How do I stop my dog from barking at my neighbor who bangs the side of his shed to make her stop barking?

Question

I have told him that banging on things won't get her to stop, it will only get her to bark more. His response was, "Then get 'em to shut the ^$&# up." I live on 1.5 acres, he lives on 2.5 acres. There is a buffer of 150 feet of solid trees between our yards, we can't even see each other. He works outside quite a bit, and I know her "puppy bark" (7 months old) can be annoying, but I don't see an end to the cycle. It is unrealistic of me to expect my neighbor to change, so what can I do to change my dog's reaction to his behavior? One option I will not consider is keeping her in the house all the time. She needs her exercise and fresh air. I have .75 acres fenced off for the pups to run, which they enjoy. I have three other dogs, but they don't bark very much, as they are familiar with all of the "neighborhood noises" and don't respond to it. I have had my new pup 2 months. Any suggestions or ideas that have worked for you?

Answer 1

You are going to have to take this barker in hand an train it not to bark, especially at the neighbor.
First step is to kindly train your dog to be submissive. You can do this by daily walking you dog on leash for over 30 minutes. Keep the collar high up on the neck, so you have full control of its head. Learn to correct your dog quickly and sharply whenever it needs it. Don't beg or nag. Lead dog never do. Otherwise walk in a very relaxed and business like manner. You are the boss. Don't be nervous or the dog also gets nervous. Walk close to the neighbor's place, so your dog gets used to the neighbor's movements, noises, and smells. Remember to correct your dog as required. Soon, after a few weeks, your dog should be used to your neighbor. Hopefully your neighbor will help you by making noises and moving around near your property. Maybe your neighbor will come to like your dog when he sees how well behaved it has become.

As for your other dogs, each needs to be subservant to you. When you feed them, you still own their food and can take it away any time you choose. If you can't, you are lacking as a leader. You are their boss and it should show. You can learn to walk them also, maybe 3 or 4 at a time. That should be fun. Walk in front of your dogs, not behind. Remember that you are the pack leader and therefore YOU must work to keep your status.

With my dog I require him to do something for me before I do something for him. Usually it is only for him to sit before getting a reward. For example he must sit until I go out the front door before he may also leave the house. We keep it short and simple and at the same time I have reestablished my leardership.

If you think you need more help, watch the TV show "The Dog Whisperer". It is a great educational show and is entertaining also.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Ouch, harsh neighbor, eh? My dog never had a barking problem, but I've been around dogs who have.

There are ingenious bark collars, some that shock, and others that just spray harmless citrus in the dog's face when she barks. I'd prefer the cirtus, because it gives less stress to the dog, and it makes your house or backyard smell like oranges. They just don't like it, so when they figure out it happens when they bark, they'll stop doing it.

Or, like someone else suggested, you can get a spray bottle, and when your neighbor is working out, just be with your puppy, so you can squirt her on the muzzle. But don't hit her, she may become prone to biting.

Answer 3

If you can be outside with her when she barks; use positive reinforcement.
If you hear him bang and she barks; tell her that it's just the neighbor. Have her sit and give her a treat. Then praise her! It takes a lot of work, but it does work!
I live in a trailer park and my neighbors do the same thing and my dark barks inside, so I used the above technique. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Have you tried holding her muzzel when she barks at inappopriate times and telling her no? She has had more than enough time to get used to the noises of the 'hood. Have you tried finding out what she is barking at? If the above action doesn't work, that is what I would suggest you do next. Since she does it soo much, figure out why. Then deal with that. Does she stop barking when you are nearby? Is she looking for a person to play with?

Answer 5

Your neighbour is certainly making things difficult for your puppy. It's too bad he doesn't realize that his ignorance is greatly increasing the problem.

The best thing I can suggest is you need to be out there with your puppy so you can tell her no, very calmly because otherwise she'll get more excited. Can you tell what sets off her barking? Does she bark because she can hear him but not see him? Is it feasible to introduce her to your neighbour? If you can get her to realize that he "belongs" over there, she should quit barking at him.

If she signals that she's going to start barking, see if you can distract her with something else - like playing frisbee or chasing a ball. I think your best bet is if she can get to know him and then get out of the habit of barking with being told NO and distractions. Good luck!

Answer 6

would you consider a barking collar , it only works when she barks or move the pup to the other side of the yard where she can't see or hear the neighbor .

Answer 7

I would try spending time with her outside & use the positive reinforcement approach,,when she barks at the noices tell her...no barking....praise her when she stops...Why are we sometimes blessed with such ignorant Neighbours....I had one that resorted to spraying her with a hose etc. which only escalated her barking. Fortunately he moved & guess what ...She dosen`t bark at the new people.

Answer 8

sounds like your puppy needs to be introduced to your neighbor so she doesn't see him as an intruder in her space! Her barking is just alerting you to what she sees as a danger. If she knows he is no threat the barking should stop.

Answer 9

you can get a collar that shocks them when they bark. this isnt harmful and is recommended by the RSPCA, and works well.

Answer 10

Sell the dog. Buy a nice, quiet goldfish.

Or kill your neighbor. Make it look like a chainsaw cleaning accident.

Either way, your problem is solved.