Barking dog, neighbours ignoring repeated requests to do something

[Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 20:10

I'm at my wits end so I need some input that is unbiased. I live next door to a couple with a 14 month old baby a cat and a dog. The dog was his before he even knew her and he claims he loves the dog but she is constantly being left on her own, outside, all day while he is at work and she is off galavanting around the place. Sometimes they go away for 2 or 3 days and leave the dog outside. Sometimes someone comes and feeds her, sometimes not.

My real issue is her barking and howling. She sometimes starts at 8am and continues on and off until someone gets home at 6pmish. As someone with bipolar disorder and other mental issues i have trouble dealing with the constant random noise on a daily basis. I have spoken repeatedly to the neighbours (nicely) and at one point they had an anti bark collar on the dog but that's obviously gone. I believe he said it was "broken" but i also believe he is an idiot. i know those collars are expensive too so i don't believe he'd spend $150+ and then just not bother using it.

This dog is gorgeous and i love animals but it's driving me over the edge. I've had breakdowns with tears and yelling, and other days where i've left the house just to avoid having to listen to the dog barking. It's really having an effect on my well being and i'm at the point where enough is enough.

Where do i go from here? Council says i need at least one other complainant but i don't really know any of the neighbours well enough to approach them. Should i put in the paperwork anyway? I'm struggling because i've seen him hit the dog and i don't want to make it worse. I'd actually like her to go to a nice home where she wasn't treated like crap but i obviously can't make that happen.

What options do i have? Has anyone ever been in this predicament before?

Home & Garden

Comments

    • djkelly69 on 11/06/2017 - 20:33
      +21

      Noise can still be nuisance even it is during the 'allowed' hours.

      • supnigs super skids on 11/06/2017 - 20:47
        -5

        The problem with this is that some people may be more susceptible to the 'noise' than others. One would assume some one with a bipolar disorder will get 'triggered' by this where as a normal person may not. I suspect that's the real issue here.

        OP needs other people/neighbours to back them up on this issue to get it properly addressed

        • Dave Id on 12/06/2017 - 00:37
          -1

          Yeah. Dog lovers.

        • jonathonsunshine on 12/06/2017 - 18:41
          +18

          I'm not bipolar (as far as I know) and it would piss me off.

        • cantoangel on 13/06/2017 - 23:41
          +1

          @jonathonsunshine: Me too. I have a neighbour who has a beautiful white husky but is kept in a 3 by 3 meter courtyard and howls all day. Idiots.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 20:43
      +3

      I wear an over the ear headset with gaming noise or music playing and I can STILL hear the barking.

        • ronnknee on 14/06/2017 - 09:28
          +5

          Nice try, OP's neighbour.

        • Kangal on 14/06/2017 - 19:41
          +1

          @ronnknee:
          Damn, what gave it away?

      • Scrooge McDuck on 13/06/2017 - 11:46
        +20

        This is how I handled the barking dog next door:

        I recorded its barking, lowered the pitch to sound like a bigger dog, looped it indefinitely and left it to play from a loudspeaker while I was out. When I returned the dog was so worn out it could only emit squeaking sounds. And after another application the next day, it was quiet.

    • Zenyatta on 12/06/2017 - 18:36
      +7

      Nope. I'm with OP on this one. I had a barking dog issue go on for YEARS. Constant nuisance barking impacts on your wellbeing. Plenty of people have dogs that do not bark all day.

  • Savas on 11/06/2017 - 20:21
    +13

    Buy the dog a toy

    • JIMB0 on 12/06/2017 - 09:58
      +10

      Some butchers sell dog bones cheap. It would keep the dog busy for hours.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2017 - 19:57
          +17

          So the OP has to spend their money on stimulating the neighboours dog? Wow. While the OPs at it, why don't they pop over and mow the neighbours lawn too, seeing how the OP is just "sitting at home all day while the owners are out working and contributing to society". Pfft.

        • foxinsox8 on 14/06/2017 - 09:50
          +2

          Yeah I'd be stimulating that dog. What sort of voltage would you recommend?

