What would you do? (Neighbor issue)
Kinda long... sorry
We live within the City limits in a small town. (no red-lights in the entire county) Anyway... we have 4 dogs... 3 chocolate labs and 1 catahoula. Our rear Caddy-corner neighbor came to the door last night complaining about our dogs. She said they have been barking non-stop in their pen for over 2 weeks (pen was only constructed last saturday 5 days ago)Pen is about 25'x 20'. They are in the backyard alot too. She stated that my dogs have awakened her the last 2 mornings at 6-6:30 (they were inside the house sleeping until after 7 am both mornings) Now I agree that they do bark at people walking past our fence and even at her and her husband when they are in their back yard, BUT as I attempted to explain to her a dog will bark at anything perceived as a threat or not understood. I asked her if she would simply speak to the dogs when she goes outside as to let them know she is not a threat. She said it's not her problem to solve....
Ok so they dont bark at the neighbors on the other side... who do say hi to them...they dont bark at the garbage people, one of whom I had a conversation about them on new years eve. The garbage person stated that the dogs barked until she spoke to them and now dont bark at all anymore. That conversation was BEFORE the conversation with my neighbor. I even tried to explain that when a dog barks, like at the mailman, and then the mailman leaves that the dog feels as if it has done its job. She said she disagreed with me on that and that she didnt like my idea of her talking to the dogs... well I asked her if she had any suggestions or what she would like for me to do and again she said it was not her problem to solve.
Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
I called a local LEO and talked to him about what had happened.. but he had no ideas for me. I figure maybe I would print off somethings showing her what I said about talking to the dogs is true and send it to her. I would rather go face to face but she got so pissed last night when I told her it could not have been my dogs since they were inside that I dont think she would be willing to talk to me.
Now we have dogs all over the neighborhood. Ours and a guy who does rescue are the only ones that are in fenced areas. The rest run the neighborhood and/or are on chains. I know of 3 within a block, owned by different people that have bite history.
So please o wise Gunbroker people... give me your suggestions on what you would do in this situation.
We live within the City limits in a small town. (no red-lights in the entire county) Anyway... we have 4 dogs... 3 chocolate labs and 1 catahoula. Our rear Caddy-corner neighbor came to the door last night complaining about our dogs. She said they have been barking non-stop in their pen for over 2 weeks (pen was only constructed last saturday 5 days ago)Pen is about 25'x 20'. They are in the backyard alot too. She stated that my dogs have awakened her the last 2 mornings at 6-6:30 (they were inside the house sleeping until after 7 am both mornings) Now I agree that they do bark at people walking past our fence and even at her and her husband when they are in their back yard, BUT as I attempted to explain to her a dog will bark at anything perceived as a threat or not understood. I asked her if she would simply speak to the dogs when she goes outside as to let them know she is not a threat. She said it's not her problem to solve....
Ok so they dont bark at the neighbors on the other side... who do say hi to them...they dont bark at the garbage people, one of whom I had a conversation about them on new years eve. The garbage person stated that the dogs barked until she spoke to them and now dont bark at all anymore. That conversation was BEFORE the conversation with my neighbor. I even tried to explain that when a dog barks, like at the mailman, and then the mailman leaves that the dog feels as if it has done its job. She said she disagreed with me on that and that she didnt like my idea of her talking to the dogs... well I asked her if she had any suggestions or what she would like for me to do and again she said it was not her problem to solve.
Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
I called a local LEO and talked to him about what had happened.. but he had no ideas for me. I figure maybe I would print off somethings showing her what I said about talking to the dogs is true and send it to her. I would rather go face to face but she got so pissed last night when I told her it could not have been my dogs since they were inside that I dont think she would be willing to talk to me.
Now we have dogs all over the neighborhood. Ours and a guy who does rescue are the only ones that are in fenced areas. The rest run the neighborhood and/or are on chains. I know of 3 within a block, owned by different people that have bite history.
