Unattended puppy on the balcony?

Question

This is a situation I haven't faced before.

My upstairs neighbors recently got a new puppy. As annoying as it is that this dog barks the entire time they are not home, they are also leaving the puppy unattended from anywhere from ten to thirty minutes on the balcony.

I have never seen them walk this dog, so I am assuming that they are just putting it out on the balcony to do it's business, which I find totally disgusting.

My question is how to tactfully deal with this? Should I call animal control or the police? Or do you think the apartment office would handle this?

Answer 1

I lived in an apartment and had a large dog. Although he would get plenty of exercise, there were plenty of times that he would just get underfoot (for example, when I was cleaning or exercising). In these situations, I would put him outside on the balcony. Additionally, if the weather was nice, and I was only going to be gone for a few hours, I would leave him out there as he liked to lay in the sun and be able to watch all the people going by (also our balcony overlooked a courtyard where children often played, so he enjoyed that as well).

Before putting him out there the first time, I checked to make sure all of the railings were secure and there was nothing out there that could potentially harm him. I don't feel that putting a dog on the balcony is neglect in any way. Lots of people let their dogs go play in their backyard unattended; this is the closest that we can get to a backyard living in an apartment.

Also, just because you do not see them walking the dog does not mean he isn't walked. I often walked my dog at night for several reasons (more convenient with work schedule, cooler temperatures in the summer, and less people to bother me on my walk). So please don't automatically assume that the dog is not being exercised unless you know for certain (remember they may not even walk the dog there, perhaps they take him to a park for his exercise?)

Also, I wouldn't assume that he being put on the balcony to do his business unless you have proof of it (accidents happen so if it has occured once or twice that you know of, I personally wouldn't get angry about it). If you feel they have just been accidents, talk to the owners and tell them that it bothers you. I would suggest talking to them first as well if you feel they are having him do it out there on purpose. They will appreciate that you came to them before running straight to the apartment management.

The matter of the dog barking is another matter, and that as well should be taken up with owners. While you are up there, speak to them about the other issues if you are that worried. Personally, unless you see obvious signs of neglect (poorly groomed, emaciated), you will have to assume that the dog is being properly cared for. Animal control will tell you the same thing. If the barking continues, my next step would be to talk to the apartment management.

Answer 2

First, try to talk to your upstairs neighbor. Explain the problem politely and tell them that their dog is disturbing the peace by being noisy. Tell them that you are unable to do things and that the barking is a nuisance. Also, suggest for them to get some puppy training pads instead of leaving their dog out in the balcony to do his business because you are living under them and would like your space to be clean. Tell them that you respect them and would like the same treatment back. To make things clear, ask for them to do something about the barking. Suggest the shock collar to train their dog to keep it down.

This is something you can later use against them if they do not do anything about it. If they get mad at you for calling the apartment office about the disturbance they're causing, then you can tell them that you have tried to be nice about it and yet they didn't fix the problem. You can then tell them to suck it up. If you do not talk to them first, they will definitely hate you for not even trying to talk to them. Give yourself something that says you tried to be a good, friendly neighbor and give them a benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are good people and just need a bit of nudging. You'll never know until you try.

PS: I do not think the animal control or the police would like to be involved unless there is a crime or major disturbance. A barking dog is not considered a major disturbance. Animal control will only get involved if you report the animal is not being taken care of, ie no food or water provided, unsanitary living space, or if the animal is being treated inhumanely.

Answer 3

Is there a chance of him falling from the balcony? is it guarded by rails? if not maybe tactfully ask them if they realise its not safe? if it is safe then its probably not any of your business, they may not be walking him yet cos hes too young to be out or not had his jabs? and are trying to toliet train him now, maybe they are observing him from inside the apartment but are out of your sight?
Maybe they dont realise the pup makes a noise when they are gone? maybe u should let them know? alot of pups do this for a while when they are young, im just saying maybe there are reasons for what u see, try not to assume and give your neighbours a chance to explain

Answer 4

Call the manager. This puppy is being mistreated by expecting it to relieve itself on the balcony. That's unsanitary and also the puppy could hurt itself by trying to get out. And this is not fair to you.... you should not have to listen to that barking.

Answer 5

Contact the apartment management first, both about the noise and about the balcony thing.

Good luck...

Answer 6

Contact your apt manager first and see if they can talk to your neighbor. Tell them about the noise first because that's more likly to get their attention. if that doen't help then try to call animal control and talk to them about the problem. If you go to your neighbor about it, and then call animal control, that's just going to give you problems with your neighbor....hope it helps

Answer 7

Alert the apartment manager first, that's neglect.

Answer 8

Write them a note and teach them how to properly take care of their dog and slide it into their mailbox. If they ignore it and continue then contact someone.

Answer 9

that does not sound right at all...if it is disturbing you tell your neightbores....the people that live befhind me leave their dog out all of the time....in the rain snow everything heat...if you feel that they are being cruel to the dog you have every right to call some one

Answer 10

report them or kidnap the dog and give it to some one who will take good care of it.