        • PetPenguin on 15/06/2017 - 23:57

          Some people work from home and greatly contribute to society. Some people go outside to sell drugs. Your conception of working arrangement is clouded.

        • dogboy on 16/06/2017 - 13:32

          @FINCL. <removed>

      • Munki on 13/06/2017 - 15:33
        +9

        Woah…Why are butchers selling dog bones? No wonder I see a lot of "lost dog" signs around…

      • chriskq on 14/06/2017 - 13:38

        What if the Dog were to choke or impale its throat on part of the bone. I've heard of that happening before.

    • scottishdave on 13/06/2017 - 10:23
      +4

      Buy one of these ultrasonic beepers
      http://www.dazer.com.au/

      I bought one and they work well. (BTW I have no affiliation with this company)

  • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 20:24
    +6

    Put your complaint in writing.
    Keep a diary.

    • dogboy on 13/06/2017 - 10:33
      -2

      What is the endgame here? Get the council involved and get the people fined? They get barkbusters out and pay $600 for the privilege to get the council off their backs but the problem persists. Council says they have done all they can and the owners have tried their best. Dog still barks. You lose. (Seen this situation play out many times)

  • whooah1979 on 11/06/2017 - 20:42
    +2

    Cow bones from the butcher.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 20:44
    +57

    I don't think it's my right or responsibility to feed or entertain the dog, guys.

    • whooah1979 on 11/06/2017 - 20:47
      +7

      Your life will be easier and you be more happy when the dog stops barking.

      • FrostySocks on 13/06/2017 - 00:28
        +28

        OP has absolutely no obligation to spend time training their neighbour's dog and has every right to complain.

        OP stated that they've asked the neighbours to do something repeatedly, but nothing's been done. I don't understand why you would think offering these people training tips or toy recommendations would change anything. They very obviously do not care.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2017 - 10:49
          +3

          Sorry I hadn't read the comments further down by OP before I made this reply. It sounds like the Neighbour shouldn't even have dogs. My advice is still very generic that from a practical standpoint than a legal one it's sometimes easier/quicker to help out to solve the problem, even if you are under no legal obligation to do so.

        • callum9999 on 14/06/2017 - 03:08
          +1

          Why do people keep banging on about "obligations"? I do many things in life Im not legally or morally obliged to do to make mine or others lives a bit easier…

          No one is stating they HAVE to do anything, but silently fuming at home thinking "I could stop this irritant but it's not my obligation" is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

        • gromit on 14/06/2017 - 12:20

          the problem is many of the noise laws around animals exclude dogs and cats and the neighbour may not actually need to do anything legally, and even where they do qualify it can take months of complaining to authorities for anything to happens. If he really is at wits end and has a child to worry about (which IS his responsibility) then sometimes you have to do things that aren't your responsibility. I cleaned up and mowed my neighbours front yard when I was trying to sell my house, not my responsibility but it was certainly in my best interests, likewise spending a couple of bucks every now and then to amuse the dog may be in his best interests (at least while he works out a more permanent solution)

  • Diji1 on 11/06/2017 - 20:47
    +21

    Yep. My neighbours are also (profanity) that believe it's cool to let dogs bark throughout the day but I got it controlled.

    Find the council that the address pays rates to.

    Go onto website and search for "barking dogs".

    Every council is different I believe but I had to keep a diary for a week then council sent investigators and a few weeks later they contacted me agreeing there was a problem and they dealt with them without saying who complained. The coucil will go to court against neighbours if the problem persists.

    Your council does not sound as good unfortunately.

    You can mount civil action although presumably that has costs.

  • knr21 on 11/06/2017 - 20:52
    +4

    Put in 2 complaints, make up a email address of a neighbour for them to respond to and send in your under your email address

    But I can't understand why no one has mentioned Bikies yet!

    • Forfiet on 11/06/2017 - 23:30
      +3

      Ozbargain has probably overworked those poor bikies….. they need a break!

