Dog Barking

So I go to the mail box today and I noticed a letter. One of my neighbors, who wanted to be anonymous, wrote me a letter complaining about my dog barking. The included flyers for dog treatments and told me that I should look at getting my dog obedience lessons or get a collar to prevent the dog from barking. They put in the letter that if I refused they would get the town involved and they would sign a noise complaint against me. Is this possible? I know my dogs bark could be annoying but I didn’t think it would cause someone to complain. She doesn’t bark late at night or early in the morning so I don’t see why a noise complaint would be filed. I'm a little annoyed at this person and I'm not sure why they sent the note anonymously. Wouldn’t it be better to confront me in person?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

htown_07840

Message htown_07840

Mar '10

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Not sure I can give advice but I remember I used to have a neighbor that would call the cops all the time when our lab would bark. The cops would come and then tell us that we had to keep her in the basement since she was disturbing the neighbors, uh hello how horrible is that?? I'm sorry you're neighbor is being a pest but just so you know they really can call the police...

AP

Message AP

Mar '10

I would be annoyed too. Your neighbors sound like miserable people who are afraid to identify themselves. If it bothers them that much they should have approached you personally.

Tweety
Mar '10

htown_07840,

I can relate to both sides of this story. When I was in law school, I lived in an apartment and the neighbors above me had a large dog that would bark night and day. Loud, vicious, incessant barking--in addition to heavy scratching and jumping. It nearly drove me mad. I complained several times to the management company, but they did nothing. I left notes for the dog owners, but it never stopped. Eventually, for the sake of my sanity, I moved to a non-pet building in the community, at my expense. So the point is, I can understand why someone would complain. Just because it doesn't happen during the "sleeping" hours, doesn't mean it isn't disturbing someone. That isn't to say I agree with the manner in which you were addressed regarding the problem, and the solutions that were offered to you.

For the other side, I am now the owner of a dog that loves to bark. I also live in a town home and I have had the unfortunate experience of having the neighbors tell me they can hear her barking. When she was younger, we crated her, and she would bark non-stop until we returned. I felt horrible about it (because I know what it feels like), and my boyfriend and I did what we could to stop her barking.

My advice to you would be to try and control your pet's barking. Figure out why it barks and see if you can ease it. I know it's annoying that someone complained to you about something, but try to put yourself in their shoes too. The complainant probably went anonymously because they feared some sort of retaliation or uneasiness in the community. Unfortunately, with that anonymity, they prevented you from trying to resolve the problem amicably between neighbors.

As far as the complainant going to the police, I'm not quite sure what recourse they will have, but it sounds like a simple threat, with no intent behind it.

Best of luck to you and the pooch.

Tracy

Message Tracy

Mar '10

That happened to me a couple of years ago when we first moved in. My neighbor complained about the dog barking and threatened the same thing about filing a complaint with the town. Fortunately for me they did sign the note and left a phone number to call.

I called and we were able to work it out amicably. However, before I called my neighbor, I called the town and verified that there is not an ordinance against dog barking. It's a dog.

I hope they come forward so you can have the same outcome I had.

dog_owner2
Mar '10

Ok, I'm sorry but nothing is worse then doing yard work in the yard while listening to someone's dog barking I cant STAND it.

Now, as you all may know I'm a dog lover but this gets on my nerves. However, I'm not talking about the barking when someone walks by or a bark hear and there. It's the non-stop barking. I don't know how much your dog is barking but if it's a lot I have to side with the people that left a note.

I have a problem with one of the neighbors dogs. It comes to my house and sit and barks. It drives me insane. Plus the dog runs in the road. If it keeps happening I will have no choice to go and file a complaint. As you all know from my prev post the owners are very aware. So I have to say your neighbors are nice giving you a warning because yes they can file a report.

Nosila

Message Nosila

Mar '10

*here and there

Nosila

Message Nosila

Mar '10

I think it depends on when & how long your dog is barking. You might want to call the town but I believe your neighbor would have to identify themselves if they press charges. Still its kinda sneaky not to face you & make the complaint known

Begin Again Finnigan

Message Begin Again Finnigan

Mar '10

If your dog barks incessantly and you know it and you do nothing about it -- you are being a bad neighbor.

