What can I do about my next door neighbor's new non-stop barking dog?

Question

I live in Chicago, which means that homes are right on top of one another. Many of my neighbors (upstairs and on the other side) have great, well-behaved dogs that I am happy to have around. I am not an animal hater. However, the neighbor on one side of me seems to have recently acquired the most obnoxious dog, one that barks non-stop in their limited back yard, right next to the window of my bedroom. This is especially annoying at 8 am on the weekends, the only time I get to sleep in. Is there anything I can do about their untrained, noisy animal that barks without pause at absolutely nothing. This stupid creature is also causing my oriental (and therefore high strung) cat undo stress with the never-ending barking, so I am woken up by the insane barking and my cat running around my head crying because he is scared of the barking. I loved where I lived until two weeks ago!

Answer 1

Have you ever seen the Seinfeld episode "The Engagement"?  Here's a synopsis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Engagem...  Excellent example of what NOT to do!

Answer 2

you could file a noise complaint or polity ask your neighbor to try to keep his/hers dog under control as for your cat i realy cant think of anything but to keep he dog under control

Answer 3

I can understand your situation. Though animal lover we are, sometimes untrained animals could create h**l for people living around. why don't you talk to the owner to train his dog. If it fails you could buy a 'dog whistle' and train that dog from your window itself. You may search online for 'dog whistle' or 'silent whistle'. In USA wide range of this product is available. During my stay in India I am looking for such supplier, but not succeeded yet.

Answer 4

call the police to report a noise violation, if you want. but, there'd be the risk of the owner being forced to sell or give the dog away.

Answer 5

Talk to your neighbour and recommend a proffesional dog trainer. I'm sure he does not want to get rid of the new dog. I also recommend that they exercise the dog often and give him toys and things to play with, to keep him healthy. You mentioned that they have a limited backyard. The dog must be frustrated with such little space. They need to take their dog out more often.

Answer 6

Check your local nuisance noise bylaws and see if there is any legal argument about the dogs behaviour.

Talk to your neighbour and explain how the new dog is affecting your life.    They may just be waiting for one more complaint before finding a new home for Yappy.

If they tell you to MYOB, bring up the pertinent bylaws.   You may need to report them down the line.  

One word of warning though, any action could lead you head first into a neighbour war.   A very unpleasant thing indeed.  

Alternatives to a strong offense...

If you can try wearing earplugs and still get your sleep in, Yappy might settle down and quiet down when they become more familiar with the neighbourhood sounds and smells.  It's only been 2 weeks, and dogs can take a month or so to feel comfortable in a new home.

Also, you might offer to take Yappy for walks.  Suggest that you both could use the exercise to burn off stress.   His over-excitement could be due to a lack of exercise=stress.   Also, if Yappy gets to know you and your voice, and experiences you in a position of authority, achieved by the walks, you might achieve silence when you call the command from your bedroom window.   You can practice using the Silence command on the walks.

Tape a few episodes of The Dog Whisperer, if you get it and offer the tape to your neighbour as interesting pet info you thought they might find interesting too.  

Answer 7

The first thing you should do is talk to your neighbor about the situation and see if they are nice enough to at least keep their dog inside till a later time in the morning on the weekends.

If that does not work than I would call animal control and file a complaint.  If they do nothing to stop the dog and train it, this is just going to get worse.

Answer 8

Well, if you are friendly with this neighbor, the first option is to pay them a visit and kindly explain the situation.  Sometimes people are well-meaning and don't realize just how much of a nuisance they are causing.  I had a problem once with a downstairs neighbor who practiced the drums.  He didn't realize I worked nights and slept during the day- rather than get angry, I spoke with him and we worked out a friendly solution.  Bring over some cookies or something, and be really pleasant about it.  Perhaps even do some research and prepare yourself with tips and ideas to help them curb the barking (it's possible they don't know how to deal with it, either.)

If that doesn't work, or if you're not on good terms with these folks, there are harmless, ultrasonic bark control devices that you can place outdoors to deter the barking.  I have no clue whether or not they actually WORK, but if you can spare $60, it may be worth it:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...

Finally, the last option would be to call animal control about the barking.  Perhaps make a recording or videotape and document each time it happens, so you have some basis to back up your claim.  Also, if you happen to rent, a call to the landlord would be in order.  This sort of thing can cause bad feelings between neighbors, but everyone has a responsibility to be courteous when living in tight quarters like that....so you do have good reason to stand up for your rights.  

Answer 9

Chris M had great link.. I've seen it before but not used it.

also if you need digital recording or camera etc.. I have security stuff on my storefront (i dont' sell directly) that you can check out and might purchase locally if you want ot record and go the police route.

http://pampered-puppy.zlio.net/

Answer 10

You can buy ultrasonic machines that emit a signal that shuts dogs up. After you get it you can buy a birdhouse put the ultrasonic emitter in the birdhouse, point it at your neighbors house and voila.