In theory, dogs are great.
But then there are those dogs that love to hear themselves bark.
Its especially aggravating if you work from home or youre kept up all night long.
Give them the benefit of the doubt, and avoid harsh accusations since that will only make them defensive.
Its also important you do this face-to-face.
Talk to them in person and let them see who theyre affecting.
If you refuse to talk to your neighbors, youre half of the problem.
If theyre inexperienced dog owners and are not sure what to do, nudge them in the right direction.
Put up afence screen, or plant someprivacy treesandshrubsalong the property line between you and the neighbors yard.
Of course, it could just be the sound of you in your yard, or even your smell.
If blocking the dogs view wont work, its time to kill itwait for itwith kindness.
The dog barks at you because it sees you as a danger to it and its family.
to make it stop barking, you gotta not be seen as a danger.
Jen DeHaan, dog trainer and founder ofDOGthusiast.com, suggests youmake friends with the dog.
You want the dog to get used to your presence and your scent.
Food is an easy way to a dogs heart too, butneverfeed somebody elses dog without their permission.
The last thing you want is to make your neighbors dog sick.
Find a way to spend more time out there.
Put on somenoise-canceling headphonesand read a book, start a garden, or do your workouts in the grass.
Make your presence known so it doesnt surprise the dog anymore.
But dogs can, and the sound drives them nuts.
Thats why theyre useful for training.
It works like this:
Get a dog whistle.
Keep the whistle somewhere you’re free to easily get to at all times.
Whenever the dog starts barking, blow the whistle.
And in some communities, animal services can cite people whose dogs are disturbing the peace.
Be sure to check your local laws and municipal codes.
Most cities have similar laws in place.
If you file a complaint, theyll receive a warning.
If it continues, and theres proof of the noise, theyll have to go to court.
If thats not enough to get your neighbors ass in gear, you might just have to move.