I had a nice neighbor on East Baldwin St (hi Lee! ) who let me know my dogs bothered her when I was out. I made some changes with the dogs. I don't know if it worked but she never mentioned it again. I had another neighbor who would complain and leave copies of ordinances in my mailbox if I so much as cleared my throat with the windows open.

I fixed the other neighbor problem by moving. I hope your solution comes easier.

But only a coward doesn't sign a letter.

Dolly

Message Dolly

Mar '10

I know some neighborhood kids who would egg them (just give them the eggs & address) Dolly ;-)

Begin Again Finnigan

Message Begin Again Finnigan

Mar '10

About two years ago I came home to find a notice from Animal control about my dog. because one of my neighbors had complained. I would have rather received a note in the mailbox letting me know their was an "issue". I felt to immediately go to the town was a rather drastic move on their part. Each town has specific noise ordinances that can be enforced and I know for my town (Budd Lake) it is 10 minutes of non-stop barking. When the animal control officer arrived at my home, my dog didn't make a peep (I learned this in a follow up conversation and also learned that the complaintant left an anonymous phone message). I spoke to a cop friend of mine and apparently the only way you can find out who made the complaint typically is if they actually follow through with making that complaint FORMAL. Apparently, there is a procedude although I don't know what it is.

antimony3

Message antimony3

Mar '10

Maybe they've had unpleasant experiences in the past when they told someone to their face, which would account for the lack of a personal confrontation. I hve to admit, hearing a dog bar incessantly is maddening for me personally, not the occasional bar but the constant "for no reason" bark. Consider how your neighbors might feel, and don't be offended when they don't want to face you when complaining.

tripsy

Message tripsy

Mar '10

I posted about the exact same thing happening to us a few years ago.
http://www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/87184
My neighbor put an anonymous note in the mailbox and left the same threat. At the time my dogs were puppies, one of which is a beagle and doesn't bark, he bawls. And LOUD! The anonymous neighbors complaint was a valid one. So we did our own investigating and found his. The ordinance states that " NO unnecessary noise" is permitted at any time. This includes music, construction or anything else deemed "Unnecessary" by the police and the complaining party. It falls under disturbing the peace and takes some digging to find. So we implored on here and put a letter in every mailbox in earshot to apologize. The neighbor never complained again. The forum readers for the most part heard what we had to say and most left some very nice responses. But nothing from the neighbor which left us little room to work the issue out amicably.
As far as any police officer telling you the manner in which you need to address something on you property in regards to a dog barking or any other ordinance is absurd. The police here do a great job of telling you what law or ordinance you are in violation of and the fines associated, but they can't tell you to put your dog in the basement or even in the house for that matter. They can fine you, or arrest you or embarrass you in front of the rest of your neighbors. But I don't know any cop in town who looks to do that to anyone over an ordinance violation. You have rights on your property! And while you dog barking may detract from the quality of life in your neighborhood, it's your right to exercise your freedoms on your property within the bounds of the law. So if the coward won't give you a means to address the issue amicably, either take the high road and keep the dog quiet, or to hell with them and let the dog bark!

krisandkelly
Mar '10

htown 07840
Why wouldn't you think your dogs bark would be enough for someone to complain? A dog barking can be very annoying especially if your neighbors do not like dogs to begin with. Even if your dog does not bark in the morning or at night I would think he/she must be barking enough while your gone to bother this person. Maybe your neighbor works nights and needs to sleep during the day or it's possible they work from home and cannot concentrate due to the barking, who knows?

I also think that by sending an unsigned letter they are probably just trying to address the situation without causing conflict between neighbors since you have to live next to one another- maybe they feel bad about complaining, but do not feel they have a choice if they want to keep their sanity? They did try to offer some solutions to help you correct the problem so I do not think they are just trying to make things difficult for you.

