Editor’s Note: This is a guest post, written by Joanna Furlong, Director of Content for Scollar.
For all the joys a dog brings to our lives – the cuddles, the kisses, the constant companionship – a super loud dog can make things complicated. Sure, dogs are protective by nature and many like to greet their owners with a bark and a wag. But the fun goes out the window when this goes on non-stop (or happens at 6 a.m. on a Saturday). *cringe*
Especially when your neighbors are involved.
So, what’s a parent of a Serial Barker to do? How can you keep your pooch and the peace with your neighbors? We’ve gathered our best tips for keeping all parties happy—and maintaining your sanity.
Keep your dog busy.
Who likes to be cooped up all day? That’s right, no one. This is especially true for you apartment dwellers. The same can be said for your dog. Dogs tend to like space, fresh air and plenty of room to roam. When they’re stuck inside for long periods of time—with the same old tennis ball—they’re bound to go nuts. In fact, they may go so nuts that it becomes a fun little habit to start yapping. All. Day. Long.
Combat the urge to bark by keeping your pooch busy. Give them opportunities to use energy so they don’t feel like they need to do so with their vocal cords. This may mean early morning and evening walks, or even hiring a dog walker if you tend to be away for long stretches of time.
Figure out what sets him off.
Hmm, your dog likes to think he’s Chuck Norris of the apartment complex, eh? Meant to save every human being from rodents, wind and the scary-wary mail man?
Observe your dog. If he is being triggered by certain noises or visuals, do your best to block them and get in front of his actions. For example, if the mailman sets him off, see if you can have your mail delivered to a PO box instead. If he seems triggered by the cars breezing by on the main drag below, invest in a sturdy dark shade to block his vision.
The point is, do whatever it takes to put an end to his triggers (and hopefully put an end to the noise!).
Come clean to your neighbors.
Your neighbors may not like your dog’s barking. But that doesn’t mean they have to dislike you. Remaining anonymous will do nothing to help your case when you’ve got a noisy canine. The best thing you can do is march right next door, bring your best batch of lasagna, and shake their hand.
And then tell them that you get it. Be upfront about your dog. Tell them you’re working on it. Tell them you hope it’s not bothering them too much. Tell them you realize it must be incredibly annoying.
They can grumble all they want, but it’s hard to be angry with a neighbor who delivers lasagna. It’s also an opportunity for you to feel out their lifestyle. For example, do they have a newborn baby? Do they not even notice your dog barking because they travel so much for work? You may discover some useful information that will help you manage your animal (the baby’s nap schedule, for example) or give you peace of mind (the fact that the neighbors are hardly ever home).
Call in the professionals.
We all want to save money, but investing in a service that can bring quiet to your neighborhood may be worth a few hundred bucks. If you find that you simply cannot control your dog—and things with your neighbors aren’t getting any better—then call in a real pro.
A professional dog trainer can help you put together the pieces of the puzzle. They’re experienced in dealing with all types of dogs. They can show you the way (let them show you the way!)
Know your rights.
This is as a last resort, if you continue to experience conflict with your neighbors. Read your lease conflict carefully, and research dog ordinances for the city in which you live. If things escalate, knowing your rights (and your neighbors’ rights) will help you to carefully navigate a practical course of action.
Contenu associé