So please o wise Gunbroker people... give me your suggestions on what you would do in this situation.
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I have a neighbor who has a dog that barks all the time. It is not the Dogs fault, it is the owners, it bewilders me how someone can sit on their fanny in their home while their dog is barking unceasingly????? I have had a bird dog for most of my life and sure once in a while they bark (for a minute or 2 until I correct them) but not for an extended period. I can't imagine anyone letting their dog bark and think it does not offend anyone. it tells your neighbors I don't care if you like it or not.
Would you like to go out for a nice relaxing dinner and listen to someones child scream throughout the whole meal???? Some people want to go out in their yard and have a relaxing time or have a meal on their deck or when the weather is nice open the windows and relax. Guess what?, They Can't when they have an inconsiderate dog owner in their neighborhood.
That was one of the thing's I learned as a young 14 year old kid with a new little pup if I wanted to keep her be a considerate dog owner,invest the time in teaching the pup the Right behavior, they did not have shock collars in those days,but she learned very quickly,They can be taught what they get for bad behavior.
I mean no disrespect but it is not your 3 dogs fault or your neighbor's. Alot of people won't say anything because they don't want to hurt you feelings,.. People should always try to be considerate of others. teach them not to bark or spend 250.00 a piece for Good shock collars.
We have an ordinance here in North West Ga. 10 minutes of barking is considered nuisance Barking 2 warnings and the dog is Gone!!
Good Luck0 -
quote:Originally posted by Warpig883
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
just spoke with animal control head on phone... he said as long as barking is not after 10 pm or before 5 am the dogs can bark all day per city ords. He used to be head of water dept and knows how well they are normally behaved as water meter is inside the fence and there was never an issue with the dogs barking or being agressive.
[sarcasm]Not that is being a good neighbor and responsible citizen[/sarcasm]
[:o)]
again you missed the fact that he KNOWS the dogs dont act this way normally and that he knows they are well behaved normally and they are not agressive. He knows its due to the neighbors actions. I cant change their actions....and they are not willing to help so he said to let them bark.....
Ohhhh and there already are cameras that cover all sides of our property.. the pen is a good 35-40 feet from the property line....
most seem to have missed the point that this is a neighbor issue not a dog issue... I can say without a doubt that 1/2 the complaints are invalid... the other 1/2... most of those are questionable...but I cant say 100% that they are untrue so I give her the benny of the doubt...
Animal Control and local LEO both say neither me or my dogs are doing anything wrong, but dont have any answers how to sole the issue either. AND... one of the 4 neighbors asked if the dogs were bothering them with barking is the judge that would handle it if they filed a court case. I have gone to all 3 of the authorties involved and none have an issue with me or my dogs... so I figure I have done what was needed and will not worry about the neighbors. If something happens to my dogs they will have to come on my property to do something and they will be on tape... we will see what happens from here...0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
Animal Control and local LEO both say neither me or my dogs are doing anything wrong
Then why post here. NO PROBLEM, NO QUESTION. Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by dcon12
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
Animal Control and local LEO both say neither me or my dogs are doing anything wrong
Then why post here. NO PROBLEM, NO QUESTION. Don
because I was trying to get opinions on how to deal with my neighbor...I would rather not have problems with my neighbors.... even in the title it says "Neighbor Issue" but it seems most missed the point and made it into a dog issue which is not what the post was about... but par for the course... most threads are not fully read before people answer...ehhhh whatever...0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by dcon12
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
Animal Control and local LEO both say neither me or my dogs are doing anything wrong
Then why post here. NO PROBLEM, NO QUESTION. Don
because I was trying to get opinions on how to deal with my neighbor...I would rather not have problems with my neighbors.... even in the title it says "Neighbor Issue" but it seems most missed the point and made it into a dog issue which is not what the post was about... but par for the course... most threads are not fully read before people answer...ehhhh whatever...