  • Godric on 11/06/2017 - 21:23
    +9

    Bark back at it, be the alpha dog

    • Kangal on 11/06/2017 - 22:23
      +3

      Maybe get a large subwoofer, and play back "Who Let the Dogs Out" full-blast until the dog stops barking?

      • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 00:23

        OK, I actually did play Beatle Barkers' She loves you, Wanna hold your hand and Hard days night to get back at my neighbour :p

        https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7b_Fl5zO09U

    • Wallace on 12/06/2017 - 17:43

      Some dogs react to the presences of other dogs and may make thing worse.

    • serpserpserp on 13/06/2017 - 10:17
      +1

      But you have to be down on all fours next to the fence when you bark. Otherwise the dog knows you aren't Alpha.

  • Squid69lips on 11/06/2017 - 21:26
    +15

    The answer is simple my friend offer to look after the dog while the owner is out
    You say yourself you are a dog lover and the dog is clearly showing signs of separation anxiety which would disappear if he/she had some company after all dogs are social pack animals and need company
    Maybe you could do with some company as well
    Problem solved you get a perfect companion that you don't feed or maintain and make a new friend

    • Kangal on 11/06/2017 - 22:21
      +2

      Yeah, good time killer than for the OP to sit at home playing video games with headsets and music.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 17:51
      +15

      I actually offered to let her hang in my yard (she used to get in under the fence anyway) and offered to feed her if they went away but the owner is stubborn and likes to think he's some sort of alpha male type and won't let me help out. I really like the dog. She is a sweetheart and I don't blame her for her behaviour at all. It's just frustrating when I'm trying to work from home and I have to deal with her constant yapping.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 21:46
        +4

        If the owner truly is an asswipe (who is into cruel Cesar Milan alpha pack bullshit) and won't accept help, then become a nuisance to the council until they listen by all means.

  • altomic on 11/06/2017 - 21:50
    +38

    People who can't look after dogs shouldn't have dogs.

    • Cluster on 12/06/2017 - 00:33
      +1

      Several years ago, my next door neighbours had a dog that would almost daily start barking, yelping, and squealing in their backyard around 3pm. It was almost like clockwork. Sounded like the dog had stepped on glass, for about 15 minutes. First time it happened I and the neighbours looked over the fence to see if the poor animal was seriously injured.

      Nope, it was bored, and mid afternoon it had had enough and started making hell. Every workday (I work from home). The only time it wouldn't make a noise is if someone was home.

      If you're thinking of buying a dog, make sure someone is home all the time to babysit it. If the adults work and the kids are at school all day, do NOT get a dog. Many dogs can't handle the sheer boredom and become desperate. The owners of course don't mind, as the dog never makes a racket when they're home. It's all sweet and cute when they're there, while during the day it's suffering from neglect.

      Or just get a cat. And keep it stimulated too.

      • decr on 12/06/2017 - 16:57
        +3

        Yep, this. It's just cruel and I'm not even a animal person. Ticks me off waking up 5:30-6am with someone's bloody mutt barking its head off every morning too.

    • Travis J on 12/06/2017 - 20:31

      The same can be said about children.

  • zealmax on 11/06/2017 - 22:42
    +2

    My parents had a noisy dog, and one day a ranger knocked on the door, and told them to shut the dog up. There might be some government department that you can contact to at least give the neighbor an official warning.

  • shanakatak on 11/06/2017 - 22:58
    +26

    Op, ignore most comments here, anyone that has lived next to a nuisance dog won't tell you to insulate your house or entertain the dog. It's not your responsibility to fix someone else's neglect.

    Find your council's information on dogs, some require a week long log, some don't.

    I garauntee that if you approach the neighbor behind them or on the other side and explain the situation they will be more than happy to oblige. They would hate it as much as you.

    Finally I you have seen them hit the dog, not feed it or neglect in he general the RSPCA is another way to go. Animal abuse will have the dog removed and charges would apply.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 00:29
      +11

      OP please ignore shanakatak's 'garauntee'. It's totally covfefe.

