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. [4] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020. 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. " Explain that the barking is having a negative effect on your sleep, concentration, and so on, and that you would like to work out a good solution. Thank your neighbor for hearing you out and making a change. Most considerate neighbors will do their best to accommodate you right away.
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. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source 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 it’s uncomfortable.
See if your neighbor will agree to take the dog inside during certain hours, such as between 10 pm and 7 am, or when there are a lot of triggers to barking, such as when children walk home from school. 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 the dog has a behavioral problem and the neighbor agrees it needs to be addressed, see if he or she will set a certain date by which the dog will start attending obedience classes.
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, squirrels, another dog, or something else disturbing them. Then think about whether there is a way to reduce this trigger. See if your neighbor will put up something that blocks the dog’s view on sides of their yard that aren’t on your property line.
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. [7] X Research source
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 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.
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.
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. Gather witnesses and other proof, like photos or recordings.