The issue with the neighbors are the dogs. NO DOGS NO ISSUE. You seem to want the pie but not the crust. Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by dcon12
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by dcon12
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
Animal Control and local LEO both say neither me or my dogs are doing anything wrong
Then why post here. NO PROBLEM, NO QUESTION. Don
because I was trying to get opinions on how to deal with my neighbor...I would rather not have problems with my neighbors.... even in the title it says "Neighbor Issue" but it seems most missed the point and made it into a dog issue which is not what the post was about... but par for the course... most threads are not fully read before people answer...ehhhh whatever...
The issue with the neighbors are the dogs. NO DOGS NO ISSUE. You seem to want the pie but not the crust. Don
with me its the dogs.. with their neighbor on the otherside... it's them leaving at 3-4 am in their diesel to go hunting...0 -
Why not invite the neighbors over, along with other neighbors/friends for an evening get together?....Have the dogs in the house so they can see/touch/pet them....Sometimes ppl are afraid of dogs, especially large ones....being friendly with the neighbors can sometimes stop all complaints...
I really think, in the grand scheme of things, the neighbors might win IF it went to court....they could say the dogs barked disturbing a nap etc...her husband may be recovering from an illness or her and needs rest etc....Its probably not true, but in most court cases the ones filing the complaint against the dogs owner usually wins, least round here...0 -
Call me an idea man.
Maybe the neighbor with the diesel will take your dogs hunting with him every day. Or you could by a diesel to drown out the dogs barking.0 -
quote:Originally posted by cartod
Call me an idea man.
Maybe the neighbor with the diesel will take your dogs hunting with him every day. Or you could by a diesel to drown out the dogs barking.
we already own 2 diesels [;)] no actually 30 -
Speaking as a person who lives next door to a neighbor who leaves his doberman tied up all day to bark, and bark, and bark, all day, everyday.....barking right now....
You may be within your rights, and that some neighbors have the propensity to stick their noses in business that they have no legal leg to stand on, and dogs bark, but both of you trying to "out-bullhead" each other is not going to solve the problem.0 -
This is starting to sound like Selectfire is coaching you. Don 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
Speaking as a person who lives next door to a neighbor who leaves his doberman tied up all day to bark, and bark, and bark, all day, everyday.....barking right now....
You may be within your rights, and that some neighbors have the propensity to stick their noses in business that they have no legal leg to stand on, and dogs bark, but both of you trying to "out-bullhead" each other is not going to solve the problem.
see I really dont have a problem with the lady...I made a suggestion... she didnt like it.. I asked her for a suggestion... she didnt want to make one...I am not trying to be bullheaded about it... but the point has been missed.. the dogs are NOT a problem... NONE of the other neighbors have an issue with the dogs. 1 noticed that the dogs do bark at the one couple when we talked about it...
I just dont know where to go from here with the neighbor... I want to find a solution to make her happy but until they stop teasing the dogs I dont see the dogs stopping barking at them. I didnt even confront them about that.0 -
Sounds like your neighbors are trying to create a problem here...if you honestly feel as if your dogs are not barking excessively, I would not worry too much about it. You can always make one more attempt to get them to come over and get to know the dogs...
If you do feel like they may be barking a little too much, you can always use a couple bark collars.
You can only do so much with the neighbors...some folks are impossible to please...0 -
Our dogs live in the house, where they want to be and where they belong, so if they bark, they only annoy us.
I usually tell people with barking dogs to bring the dog inside. Outside dogs often bark from boredom.
If you don't remedy the problem, be prepared to face a criminal complaint in your local court.0 -
dogs are direct reflection of the owner. if a dog annoys someone, its not only the dog, but the owner. it comes with the responsibility of being an 'owner/master.'
how you deal with this issue will diretly effect your standing in 'community.'
and since the goal of community is civil rest and orderly living, the sooner you can control the issue, so sooner the community will return to rest and peace with your credit intact.
hope this helps.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
Our dogs live in the house, where they want to be and where they belong, so if they bark, they only annoy us.
