Neighbour's barking dog

Help1234

Hello, live in a semi-detached house. Around Christmas new neighbours moved in (similar age to us - late twenties) seemed like nice quiet professional couple. However they have a small dog, looks to be cockapoo or something similar and smaller. Don't hear a peep out of him when the neighbours are home but as soon as the dog is left home alone for 8 hours each day 9-5 he barks regularly and sounds very distressed. I can tell they love him a lot so not sure if they are aware of this happening given it is only when they go to work. They have been going back to work since lock down eased but I'm a shielder and can work from home and so I can hear him regularly throughout the day everyday. The dog is kept in the bedroom and I feel scared to ever go upstairs whenever he's not barking in case I make a sound that sets him off (i.e. use the toilet).
I have never spoke to them more than to say hello. Should I knock on the door and tell them? Or send a polite note? Can anything even be done about this to make it stop?

comeandgo

Well since the dog barks only when they are not in I suspect they don't know.  I would visit them and explain the problem.  I think writing is not acceptable, it is too formal and suggests keeping copies of letters to be used for further action.
Would you be able to have the dog in your house when your neighbours are at work?  At least then you would be able to go to the toilet as required.

CurlySue2017

Help1234 said:

Hello, live in a semi-detached house. Around Christmas new neighbours moved in (similar age to us - late twenties) seemed like nice quiet professional couple. However they have a small dog, looks to be cockapoo or something similar and smaller. Don't hear a peep out of him when the neighbours are home but as soon as the dog is left home alone for 8 hours each day 9-5 he barks regularly and sounds very distressed. I can tell they love him a lot so not sure if they are aware of this happening given it is only when they go to work. They have been going back to work since lock down eased but I'm a shielder and can work from home and so I can hear him regularly throughout the day everyday. The dog is kept in the bedroom and I feel scared to ever go upstairs whenever he's not barking in case I make a sound that sets him off (i.e. use the toilet).
I have never spoke to them more than to say hello. Should I knock on the door and tell them? Or send a polite note? Can anything even be done about this to make it stop?

Personally I would start by having a conversation with them face to face - as you say, they are probably not even aware that the dog is barking when they are not there and may well be mortified to find out that it is disturbing the neighbours (I know I would be).  Of course in these situations you never know what reaction you will get but this would be the best way to raise the subject IMO, a note can be seen as quite passive aggressive, even if not meant that way.

We have a dog and if someone approached me to tell me she was barking and seemed distressed when alone, I would be glad of them telling me and giving me chance to resolve the problem.

Help1234

I have thought about offering to have the dog for them while they are out at work but I foster cats for the RSPCA and I think that would mean I wouldn't be able to continue doing that as many come to me under distressing circumstances and a dog may cause them anxiety. I guess I can discuss this with my partner.

sheramber

 Don't approach them with a complaint. Tell them you are concerned that the dog sounds distressed and barks a lot when they are   not there.

hb2

sheramber said:

 Don't approach them with a complaint. Tell them you are concerned that the dog sounds distressed and barks a lot when they are   not there.

This. Present it as being worried about the dog, rather than disturbed by the noise. You might not be able to have the dog in with you when the neighbours are at work, but would you be able to take him/her for a walk at lunchtime (for instance)? 

KimBaumgart

Hi! My dog does the same when I am not at home. It used to drive my neighbors crazy and I totally understand why. My dog has a bad case of separation anxiety, and I did not even realize that until my neighbors point that out to me. So, yes talk to them. There are plenty of solutions for anxious dogs. 

Help1234

Hey thanks for all your responses. I spoke with them back on 10th August face to face. They did not realise the barking carried on through the day (they thought it was just for a few minutes when they first leave). It was a polite and friendly conversation where they also introduced me to the dog. Since then nothing has changed. The dog continues to bark throughout whenever they are not at home. Do you think I approach again? :-(

sheramber

Yes,  you should  mention that it is still barking.

Aranyani

They won't have been able to fix it overnight, but maybe ask how things are doing?

thriftytracey

That is awful.  It is cruel to leave a dog for eight hours a day!  That dog has probably developed a bad case of separation anxiety now.  They should pay for doggie day care or arrange to work from home some of the week.  It really makes me angry when people purchase dogs and then leave them on their own for so long.  It is unfortunate that owners are allowed to get away with this.  Cockapoos require a lot of exercise and stimulus and company.  They are a very social breed.