  • ggrant on 12/06/2017 - 01:36
    +3

    Do dog high pitch sound deterents work?

    I heard someone once recorded the offending dog, then played it back the identical time and volume, but in the middle of the night until the dog was gone.

    What I'm saying is don't suffer, deal with it effectively.

  • EightImmortals on 12/06/2017 - 06:28

    1) Offer to look after the dog during the hours that they aren't there, the poor thing is barking because he's bored and lonely.
    2) You can get a box that sits on your side of the fence that works like the anti-barking collars so when the dog goes off the device kicks in.
    3) People who leave dogs at home in small yards are (profanity) and I'm not sure you can reason with (profanity). So option 1/2. (I'd go option 1 as it may be helpful having a dog there for your own issues as well).

  • Amanda3724 on 12/06/2017 - 10:02
    +4

    What state are you in? If it's WA I can tell you the legal position here but not other states unfortunately. The council want corroboration to support your diary entries, (other neighbours), but if you can't get them on board, take lots of recordings of the dog barking and submit that instead. Councils tend to want to fob the matter off (hence the comment about other neighbours) and won't offer you advice that makes their workload heavier (taking recordings) so keep on top of them and NEVER concede any improvement as they will write off your complaint as resolved. Visit your local MP and get the Ombudsman involved too to keep the pressure up. Hope this helps. I'm so sorry your articulate request was met with some really dumb comments. Most people on here really do want to help but ignorant people are everywhere in society unfortunately. Good luck!

  • teasatotalling on 12/06/2017 - 10:45
    +2

    There should be rigorous psychological & competence testing before people are allowed to own animals.
    Most shouldn't be allowed to own animals.
    Additionally, sale of all pets should be licensed only and be registered immediately in the buyer's name and microchipped within 4 weeks of the sale (similar to vehicle transfer)

  • mutnyi2001 on 12/06/2017 - 11:06

    I am pretty much in the same situation- the neighbours are ignoring and the council is helpless. I'll try this product (on the way) http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/pack-dog-silencer-over-th… As per reviews it may or may not work (50/50). The company provides 45 days return policy, so if the device doesn't work within 2-3 weeks (the period the company recommends for the results to be noticable) you'll return it. Good luck.

    • Daedalus on 07/12/2019 - 17:48

      Hey mate,
      How did this product go? I am having similar issues to you.

  • ozbjunkie on 12/06/2017 - 12:31
    +2

    As others have said, numerous recordings. Take ones which last an hour or more. Play these for the owners, council, police, and Rspca in that order.

    • mutnyi2001 on 12/06/2017 - 12:41
      +1

      For the owners- useless as they know the problem but don't want to change anything; council- they require the evidence from the neighbours, not you; police will refer you to the council; RSPCA will refer you to the council as well.

      • ozbjunkie on 12/06/2017 - 20:08
        -2

        sorry i should have been clearer - for the pet owners themselves, as they might do something about it, and this outcome would be the best for the animal.

        police can issue desist orders regarding daytime intrusive noise.

        rspca because an animal in neglect can be confiscated (and then probably end up in the pound, which should be avoided obviously).

  • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 12:31
    +1

    The solution is simple, get a bigger much noisier dog , then strap a megaphone to it collar
    But seriously just write to the other neighbours inviting them to also complain to council independently , then reminder notices if dog is still neglected, bored and barking.
    Sometimes it's just easier to move though .

  • BartholemewH on 12/06/2017 - 17:44
    +1

    Shanghai.

    • jelko on 13/06/2017 - 16:47

      Don't they eat dogs in that country?

  • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 17:58
    +8

    Looks like the council is the go. Thanks for the advice, guys. I did't want to jump into this too fast so I've at least got some idea now about now to go about doing it. Really appreciate those who took the time to help and not be assholes about it.