I usually tell people with barking dogs to bring the dog inside. Outside dogs often bark from boredom.
If you don't remedy the problem, be prepared to face a criminal complaint in your local court.
grrr... ok Nunn you know to read the entire thread... Judge said no issue with dogs already... the issue is NOT the dogs... I KNOW the dogs do not bark excessively and so does everyone around...
Asst Police Chief
Head of Animal Control
Judge that would hande the case
Mayor who was here on New Years Eve
Water Dept has no issue
Garbage collectors..
we have talked to all of them....
the issue is how to stop the neighbors from instigating the dogs...0 -
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.
Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by nunn
Our dogs live in the house, where they want to be and where they belong, so if they bark, they only annoy us.
I usually tell people with barking dogs to bring the dog inside. Outside dogs often bark from boredom.
If you don't remedy the problem, be prepared to face a criminal complaint in your local court.
grrr... ok Nunn you know to read the entire thread... Judge said no issue with dogs already... the issue is NOT the dogs... I KNOW the dogs do not bark excessively and so does everyone around...
Asst Police Chief
Head of Animal Control
Judge that would hande the case
Mayor who was here on New Years Eve
Water Dept has no issue
Garbage collectors..
we have talked to all of them....
the issue is how to stop the neighbors from instigating the dogs...
You need to talk to the man who changes the lights in the non existing stop light in town. Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.
that is EXACTLY my point... I spoke with the various people today and this evening and they all agree that the dogs are not the issue and that the neighbor is "stiring problems"... thats what I am trying to solve... a neighbor who is stiring the pot (not only with me)0 -
big stick on the hag, flirt with the dude[;)][:D] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tomahawk
big stick on the hag, flirt with the dude[;)][:D]
lol point taken...but no thanks.. very happy at home.. dont need anymore crap.. ya know..0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by tomahawk
big stick on the hag, flirt with the dude[;)][:D]
lol point taken...but no thanks.. very happy at home.. dont need anymore crap.. ya know..
tell yer hubby whats up. i'm serious, divide nd conquer, they will move in a couple weeks, and will not be worring about yer dogs[:D]0 -
I had a neighbor in my old house that made some very snotty comments about me owning my Rottweiler when I first moved in. I tried at first to be as nice as possible and tell her my dog wasn't mean. My dog never barked or anything. After I tried for awhile to reassure her the dog wasn't the least bit mean and living there for about 6 months and the lady keeping up the bad attitude towards me because of my dog I finally had had enough and told her that I had tried to be nice, but that was ending here and now. Screw off idiot and if my dog suddenly dies I have the money and resources to do the autopsy and I would come down on her with everything I had since she had created a grudge with me.
Some people are just stupid jerks. I'd ignore those idiots.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.
that is EXACTLY my point... I spoke with the various people today and this evening and they all agree that the dogs are not the issue and that the neighbor is "stiring problems"... thats what I am trying to solve... a neighbor who is stiring the pot (not only with me)
Perhaps, if this elderly couple is stirring trouble with the other neighbors as well, you should form a coalition and confront them with the list of and evidence of their unreasonable behavior en mass?0 -
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.
that is EXACTLY my point... I spoke with the various people today and this evening and they all agree that the dogs are not the issue and that the neighbor is "stiring problems"... thats what I am trying to solve... a neighbor who is stiring the pot (not only with me)
Perhaps, if this elderly couple is stirring trouble with the other neighbors as well, you should form a coalition and confront them with the list of and evidence of their unreasonable behavior en mass?
They are not elderly... older than me but younger than David... but that is the best idea I have heard so far....0 -
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.
that is EXACTLY my point... I spoke with the various people today and this evening and they all agree that the dogs are not the issue and that the neighbor is "stiring problems"... thats what I am trying to solve... a neighbor who is stiring the pot (not only with me)
Perhaps, if this elderly couple is stirring trouble with the other neighbors as well, you should form a coalition and confront them with the list of and evidence of their unreasonable behavior en mass?
