Neighbor's Dog Won't Stop Barking (Do This!)
Ever been frustrated by your neighbor's dog's excessive barking? Take a look at this guide to get them to stop!
Written by Sarah Connor - Pet Nutrition Expert. Updated on 27/07/2023.
A Guide to When Your Neighbor's Dog Won't Stop Barking
Have you ever wondered if other dog parents get frustrated by excessive barking in your neighborhood and what they do about it? The University of Alabama College of Veterinary Medicine, says that the first thing you should do if you notice excessive barking is see whether it has a medical cause.
"See your veterinarian if the barking may be associated with any of these issues: sudden changes in behavior, aging, or anxiety. If the barking arises suddenly along with other signs of distress, such as panting, pacing, whining, and lip licking, this change may indicate a health concern," explains Dr. Kelly Ballantyne via The University of Alabama.
Obviously, it's not so easy if it's your neighbor's dog is barking excessively, but we've got a few great tips from our dog experts to help you out. In this guide, we'll discuss the best ways to address your neighbor's dog's excessive barking and regain peace and quiet in your life. Here's the takeaway:
Written by Sarah Connor, an experienced canine trainer and nutritionist for over a decade. Her positive reinforcement methods and passion for pups make her a go-to for dog owners.
Barking
As dog lovers, we adore dogs, but sometimes excessive barking from neighbor’s dogs can become problematic. Barking is a way of communication between dogs, yet excessive barking can quickly become a nuisance for you and the entire neighborhood.
Regarding nuisance barking, Dr. Ballantyne says you can use food, play, or praise to encourage your furbaby to focus on you and not to bark excessively. It would help to ask your pup to sit for a treat or reward him with a toy whenever the trigger results in excessive barking.
Understanding Excessive Barking
Excessive barking can create a lot of stress for you, your family, and even other dogs in the neighborhood. Some dogs may bark excessively when they're left alone.
Separation anxiety can result in excessive barking and results in intense anxiety, with signs being most severe within the first 20 minutes. There are also other causes that the American Kennel Club discusses below.
Territorial Barking
The AKC says that some breeds are more territorial than others and that whether the dog is in the house or out in the yard, he may be "protecting" his home from people, cars, or even the mailman.
They also explain how boredom comes into play, and if your dog is left alone all day, whether, in the home or the yard, he may develop compulsive habits.
Stress Reaction to Noise & Activity
The AKC explains that dogs may become excited and bark if they see or hear plenty of outdoor activity. This is only sometimes a warning. The AKC says that it may be a way for dogs to show their frustration at being left out of the fun or a stress reaction to the noise and activity.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Attention-seeking barking or behavior happens when a puppy or dog acts in such a way as to get attention when it's not being played with. What happens is that the pet parent gives the puppy or adult dog attention when the dog barks by either playing with the dog (positive reinforcement) or by yelling at the dog ( negative reinforcement). Both forms of attention reinforce the undesirable behavior, and this behavior is unconsciously reinforced.
Boredom or Medical Issues
It is essential to understand why dogs bark excessively - it may be due to boredom, anxiety, or even a medical issue. By understanding the reasons behind the barking, you'll be better equipped to approach your neighbor and discuss potential solutions.
When discussing your neighbor's dog's excessive barking, it's essential to maintain a respectful and polite tone. Remember that they may not be aware of the issue, and your goal should be to resolve the problem amicably:
- Choose the right time to approach your neighbors, avoiding early mornings or late at night. Bring some cookies over or suggest a doggie playdate.
- Be specific about when and how long the barking occurs.
- Offer empathy and understanding, as you're both dog lovers.
- Discuss potential solutions, like increased exercise or positive training. Offer dog walks if your neighbor is at work all day.
- Discuss the importance of a veterinary health check to rule out health issues that may trigger excessive barking.
- Recommend a positive trainer that comes to the home.
Effective Noise Barking Solutions
Here are some practical solutions your neighbor can try to reduce their dog's excessive barking:
- Positive training - Enrolling in positive dog training classes or hiring an experienced dog trainer can help train dogs to respond positively to commands like "quiet."
- Increasing exercise and mental stimulation - Dogs who receive regular physical and mental exercise are less likely to bark out of boredom. Visit dog barks, beaches and enjoy long weekend hikes through forests and new territory to engage your dog mentally.
- Using anti-bark devices - Safe and gentle no-bark collars like Bark Beyond Anti-Bark Collar use no shock options via beep and vibration modes.
Exploring Legal Options to Address Excessive Barking Issues
If you've exhausted all other options and your neighbor's dog continues to bark excessively, it's time to explore legal remedies. Examine your local laws and ordinances to understand what constitutes excessive barking and what steps can be taken to resolve the situation. Be prepared to document the issue (with audio recordings, for example) to support your case.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a neighbor's dog's excessive barking can be frustrating. Still, by following this guide and trying various solutions, you'll be on your way to restoring peace and quiet in your neighborhood.
Place yourself in your neighbor's situation and be patient and understanding. Offer dog-friendly suggestions that are easy to follow through, which will benefit both pup and neighbor.
Just remember to approach the situation with understanding and empathy, as other dog lovers like yourself want the best for their four-legged friends and neighbors.
FAQ's Neighbor’s Dog Won't Stop Barking (Do This!) Guide
Q: What do you say to a neighbor whose dog constantly barks?
A: The American Kennel Club (AKC) has some good suggestions that are easy to follow. The AKC recommends that you do the following:
- Ask neighbors if you and your family can meet their dog and let him get to know you.
- You should invite your neighbors to bring their furbaby to your garden to play. If your trips to your garden are rare, your occasional presence may startle or frighten the neighbor's dog. Try making time outside an ordinary occurrence.
Q: What can I do if my neighbor's dogs bark too much?
A: Always understand that it's never the dog's fault, and you may need to be proactive. If the dog barks everyday time, you are in your garden; it may be a good idea to plant a hedge or fence so that you'll block his view. This helps with territorial barking.
The AKC also suggests that because dogs can smell you sometimes, blocking their view may not help. "If blocking his view doesn't help, and he still perceives you as a threat, maybe it's time to make friends with him," advises the AKC.
Q: Can you complain if your neighbor's dog keeps barking?
A: We recommend sorting this out with your neighbors before filing a noise complaint. Nonetheless, some neighbors can be difficult and may not want to work with you. If that is the case, it's best to call your HOA or the Humane Society in your area and get advice.