at the local humane society or with a private dog behaviorist.
If they are not willing, then you can feel justified in calling Animal Control and have them come by to check out the dogs for excessive aggression, and also to make sure they are vaccinated against rabies. (This is important because if you ever get bitten, their vaccine status determines which expensive and painful treatments you get.)
Good luck with this. I support you in being very careful. It only takes one bite to do serious, permanent damage. If they are conscientious dog owners, they should work with you to make things better.
posted by metaseeker at 5:39 PM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Actually talking to your neighbours should be step one. You said that you did this with the first dog, got its name, and basically let it know you're not a threat. Why not do this with the other two? They really are just dogs doing dog things, by the sound of it, and while I understand how frightening that can be it can often be curbed by just introducing yourself to the animals, in the presence of their owners, and befriending them. Then you get the added bonus of having animals that are protecting the only entry to your home without the hassle of actually owning them. You don't have to go to the extremes of taking them for a walk every day, or anything like that. They just need to be shown that you aren't a threat to them.
posted by Jilder at 6:14 PM on May 14, 2017
posted by Jilder at 6:14 PM on May 14, 2017
Best answer: You know, where I am (in Australia) my council official told me that a dog/dogs barking n rushing a boundary fence towards passersby, IS actually actionable. On my own street this has happened. It's unlikely that the dogs on my street could get over a spike-poled, six foot fence, but they rush up and down the boundary against the path, barking loudly and terrifyingly at everyone, no matter how nice you are. And they hurl themselves at the gate, anxious to 'communicate' with walkers. It doesn't really matter about the fence, but gates are easy to be rushed, easy to forget to close, and dogs rushing at me after a year of being terrified of them would make me go for my stun gun. I would not trust any dog who exhibited the rushing and barking who could possibly get out of their enclosure.
I love dogs. I have two of my own. I grew up with dogs. But some dogs are kept in conditions, and given roles/jobs encouraging guarding and protection, and without proper exercise or training, they are a liability if they ever get out of their land boundaries. I know this from experience. As a five year old, a dog so restrained got out and mauled my face - slashed an eye, split my nose and ripped open my cheek and lips. I was in hospital for three days and have significant scars. A dog that previously barked at me from behind a fence, got out.
It's not my place to get restive about other posters here, but I object to this being your problem of over sensitivity. I believe dogs and their impact on others' safety need to be taken more seriously.
posted by honey-barbara at 10:49 PM on May 14, 2017 [9 favorites]
I love dogs. I have two of my own. I grew up with dogs. But some dogs are kept in conditions, and given roles/jobs encouraging guarding and protection, and without proper exercise or training, they are a liability if they ever get out of their land boundaries. I know this from experience. As a five year old, a dog so restrained got out and mauled my face - slashed an eye, split my nose and ripped open my cheek and lips. I was in hospital for three days and have significant scars. A dog that previously barked at me from behind a fence, got out.
It's not my place to get restive about other posters here, but I object to this being your problem of over sensitivity. I believe dogs and their impact on others' safety need to be taken more seriously.
posted by honey-barbara at 10:49 PM on May 14, 2017 [9 favorites]
Mod note: Reminder: Ask Metafilter is for helping the OP solve their problem, so please stick to ideas and advice focused on that rather than general discussion about the topic, or arguing that there's no problem.
posted by taz (staff) at 11:44 PM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by taz (staff) at 11:44 PM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Tossing treats (you don't need to buy dog treats - unseasoned cooked meat [cut up cheap hot dog, boiled chicken, etc - no bones] or chunks of cheese are both common crowd-pleasers) is the easiest, fastest way to get a dog to see you passing as a good thing (thus decreasing aggression if they're barking to keep you away) and to get dogs to quiet down and focus elsewhere even if it's not aggression (since they'll be hunting for food). If they ever don't bark, that's a reason to give extra (they're learning!) rather than to skip the treats.
While it's ideal to clear food with the owner in case of allergies or other concerns, someone who is leaving their dog(s) out there like that anyways is unlikely to be totally on top of controlling food carefully so I personally wouldn't stress too much about tossing reasonably dog-safe stuff in the interest of my own safety (and no I don't think you're wrong to be concerned about that). If it were just one dog, and the relationship with the owner was iffy, I probably wouldn't even bother clearing it at all - personally I don't hesitate to use treats to quickly get dogs acting inappropriately away from me and my fairly-unfriendly dog, since it's the safest choice given the situation.
However - if there's any risk that the dogs can be food-aggressive with each other, that could be exacerbated by the presence of treats...so if you're comfortable, I'd approach the neighbor to clear that and ask if it's ok that you toss some treats to get them to quiet down and move away from the fence. If the neighbor says no because of a BS reason like "spoiling them", though, I'd push back a little - some people don't understand that food is an effective training tool, it's not fucking birthday cake, and it's not optional. Low-calorie treats like kibble-to-replace-meals or watermelon can avert diet issues.
posted by R a c h e l at 8:09 AM on May 15, 2017
While it's ideal to clear food with the owner in case of allergies or other concerns, someone who is leaving their dog(s) out there like that anyways is unlikely to be totally on top of controlling food carefully so I personally wouldn't stress too much about tossing reasonably dog-safe stuff in the interest of my own safety (and no I don't think you're wrong to be concerned about that). If it were just one dog, and the relationship with the owner was iffy, I probably wouldn't even bother clearing it at all - personally I don't hesitate to use treats to quickly get dogs acting inappropriately away from me and my fairly-unfriendly dog, since it's the safest choice given the situation.
