Will the new neighbor's dog eventually stop barking and yelping? If so, how long will it take?

Question

We just got a new neighbor and I'm worried that his barking and yelping dog will be a problem. Do dogs normally make an unusual amount of noise when they move into a new backyard? If so, how long does it take for them to get over it? I don't want to confront the owner about it until I know for certain it will be an ongoing problem.

Answer 1

Ongoing problem that usually gets worse.

Dealing with neighbors is a nightmare. First, try asking them nicely. Explain to them that in your neighborhood, people don't leave their dogs outside if they're barking. Make a video tape and show them how annoying this is. Offer to split the cost of no-bark collars or having the dogs surgically debarked. Personally, I'd move before I'd live next to a neighbor like that, but sometimes that's not an option. I have a neighbor who goes to work early and slams his car door shut outside my window every morning. I've padded the glass with those closed-cell foam mats they make for gym flooring and keep a noisy fan or wind machine on while I sleep. That helps a lot.

Sounds like you've taken the high road so far in a very frustrating situation. Some fools recommend killing the dogs, which is ridiculous. It's really not the dogs' fault and killing a pet dog is a felony in most states, especially if it's on your neighbor's property. Bad neighbors are big on retaliation. If you kill his dog, who's to say he won't burn down your house? And his next dog might be worse. If you're intent on committing a crime, kill your neighbor instead. (Just kidding!)

Most areas have noise or nuisance laws - sometimes calling the cops can help, sometimes it can make it worse. Animal control will only seize the dogs if they are abused (ie, no shelter, no water, no food, etc). If you don't mind risking a war, get witness statements from your other annoyed neighbors. If the cops won't help, I'd try calling your local TV station and see if they want to do a human interest story on lousy neighbors. Show them as much documentation as you can, pictures and a log of how many times you have called the cops and gotten no help.

Hmmm... Make an audio tape of the dog barking, call your neighbor (from a pay phone!) and play the tape really loud at three in the morning?

Answer 2

If it keeps you awake for even one night or keeps disturbing the peace that you have the right to, it's best to tell the neighbors right away. In my experience, barking dogs do not mellow out. I'm an animal lover and I've been on both sides of this fence. If the dog is barking more or less constantly, I assure you, the neighbors are every bit as aware of this as you are. If they do nothing to stop it, they aren't very good neighbors. There are nuisance laws against this and the police will respond. The owner(s) will be given one or two warnings and then they will be fined more each and every time the police have to respond. Sooner or later, they will keep the dog indoors, where hopefully it will only disturb them. Or they may choose to give the dog away or an option like that. If it's already indoors and you share an adjoining apartment, I imagine you get very little peace of mind. Otherwise, you can count on putting up with this until the neighbors move or the dog dies, which may take up to twenty years. It's your choice. If your neighbors are inconsiderate enough to subject you to this, I wouldn't feel too badly if I reported them to the cops and I wouldn't worry about it if they're not happy. Are they worrying about if you or any of the other neighbors are happy?

Answer 3

Please be honest with your new neighbor. I would tell him that the barking is bothering you. Ask if he could bring the dog in the house, at least overnight, so you can get a good night's sleep. If he doesn't there are laws that can be enforced. But only use this as a last resort.
If the dog is tied out, maybe you could suggest a 12 x 12 foot dog pen, the dogs like this, and you can put a dog house inside, and a tarp over the top for the sun.
I wouldn't wait it out, the longer you wait the worse it will be. Just go over and talk to them. I'm sure there are other neighbors who are concerned also, but some might not be so nice about things.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

If it's a small dog, chances are it will continue to be a barker. Sometimes it takes dogs about a week or so to adjust to new surroundings and people or animals in yards next to them. But there are dogs that are simply nuisance barkers. Give it a little time and if it continues excessively, go to the neighbors and let them know, nicely that their dog barks a little much and ask if there is anything they can try to do to reduce the amount of barking. In most places there are nuisance dog laws and they can be fined for allowing their dog to bark incessantly. If they refuse to make an effort to correct the problem, you may have no choice but to report them. Have other neighbors report it as well. Let them pay a ticket or two for it. They'll do something about it then.

Answer 5

usually a barker, always a barker. I would go over and introduce myself and ask in a nice way if it's unusual for the dog to be barking so much or if it's habit. That alone might give the neighbor a hint. Another option is to ask if the dog is ill or if something is wrong because you've noticed how much the dog barks and yelps. Either way...should turn the lightbulb on.

Answer 6

I moved into a new place on June 1st. My dogs barked at every unusual sound for about the first 2 weeks. They are fine now and do not bark at anything. So yes it's possible for them to "get used to the place." However....a dog barking outside might be a different story.

Answer 7

Unless the neighbors take painstalking care to train their dog to stop barking, the dog will continue to bark. It also depends on the dog's breed, some bark far more than others

Answer 8

Will the new neighbor's dog eventually stop barking

Yes when you shoot it

Answer 9

If a dog's a yapper/barker, it's not going to stop. Being in a new environment isn't what's causing it, I'm sorry to tell you.

Answer 10

get use to it, mine in a new place but now its 10 months an she still barking.