I can look at both sides since I also have a puppy that barks when we are out walking, but as a pet owner I feel it is my responsilbility to correct the situation. Yes, dogs will bark, but when it happens everyday or for long periods of time it is up to "us" as pet owners to correct it. How can "we" decide how much is too much barking for someone else?

When we are at home my dogs only bark if they see or hear something that gets them excited and I try to stay right on top of it. If it goes on for more than a minute or two they get sent into the house. I have neighbors on all sides with a total of 7 dogs combined and there are times a few of them bark for extended periods of time. I have to say even though I am a dog lover it does start to get on my nerves!

I would say instead of getting offended, think of it as a way to help your dog because if he/she is barking that much maybe they need something more- maybe a new room in the house, new toys, more exercise (so they will sleep while your gone) etc... Good luck.

SMP
Mar '10

I find it to be more worrisome than bothersome. Is the dog alone? I often hear a neighbors bog bark and I jump to look out and make sure there is no fight or trouble going on. It lasts for hours though. I believe they can make a complaint for disturbing the peace. Good luck.

snoopy
Mar '10

Why would you not face someone....geeze, grow a set & speak to your neighbor. My guess is your not the type who has ever said hello to your neighbors. Perhaps (by being cordial) you could even make new friends (God forbid)!

Begin Again Finnigan

Message Begin Again Finnigan

Mar '10

I have a neighbor behind me that lets their dog out and it barks alot. The dog sits on their deck that is elevated so it's not like a fence would block it. It is one thing to let the dog out and then it barks at some other animals or people then stops. But they leave the dog out there alot and it just barks and barks.

Just about everyone has a dog around me including me but these people are just RUDE!

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

What a bout the dog. They bark for a reason. I used to ty my dog outside even if I was home. He would bark. They get lonely.Bored and scared left outside. My dog now has free roam of the house and a good neibor take him out. And shows him alot of love.

Riverrat
Mar '10

I think that a dog that barks non stop is showing it is nervous, frightened, lonely, whatever. Something is wrong. Perhaps something is wrong with your training. We have a dog of a breed notorious for barking, but we trained him to be quiet. It is a lot of work, but he doesn't bark unnecessarily, only what's normal canine behavior. Too many people are controlled by their dogs rather than teaching their dogs proper behavior. Watch the Dog Whisperer, get some ideas, call in a trainer. Give your neighbor a little relief, anyway.

Me again
Mar '10

krisandkelly,
I remember last year when you first posted that and I have to laugh. There are alot of people in the development. I can count 9 just around you on College View and Carter. It wouldn't be hard to find out that one neighbor.
Also their are alot of people that walk thier dogs along the powerlines and don't pick up after themselves. I have a few pictures of some but I am sure they would be taken down as soon as I post them. Maybe I should post a link to the youtube videos I posted.

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

CJ,

What's up with the photos & videos all the time...geez. I frequent Hackettstown and will always think twice before picking my nose or scratching my ass...lest I find myself the model/star of one of your cameras. I'd say to get a hobby, but apparently you have one and this is it.

For the record I don't do either in public...

Lori...since '73

Message Lori...since '73

Mar '10

To the beagle owner, please tell me what you did as far as training goes? I have a beagle that I have taken to obedience school and have tried training here too on my own. she's incredibly stubborn! On a positive note though - when she's on the watch we've been alerted numerous times about strangers and black bear roaming freely though our yard! Over the summer I was 7 months pregnant and walking her when she let loose with the barking so badly I had to practically drag her back home. As I approached my house, my neighbors and husband were running down the street looking for me - the bear had headed my way and my dog was actually barking to alert me/scare away the bear. Her barking used to bother me more, but know I know it's always for a reason (even if I can't "see that reason)

antimony3

Message antimony3

Mar '10

Lori,
The nose picking and scratching of butts is accepted and not prohibitted in CJ films. We take no responcibility for the individuals or actions that people maybe caugh doing when the focus of the image is on something else. For the record I don't just go around and take pictures and film everything at random, I only take pitures of things that interest me or have cause some type of inconvience for me.