...sounds like a good idea. If several people confronted them at once and made it quite obvious that they were the problem, it just might embarrass them enough to mind their own business.0 -
i did not know my neighbor moved to your city,
My neighbor cried about mine but I also caught her aggravating them also.
keep shots up to date and take PIC of neighbor standing there for no reason keep notes lots and lots of PIC maybe get a game camera and set it up just to catch what goes on when you are gone0 -
quote:Originally posted by ECC
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
You keep repeating the statement that "the point is being missed" and the "dogs are not the problem," thereby seemingly exempting youself, as their owner, from any responsibility. If you will excuse me, you seem to portray the attitude that you are right and they are just being unreasonable.Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if you lived next to some neighbor who chose to blast his high-decible, and highly objectionable genre of music, well within his legal rights, during the daylight hours?
I'm not trying to "dog" you, gagirl (excuse the lame pun), but you can't change people. Some neighbors are just jerks. There is one (or two) in every neighborhood. If you have exhausted or been refuted for every attempt you have made to educate these folks and avoid future problems, and they continue, then you have to make the choice to either do your thing and let the situation continue as is and put up with it, or, as a responsible dog owner, you have to work out some way to placate these people.
that is EXACTLY my point... I spoke with the various people today and this evening and they all agree that the dogs are not the issue and that the neighbor is "stiring problems"... thats what I am trying to solve... a neighbor who is stiring the pot (not only with me)
Perhaps, if this elderly couple is stirring trouble with the other neighbors as well, you should form a coalition and confront them with the list of and evidence of their unreasonable behavior en mass?
...sounds like a good idea. If several people confronted them at once and made it quite obvious that they were the problem, it just might embarrass them enough to mind their own business.
Even a blind squirrel will find a nut once in a while...[;)][:D]
Only problem is that some people will become more defensive and redouble their efforts.0 -
I'm with you on this one gagirl. If the neigbor is that rude - not getting her facts straight before confronting you. Throwing things at your pets and trying to stare down a dog, which is not a nice thing to do to a strange dog. I would tell her to get stuffed. Your responsibility ends with training your dogs respect - not training them to quit barking at threatening behavior. I'm not against a bark collar for dogs who will not learn to respect others. In your case you seemed to have handled the situation thus far as well as you can.
You are dealing with people who do not respect you or your animals.
IN MY OPINION, for those who have told her she is at fault and a bad pet owner - which she is not!!!! I want my dog to bark at jerks and bad people - this warns me of things I may not be able to perceive. My pet lives inside when we are at home and outside when we are not. She does not bark all day long and I have asked my neighbors if she has. That is one thing you should do - make sure your other neighbors can back you up on this. Also you could tape record your dogs area when you are away - see if there is a problem there before you worry about miss training your pet.
You could put up a fence between you and them - but I would paint their side in various shades of lime green and puke mustard with some pink thrown in.[:D]
I do not like people who gripe for no reason and create problems for others when they have no standing or proof.0 -
You have a lot of good advise but I think differently than most so will add my opinion(you asked for it[:D]).
First I would find out if there are any noise abatement laws. These laws would cover a time from late night to early mornig. Protect yourself from legal problems. If there are any laws be absolutely sure your dogs are not making noise during those times.
Consider that your dogs may be a better judge of character than most people and have a reason for barking. Your neighbors may have a reason, besides noise, not to have dogs nearby. It seems to me that standing behind brush and staring at a dog would create a problem and refusing to try to solve the problem would cause the main solution to be get rid of the dogs. If they fail to get rid of the dogs consider the possibility of your dogs being posioned and take steps to prevent that.
Also consider that nothing will satisify your neighbors (refer to the HOA thread recently posted). If the dogs are no longer an issue then something else will come up. Time will tell but you should get ready now in case that is what happens.0
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