  • C3P0 on 12/06/2017 - 18:25

    The one and only solution……bikies

  • jaimex2 on 12/06/2017 - 19:04
    +1

    Lukcy you, your solution is a deal on ozbargain: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/312261

  • centrelink on 12/06/2017 - 19:43

    FYI you can get cheap anti barking collar for about $20 or less so I doubt he spent $150 on it

  • askme69 on 12/06/2017 - 21:06
    +1

    Take the dog over to your place during the day

  • SilentBob on 12/06/2017 - 22:08
    -4

    How long till OP links his paypal and gets everyone to buy them a new TV?

  • Tpyin on 12/06/2017 - 22:52

    Op, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Can you report them to the RSPCA so the dog finds a better home? I'm surprised no one's concerned for the welfare of the dog. It's being neglected and you said sometimes they leave it alone for days, sometimes is not fed and was hit. This is animal abuse. Report them to the RSPCA and the dog will find a better home and you will also have your problem solved.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 22:53
    +4

    Had the same issue with the neighbor and his dog. The guy was renting the place and was out whole day for work. The poor dog kept barking the whole day until the guy came back. After suffering for a few months, wrote a letter to the neighbor along the following lines…

    Dear neighbor, while you are out working the whole day, your dog keeps barking pretty much non stop. It's driving me crazy, and I hope you will take care of the dog, before I take care of it.

    Your friendly neighbor.

    The dog and the owner were gone within a week of receiving this letter.

    Cheers.

  • SilentBob on 12/06/2017 - 22:55
    -8

    Also OP maybe try getting out of the house if it's bothering you so much, maybe staying inside intentionally listening to the dog bark is your problem.

    Get some ear buds, headphones etc and do something about it yourself instead of coming here asking what to do.

    What do you want people here to tell you if they've already refused to do something about it?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2017 - 07:53
      +3

      Very impractical advise.

      • SilentBob on 13/06/2017 - 11:36
        -4

        Yeah because actually doing something about it is impractical.

        I guess coming here to bitch about it and get people to tell them what to do is what the morons do in 2017.

        Can't think for yourself?

        • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2017 - 22:44

          Yeah because actually doing something about it is impractical.

          As if the OP has got nothing else to do. Obviously, you haven't encountered such a situation and can give useless advise without any idea of the stress and anguish it causes.

        • cantoangel on 13/06/2017 - 23:48

          And there are a million posts here asking for advice - I appreciate this community. Are you going to comment on every single one calling them morons?? Are you some kind of genius millionaire who has not had to ask for help or brainstormed with anyone ever before?

  • ego22 on 12/06/2017 - 23:10

    ……..you know what has to be done. >:)

  • BuyoTheCat on 13/06/2017 - 09:27

    I would look after the dog. Your dog and his dog can play together. When his dog likes you more, BHAM. free dog. He is all yours.

  • SnakeCasablanca on 13/06/2017 - 10:38

    We had this issue when we moved into the new house. Two daschunds next door. I dont think they were ever walked (although they may have been when we weren't watching). They also would leave the dogs for the weekend and get someone to feed them.

    If we went out into the yard they would bark incessantly at our fence. If the owners were away and had left them overnight they would bark for hours at a time in the middle of the night.

    Two solutions we used:

    1. We bought a novelty party air horn. When we were in the back yard and they were barking at the fence… We barked back. That seemed to get them off our backs in the day.

    2. When they were left overnight and barked at 1 in the morning. We texted the owner at one in the morning. And then every half hour after that in the night if they were still barking. Sometimes if I was annoyed enough… The airhorn was deployed at night as well. (Sorry other neighbours)

    We were lucky because the owner realised that they unfortunately didn't have the time to adequately look after the dogs and actually got them rehomed.

  • spock on 13/06/2017 - 11:05
    +7

    I have had this same thing with my neighbours first i put a kind note in his male box ,it continued then i went to see him ,it continued ,then and a not so kind letter in his mail box, it continued, then went & had words with him ,it continued so i called the council they sent me out forms to fill to write down times & dates of barking for a month & they did NOTHING so i call the rspca told them that it not being looked after its animal cruelty and they took the dog.Try that gook luck .

    • teasatotalling on 13/06/2017 - 13:45

      What a great idea!!
      I like it!