This is what learned in law school, 1/2 of your case is on case law and the other 1/2 is on evidence. And don't forget everyone has a price, people will sue for anything.

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

You're creepy, CJ.

MB

Message MB

Mar '10

What is creepy about taking pictures of things you like and taking pictures of people breaking the law?

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

I don't understand whatever happened to neighbors being "neighborly". I received a lengthy hand written note from someone in my development a few years ago regarding my children's bikes being left on my porch. I live in a townhouse community (definitely not by choice at this point) and my unit does not have a garage. I keep their toys neatly and eventually an allowance was made for unit owners with similar arrangements. This year someone on the board who has WAY too much time on their hands, took a picture of my front door because my wreath was still on my door...2 days after it was supposed to have been taken down. The idea of someone photographing my home was a little creepy to me and very petty. I have been a dog owner for many years and my dogs only bark when someone enters the house or they see another dog. I can't say what happens when I'm not home...but I do condsider barking a part of their "job". I agree your neighbor should have just talked to you personally if they were having a problem.

2Cents

Message 2Cents

Mar '10

Your all making me appreciate my Htown neighborhood more and more per posting.

htown newbie

Message htown newbie

Mar '10

Hey I love my neighbors and i would help them with anything. But I just can't stand peolpe that don't shovel their sidewalk, pick up after their animals and those that let their aminals run free.

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

I can sympathize with your neighbors, When we go to my boyfriends family's house in Hopatcong the neighbors dog barks all day. Although its not early morning or night it is extremely annoying to try and have a family BBQ or just relax outside and talk while there is a little dog you have to yell over to be heard. If your dog is going to bark outside then you need to be out there with them so they do not bark would you leave a crying child out side screaming all day? Your neighbor should have confronted you face to face but some people have anxiety & confrontation issues, although thats not an excuse this is the only way they felt they could get the message to you, or perhaps they have anger issues and did not want it to turn into a screaming match as you are obliviously defensive on this issue. The solution to this seems simple though sit outside with your dog while he/she is out there, buy a bark collar until your dog learns that they can not bark all day, buy toys to keep the dog occupied, or keep him inside with you until you go out for a walk .

shoebie

Message shoebie

Mar '10

I think anyone considering a bark collar should try it on themselves first!

2Cents

Message 2Cents

Mar '10

I agree with you 2cents.

jrsemom

Message jrsemom

Mar '10

shoebie, you are right on the money. We seem to have become a society of REALLY defensive people.

Dubs

Message Dubs

Mar '10

What do you do with the pictures, CJ?

MB

Message MB

Mar '10

I post them here.

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

Hey CJ,
We still don't know who sent it and several neighboers responded to deny it. If you want to watch my mailbox for a while I'll leave Copper in the front yard for a bit and we'll see who the neighbor was. My wife was bitten by a dog running around by the power lines last year.

krisandkelly
Mar '10

Am I the only one here that is appalled at the suggestion of egging someones
home? And HIRING some kids to do it, no less???
How irresponsible is that! Adults are supposed to set good examples and
teach right from wrong to our youth. To encourage kids to do something
wrong is shocking to me.
No wonder the annonymous note was sent, when there are people like this
around.

happy girl
Mar '10

Imagine that calling the cops over a dog doing something that is natural for it to do, I wonder if someone will call the cops when my baby is crying. If people want complete quiet then move somewhere in the middle of nowhere. It's something, I even remember reading something on here about kids making noise outside and playing ball in the street. Some people are just plain nuts, and CJ do you really have that much time on your hands to go around searching for stupid things to take pictures of. Soon we will all be living with no freedom at all, do to the ones who complain about every single thing someone says or does, children, adults or animals. I heard a cat meow, do you think I should call the cops and complain, just absurd.

