Neighbour's dog and barking.

Cyclamen

To my embarrassment I have a noisy visiting Jack Russel that comes here. She is a rescue who lacked training/socialisation as a puppy. I am working on anything I can to settle her. She only comes a few days at a time to stay when my parents are away/in hospital etc. She is quieter at theirs as less 'bark triggers'.

My neighbour also has a barking dog stay..so we both help each other with ideas.

You mention the wife was more approachable if only slightly so... I wonder if she'd consider trying some things.
- leaving radio on for dog.
- closing curtains when out so dog not triggered by people walking by
- introducing you to dog.. so my neighbour can say 'dog's name no' if he gets to the garden before i do when she barks (I have mobility issues).. it works for me as well as i can soothe his dog by talking to her.
- ultimately training ... i'm getting there but it's slow.
- you've already mentioned changing rooms.. i make sure my barking guest isn't in a room next to a bedroom.
- kong type toys to occupy the dogs time when left
- the calming pheromone room plugs.. might be cheaper than headphones but neighbour should pay..their dog = their responsibility

of course all that needs your neighbours to co-operate..so I hope that something can be sorted.. as it is unfair and bad manners but also stressful on the dog

CakeCrusader

Cyclamen wrote: »

To my embarrassment I have a noisy visiting Jack Russel that comes here. She is a rescue who lacked training/socialisation as a puppy. I am working on anything I can to settle her. She only comes a few days at a time to stay when my parents are away/in hospital etc. She is quieter at theirs as less 'bark triggers'.

My neighbour also has a barking dog stay..so we both help each other with ideas.

You mention the wife was more approachable if only slightly so... I wonder if she'd consider trying some things.
- leaving radio on for dog.
- closing curtains when out so dog not triggered by people walking by
- introducing you to dog.. so my neighbour can say 'dog's name no' if he gets to the garden before i do when she barks (I have mobility issues).. it works for me as well as i can soothe his dog by talking to her.
- ultimately training ... i'm getting there but it's slow.
- you've already mentioned changing rooms.. i make sure my barking guest isn't in a room next to a bedroom.
- kong type toys to occupy the dogs time when left
- the calming pheromone room plugs.. might be cheaper than headphones but neighbour should pay..their dog = their responsibility

of course all that needs your neighbours to co-operate..so I hope that something can be sorted.. as it is unfair and bad manners but also stressful on the dog

You sound a lot more considerate than my neighbours!! I get on OK with the lady, she's depressed and often feels taken advantage of by her family so I have to be careful what I say etc (slow baby steps). I think the husband is the issue, he pretty much does as he pleases and pays no attention to anyone (including his wife). They have blinds, not curtains, so they let in more light than curtains would, I don't think she knows where to start with training, the husband wouldn't bother so any training may not work as it would be inconsistent. They don't take the dog out a great deal (which is probably some of the problem), it seems to be in the house for most of the day as I can hear him barking and running around. I was thinking of getting him a teddy as a comforter but I'm not sure if he'll rip it to bits, I'll suggest the radio to her, thank you! Even without alcohol they are hard work, with alcohol they are worse.

Jackmydad

Nobody likes confrontation with awkward neighbours.
The reality is though that the only way to get through to some people is to tell them to stop.
"I've had enough of your dog barking and keeping me awake when I'm working shifts"
Stop it."
Don't accept any excuses or arguments. Don't be reasonable. Don't be "nice"

They don't care about you.

It all gives them an excuse to just carry on as they know the person complaining won't really follow it up.
When I had a problem with a dog, I went out and confronted the neighbours every time they were there.
I wasn't "nasty" but I just ignored all the "It's the dog it's not out fault" and "Poor us we've got enough to do" type excuses.

And I know it's easy to say but not easy to do!

CakeCrusader

Jackmydad wrote: »

Nobody likes confrontation with awkward neighbours.
The reality is though that the only way to get through to some people is to tell them to stop.
"I've had enough of your dog barking and keeping me awake when I'm working shifts"
Stop it."
Don't accept any excuses or arguments. Don't be reasonable. Don't be "nice"

They don't care about you.

It all gives them an excuse to just carry on as they know the person complaining won't really follow it up.
When I had a problem with a dog, I went out and confronted the neighbours every time they were there.
I wasn't "nasty" but I just ignored all the "It's the dog it's not out fault" and "Poor us we've got enough to do" type excuses.

And I know it's easy to say but not easy to do!

I've tried that (several times). The husband lies to my face, even if other people are around 'the dog doesn't bark', 'we haven't been out (while he's stood there with the car keys in his hand and carrying a bag of shopping) etc, the wife's apologetic, nothing really changes though, they just make problems by doing something else which is equally as annoying (I think it's the husband, she just does nothing as she's given up).

Jackmydad

I'd have asked him what the shopping was if they haven't been out.
But he sounds a right one.

I'd get the council involved myself.
You can take people to court yourself as well AFAIK.
Do remember though that if you have a dispute with a neighbour, then you have to declare it when selling.

couriervanman

OP.......your being too nice and considerate as previous poster said its time to get tough with them because it will only get worse with your lack of sleep.

Sea_Shell

Can you try taping your ear plugs "in", with sticky plaster tape? The on a roll type.

CakeCrusader

Jackmydad wrote: »

I'd have asked him what the shopping was if they haven't been out.
But he sounds a right one.

I'd get the council involved myself.
You can take people to court yourself as well AFAIK.
Do remember though that if you have a dispute with a neighbour, then you have to declare it when selling.

Yeah, I did that using some not so very polite words. He's terrible, I don't think the council will make him behave though. And there's declaring a dispute. My best bet's probably ear plugs and trying to rebuild his wife's self esteem so she stands up to him.

CakeCrusader

couriervanman wrote: »

OP.......your being too nice and considerate as previous poster said its time to get tough with them because it will only get worse with your lack of sleep.

I've tried public humiliation, swearing, bashing on their door, not much more I can do other than a baseball bat to be honest (I can't do this, I need a clean record for work).

CakeCrusader

Sea_Shell wrote: »

Can you try taping your ear plugs "in", with sticky plaster tape? The on a roll type.

That doesn't stick well to skin and it pulls hair out when you try to remove it.