    • sweetnipples on 14/06/2017 - 04:16

      Brilliant, i'll be doing that next myself

    • foxinsox8 on 14/06/2017 - 09:56
      +2

      Isn't putting a note in someone's "male box" likely to constitute assault? And what if the dog owner is a female? Surely you wouldn't recommend tinkering with her "female box"?

      • mit on 22/06/2017 - 13:43

        I'm not sure gook luck goes down really well either…

  • wukachuka on 13/06/2017 - 11:54
    +4

    Maybe the gate was left open….

    • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2017 - 18:16

      Was just about to hint this.

  • Tech and cars on 13/06/2017 - 19:45
    +2

    Bose QC35.

  • superseijin on 13/06/2017 - 19:46

    I've read through most of the posts here for more advice, as yes… I have one of them….A dog that barks!

    My situation isn't as bad. I have a shepherd who is very protective of the yard. During summer he is usually pretty good. During winter! Oh, what a pain he can be. His barking spree doesn't last long but it's every 10 to 20 minutes, and I'm out the window or door distracting him or telling him off. I have a lot of experience with dogs and was a dog trainer at one point in my life and I've failed here.

    One of the dog professionals I paid good money for to help out with the issue told me to move to a country property with no neighbours :). We did work on things to reduce his barking though. No break through though.

    If there is a car or possum next door he is going to bark unless I spend my nights outside doing positive reinforcements before he goes to bark. Of course, there are nights where he is pretty quiet so who knows when the cat is coming and staying outside in winter is not for me. Reading this now though seems like I might have to do it.

    I have had the most success with a bark collar. Like your story mine is currently broken. The ultrasonic ones don't work on my dog. I haven't tried the citronella one.

    My recommendation is to buy a bark collar for them and ask if you can keep the remote. I had the bark collar in the second link and it worked fine. I never shocked my dog, the sound and vibrate function was enough to distract him. If you control the remote it would work in your favour.
    I trained the collar up though. First I initiated a sound when he started barking. If he continued then I would use the vibrate function which would stop it. Call him over and give him some commands like sit, down, shake, make him feel like he is working so he gets a reward. After a while I could just use the sound on the collar to get him to stop barking.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DOG-REMOTE-TRAINING-COLLAR-Electr…

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-IN-1-PET-REMOTE-TRAINING-ANTI-B…

    I was told about exercise and boredom but that's a general solution everyone throws out there. I spent a long weekend on holidays and was out everywhere with the dog. Running, hiking, camping and dog parks. With him almost for all 3 days non-stop. I get home and he's in the yard for 30 minutes off to bark at the wandering cat next door. I have chooks as well to give him a job to do…The chooks could be the reason why other animals are coming in the yard.

    • foxinsox8 on 14/06/2017 - 09:58
      -1

      Time to rehome your dog. Your situation may not be as bad but let's ask your neighbours.

  • Jake17 on 13/06/2017 - 20:41

    If they are hitting the dog report it to the rspca. They can do something about it

  • DarwinBoy on 13/06/2017 - 21:43

    So in Woolongong you submit a complaint to council with this link http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/customerserviceonline/repor…
    Its says council 'will generally need' another complaint but that doesnt say you cant make a complaint. They are trying to avoid a he said/she said situation. Understandable because councils dont want to be involved in vexatious neighbour complaints.
    Im not sure how your council operates but to support any legal action by yourself or council evidence is a must. Since a council employee isnt going to sit at your home all day its up to you to start. A diary is good, an electronic recording device like this app on an ipad might work better for consistency http://www.john-hall.com.au/bark-n-mad.htm (never used myself). Visitors who spend any amount of time at your place who provide a statement would be handy.
    This topic is covering a wide selection of responses and im sure some will work better then others but starting with council and working with them would be a good first start.

  • sunnyc on 14/06/2017 - 01:10

    Noisy neighbour dogs are a bad influence to other dogs. My husky used to never bark but the neighbour dog just barks relentlessly all day. Luckily good discipline keeps him in check.

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