Jenn
Mar '10

Oh, and let's not forget that egging someone's home is against the law. It's called
vandalism and it's illegal. You can be fined, jailed, or both.

happy girl
Mar '10

Jenn if you left your baby outside alone all day and let it cry alone all day out there yes i am sure your neighbors would call the cops on you.

shoebie

Message shoebie

Mar '10

Wow...I just had to contribute to this post. It's funny that I read it earlier today then just had an experience that could relate to it. My family and I went on 2 nice walks today with Murray and Rocco since it was so gorgeous out. Now if any of you know Murray...he is a very quiet dog. He doesn't bark at all UNLESS he sees a squirrel. So this afternoon we were walking him and he saw a squirrel and started barking and making this weird moaning and groaning noise. A woman came out of her house laughing and said that she watched him chase the squirrel from the window and thought it was hysterical. We got back from our second walk around 630 and around the same house the same thing happened. An elderly man was standing outside his house and said "What the hell's going on?" The way he said it, we thought he was kidding. He said "I don't think it's very funny, this is the second time, keep him on your property if he's going to bark like that." He slammed his door and went inside.

First of all: It's not like we have a noisy dog and live next door to him and it's nonstop. It's not like we stood outside his house for a half an hour and let our dog bark. It lasted no more than a minute because he saw a squirrel.

Second of all: You live in a neighborhood where there are dogs and kids and families enjoying themselves...if you don't like it...go to a retirement community.

Third of all: It wasn't the middle of the night! It was the middle of a GORGEOUS day!

Fourth of all: WE WERE NOT ON HIS PROPERTY OR ANYWHERE NEAR HIS PROPERTY! We were in the street passing his house.

Fifth of all: It's not like we have bad behaved dogs. They don't bite, they don't bark (unless there are squirrels or chipmunks) and we've never had complaints before. In fact, about 5 houses down from this crankpot there is the LOUDEST Beagle I have ever heard. So how can he complain about my dog barking for about 30 seconds when there's a loud dog living right there? Unless he's tired of hearing that dog and took it out on us...I don't know.

Anyway...I could go on and on but why are people so miserable these days?! We were so happy today going for walks and seeing others dogs being walked (and barking) and kids playing basketball with their families, it was wonderful!

I could understand that having a dog next door that barks nonstop could be annoying. However, while taking a family stroll IN THE ROAD (not on someone's property) and having my dog make some noise for no more than a minute should not be something to complain about.

Makes me so sad knowing that there are miserable people like this living in our nice little development. If I get cranky like this when I'm elderly...someone please take a gun to my head.

Anom

Message Anom

Mar '10

Sorry that's like 3 pages long lol...I'm annoyed that I'm letting this miserable guy bring me down and get me all worked up over this.

Anom

Message Anom

Mar '10

I'll chime in here. I own a young herding breed dog. He is reactive on leash to other dogs and some people, however he would never hurt a fly and simply wants to play! People think I'm so mean for keeping him in a rubber-lined prong collar (well, technically it's a lot nicer instead of using a choker). Does he look mean when wearing it AND barking at some things while walking? The reality is that he probably does. That being said, I am constantly training with him and working to improve this behavior. Inside the house, he'll also bark when he hears cars in the street being locked or people under "his" window. The only things that keep him occupied are tennis balls and bones. If you find out what your dog's triggers are and work to find something to occupy him, then hopefully that distraction will work.

And who could yell at Murray? He's so sweet and quiet! My little guy is a certified pain in the bum (but heck, I love him!)

Someone

Message Someone

Mar '10

happy girl I think it's obvious he was trying to make a joke of it.

One thing to consider is , there are some people ( me ) who work an overnight shift. Barking dogs are not just annoying at night but during the day. Oddly enough the only dog that was a problem in the 15 years I've been on midnight shift was my own dog and that pos dog is long gone.

It is possible that dog owners can become accustomed to their dogs barking whether it's constant or occasional or anything in between. If a dog is barking too much a friendly reminder should not be a problem. The original post did not sound friendly IF it was a first attempt .

cbgb

Message cbgb

Mar '10

stupid quote of the year........
Jenn if you left your baby outside alone all day and let it cry alone all day out there yes i am sure your neighbors would call the cops on you.

the cops , dyfus etc etc

shoebie do you ever think before you post or reread what you wrote.

cbgb

Message cbgb

Mar '10

ooops dyfs

cbgb

Message cbgb

Mar '10

hey stop picking on my beagle. lololol

antimony3

Message antimony3

Mar '10

Anom - "If I get cranky like this when I'm elderly...someone please take a gun to my head"

Don't you see - you're exhibiting the same behavior by going on this forum and ranting. He was venting and you're doing the same thing.