However - if there's any risk that the dogs can be food-aggressive with each other, that could be exacerbated by the presence of treats...so if you're comfortable, I'd approach the neighbor to clear that and ask if it's ok that you toss some treats to get them to quiet down and move away from the fence. If the neighbor says no because of a BS reason like "spoiling them", though, I'd push back a little - some people don't understand that food is an effective training tool, it's not fucking birthday cake, and it's not optional. Low-calorie treats like kibble-to-replace-meals or watermelon can avert diet issues.
posted by R a c h e l at 8:09 AM on May 15, 2017
If getting to know the other dog helped (e.g. talking to your neighbor, learning the animal's name, using it), is that something you can do around the new dogs, too? My downstairs neighbors had two large, exuberant dogs who barked when we came home, but we were able to meet them, get to know the animals, and then I would just say 'hi' to the dogs when I came in the door. They would immediately stop barking; it was almost like we just all needed to greet each other.
If that's not possible or talking to the dogs doesn't help stop the barking/calm them down, or if the barking is prolonged or other issues arise, report them to whatever local governmental authorities are appropriate--animal control, say, or the police department. And report every time you have an issue, that is, not if they bark briefly as you come and go, but if they won't stop barking or are jumping at the fence & making you feel unsafe or are outside all day without water or shade. You won't be popular with them, either, but if they're causing a nuisance or creating an unsafe situation for you or the dogs, they need to be held responsible for it.
posted by carrioncomfort at 10:22 AM on May 15, 2017
If that's not possible or talking to the dogs doesn't help stop the barking/calm them down, or if the barking is prolonged or other issues arise, report them to whatever local governmental authorities are appropriate--animal control, say, or the police department. And report every time you have an issue, that is, not if they bark briefly as you come and go, but if they won't stop barking or are jumping at the fence & making you feel unsafe or are outside all day without water or shade. You won't be popular with them, either, but if they're causing a nuisance or creating an unsafe situation for you or the dogs, they need to be held responsible for it.
posted by carrioncomfort at 10:22 AM on May 15, 2017
Ask the landlord to build a higher fence on your side of the property line?
posted by CathyG at 10:49 AM on May 15, 2017
posted by CathyG at 10:49 AM on May 15, 2017
They moved in maybe six months ago and have a big dog that barks and barks when I get in, often at 10 p.m. or so.
It sounds like this is both annoying and frightening. There is, unfortunately, little you can do about a dog who barks only when you come and go--unless you develop a relationship with your neighbors and there is some training/redirection involved. This kind of alert barking is, indeed, why many people have dogs in the first place. If, however, the dogs are barking for, say, an hour, or hours on end, that's very likely a violation of local ordinances if you live in a town or city. (Less likely if you're rural.) Do you have a city council person, or 311, that can advise you on nuisance barking laws where you live? If there aren't any such laws, then scroll down a bit...
(they leave him tied up outside for unknown amounts of time as well).
This, too, could potentially be a violation of local ordinances, many of which prohibit chaining/tying out dogs without adequate shade or shelter. However, tying out dogs is legal in many, many places.
Fast forward. They have gotten/or are perhaps babysitting two more big dogs
Does the landlord know your neighbors have gone from one to three dogs?
My sisters have big dogs but I'm scared of dogs I don't know, especially ones that are so clearly aggressive.
Barrier reactivity/fence aggression is not synonymous with aggressive behavior in general. Not to say these dogs wouldn't attack you, but barking from behind a fence isn't an indicator of that. Some fence barkers are sweet as pie if you meet them on neutral ground or without a barrier between you. The dog(s) actually need to be conditioned to not exhibit fence aggression. Example 1, example 2.
I have a stun gun that probably would scare the animals by the sound alone (I have no ideas what the effect of it actually is--do not want to know and would only use the sound), but I really don't want to cause World War III if I can help it.
Please don't do this. It may stop barking once or twice, but ultimately it will create more fear in the dogs toward you, and distrust between you and your neighbors.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 11:42 AM on May 15, 2017
It sounds like this is both annoying and frightening. There is, unfortunately, little you can do about a dog who barks only when you come and go--unless you develop a relationship with your neighbors and there is some training/redirection involved. This kind of alert barking is, indeed, why many people have dogs in the first place. If, however, the dogs are barking for, say, an hour, or hours on end, that's very likely a violation of local ordinances if you live in a town or city. (Less likely if you're rural.) Do you have a city council person, or 311, that can advise you on nuisance barking laws where you live? If there aren't any such laws, then scroll down a bit...
(they leave him tied up outside for unknown amounts of time as well).
This, too, could potentially be a violation of local ordinances, many of which prohibit chaining/tying out dogs without adequate shade or shelter. However, tying out dogs is legal in many, many places.
Fast forward. They have gotten/or are perhaps babysitting two more big dogs
Does the landlord know your neighbors have gone from one to three dogs?
My sisters have big dogs but I'm scared of dogs I don't know, especially ones that are so clearly aggressive.
Barrier reactivity/fence aggression is not synonymous with aggressive behavior in general. Not to say these dogs wouldn't attack you, but barking from behind a fence isn't an indicator of that. Some fence barkers are sweet as pie if you meet them on neutral ground or without a barrier between you. The dog(s) actually need to be conditioned to not exhibit fence aggression. Example 1, example 2.
I have a stun gun that probably would scare the animals by the sound alone (I have no ideas what the effect of it actually is--do not want to know and would only use the sound), but I really don't want to cause World War III if I can help it.
Please don't do this. It may stop barking once or twice, but ultimately it will create more fear in the dogs toward you, and distrust between you and your neighbors.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 11:42 AM on May 15, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by 256 at 11:18 AM on May 14, 2017 [3 favorites]