Thousand Oaks For Common Peace

Barking Dogs

Posted in: UHRA

Very sorry to hear that but lucky you only have the problem during late night hours. It seems that we hear our neighbor's dogs barking constantly...can't sleep, can't talk on the phone - can't even hear ourselves think.  It is incomprehensible that barking nuisances are not enforceable and that surrounding residents have to go through so much protocol (Pasadena City District Attorney's Office) just to maintain peace and quiet for the neighborhood as a whole.  We found it offensive that the Humane Society/Animal Control's response to our years of concern is, "Dogs bark --- that's just they do."  That's not necessarily true.  We have a dog and neighbors have commented, "Wow! Didn't even know you had a dog...its so quiet." Good luck to you...we can even get cooperation from other neighbors.


Please google "barking dogs" and you'll be pleased to see lots of resources on how to deal with the problem.  You have more control than you think.  If you haven't talked to the neighbors - and I hope you haven't, it doesn't work - take the anonymous approach by leaving a polite letter, then escalate from there.  You might need to hire an attorney.  But there are other options.  Buy a very powerful flashlight and shine it into the neighbor's yard when the dog barks at night.  Use technology - videotape the dog barking and post it on youtube.  See if you can get the neighbor's cell phone number and email them a clip of their dog barking constantly.  You'll need to tailor your approach based on the specifics of tthe situation.  For example, after clearing it with my neighbor, I give dog treats to his dog when they are noisy - but they have to quiet down first.  Maybe you can establish a rapport with the dog yourself - get them to like you, then they may gradually accept your authority.  Bottom line, go onto the Internet and research the issue - take control!

I feel your pain...I'm looking for an attorney that can file a lawsuit for a PRIVATE NUISANCE lawsuit for me. Our "neighbors" and their DOG'S CONSTANT BARKING must pay through their pocketbook...the only thing they may understand

  • Stock
  • KayS
  • Active Neighbor
  • USA
  • 1 Post
  • Respect-O-Meter: Active Neighbor

I feel everyone's pain in reference to this situation. I can honestly say I have become very acquainted with the system in regards to dog barking. I had the experience of dealing with my neighbors one to the east the other to the west of me regarding their dogs. The bottom line is respect and training. If your neighbors don't respect the community and their neighbors and the dogs aren't trained you have a problem.

 

Yes you can talk to them and about 45% may try and work something out, but that is short lived. Without training the dogs will continue to bark. Yes you can get animal control involved, but through experience we are looking at almost a 7 to 9 month process. Yes, you can involve the City Government most of what they say is typical of city officials. My process took many calls, letters, visit to the neighbors and a year later their dogs still bark.

 

The only thing to change the dog barking situation is to make the city officals change the laws. That can only be done through petitions to the city. If anyone has started one for West Covina please let me know. I agree with one of the post until you hit these neighbors with barking dogs where it hurts (in their pockets) they really won't change there ways. They just plan don't care. I asked a neighbor once, "don't you hear your dog barking?" His reply was "I've learned to tone it out". Enough said!!!

 

  • Stock
  • drdeech
  • Active Neighbor
  • USA
  • 1 Post
  • Respect-O-Meter: Active Neighbor
I am the owner of a barking dog and am very sympathetic to your complaints. My dog is a rescue and I have own him now for 16 months. My neighbor who has the issue is under the belief I am not doing anything to resolve the issue. He has been very passive aggressive in dealing with the issue and does not seem to be aware of my efforts. My dog is extremely smart and my measures are effective for a short period of time and then the dog will learn. The bottom line, if my neighbor would communicate with me he might know I am concernned and am trying to be a good neighbor and attempting to fix the issue as quickly as possible.
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