I am just as guilty so I'm not trying to provoke you. I'm just saying....what's the difference? :):)

BLD
Mar '10

Jenn you are out to lunch if you think I seach all day for something to take pictures of.

With that advances in camera phones the quality of pictures are just as good as those from digital cameras. It just so happens that I choose to take a pictures of those things.

CJ

Message CJ

Mar '10

Lol Antimony...I LOVEEE Beagles...I love all dogs. Barking is their nature, I would never complain. And although I love Beagles and my dad grew up with them..they are pretty vocal:-)

BLD..Lol you're not provoking me no worries. But he said "What the hells going on" and was completely rude. I could NEVER say something like that to a complete stranger and his rudeness is what got me on this rant of mine lol. I feel like he could have either ignored it since we were just on a walk and he doenst have to deal with it on a daily basis or say something a bit nicer. Oh well...thank you for letting me vent:-)

Anom

Message Anom

Mar '10

Shoebie, I wouldn't leave my child out all day. But say my child was sick and in the house with the windows open and very cranky, crying all day. Would you call the cops and tell them that there is a baby crying all day in the house. Yes you might, but the cops would come and after seeing the baby is just sick and doing what all babies do, would then leave. My point is a dog can't talk it barks to let you know it needs something, a baby can't talk and therefore they cry and make noises. An old person, in a nursing home is like a sick child, you walk in a hospital or nursing home and hear them yelling and calling out for help. These are all part of life, and noise whether it come from an animal or child, adult or baby is natural. If noise bothers you then move to somewhere secluded, so you hear nothing at all. Even, like I said the kids playing outside seems to bother people. What did they do when they were growing up, where they homebound and mute. Its just a bunch of misrable people complaining about things that are inevitable to happen. If a dog is barking, it's usually for a reason. Maybe next thing, people will try and pass a law that you can't have dogs as pets in your home if they bark. Just totally ridiculous!

Jenn
Mar '10

Jenn there was only one person who thought you or anybody would leave a baby alone and outside all day , and only one person who somehow thought that was what you wrote.
If a dog is barking because it has needs the owner isn't providing than maybe they shouldn't own a dog or they should take better care of the dog. It's the excessive barking that is the problem.

cbgb

Message cbgb

Mar '10

Agreed. Excessive barking is a problem and could become a pain for surrounding neighbors.

Anom

Message Anom

Mar '10

Jenn thats my point common sense for dog owners if you would not leave a child out all day why leave a dog out all day? A child inside a house crying sick is a totally different story then leaving a dog or even a child outside all day to cry. While you are inside and your child is sick you are trying to comfort them etc... more often then not dog owners put there dogs outside and leave them there all day. No one should have to move to the middle of nowhere not to hear a dog bark all day long. You are 100 % correct a dog barks when it needs something... if the dog continues to bark all day long those needs are not being met by the owner. I have no issues with kids playing outside i have about 10 of them on a daily basis and even had a football break my window this weekend thats natural and kids playing. Animals & Humans have needs if you are going to have an animal or a child those needs to be met.

shoebie

Message shoebie

Mar '10

cbgb, unless you know who the person is, I wouldn't assume anything about anyone on this forum, but it didn't sound like a joke to me.

happy girl
Mar '10

Piscataway is expanding their dog barking ordinance - http://wcbstv.com/watercooler/do....2.1581172.html

BLD
Mar '10

happy girl the comment did end with this , ;-)
so yes it was obvious

cbgb

Message cbgb

Mar '10

cbgb, we each have our own opinion on this. I think it's a bizarre thing to conjure up
and very strange to suggest ------ with or without a ;-) .

happy girl
Mar '10

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