We all know that one neighbor whose dog barks incessantly and keeps everyone up at night. It can be really frustrating, especially if you’re losing sleep over it or the barking is stressing out your cats. Here are a few steps to take when your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking.
You may find yourself frustrated and challenged when trying to stop a neighbor’s dog’s constant barking. The problem is not always easily addressed because the barking could be caused by anything from boredom to fear, pain, anxiety, or lack of exercise. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to restore peace and quiet:
Keep detailed records of the neighbor’s dog barking.
If a barking dog becomes problematic enough that you need to approach your neighbor or contact authorities, you’ll need detailed records to back you up. Hyperbolic statements like, “the dog never stops barking,” or “I can’t get a minute of sleep,” won’t help your case.
Instead, use a calendar to mark exactly which days, and which time of day or night, your neighbor’s dog barks. Also make note of what the bark sounds like to you. For example, does it sound like the dog is barking at something or someone outside, does it sound like the dog is barking to be let inside? Is the bark high-pitched or low and growl-ey? Be as detailed as you can. These details can be helpful both in proving there’s a problem and in helping to determine why the dog is barking so that it can be remedied. Keeping audio or video recordings of the noise can be useful, too.
Discuss the barking dog with your neighbor.
Confronting someone with a problem is never fun, especially when it’s a neighbor. So, when first approaching a neighbor with your concerns, start from a place of compassion and understanding whenever possible. Is it possible that your neighbor isn’t home when the problematic barking occurs and doesn’t know it’s happening? Perhaps they’re aware of the problem and aren’t sure how to stop it themselves.
If your neighbor refuses to open the door or won’t discuss the problem, leave a note. And, be sure to record dates and details of any interaction with your neighbor to discuss their dog’s barking.
Provide your neighbor with some helpful advice to stop the barking.
If you approach the barking dog’s owner and find that they’re willing to try to solve the problem, offer some helpful suggestions for quieting the dog. Hopefully your neighbor cares about their dog and, because a dog that barks non-stop is not a happy dog, will be open to trying new things.
If the dog spends long hours alone outside, he could be bored, lonely, or just trying to expend some pent-up energy. Suggest your neighbor provide more exercise or playtime, hire a dog walker, or enroll their pet in doggy daycare so the dog uses their alone time to rest and relax instead of barking.
If your neighbors aren’t willing or don’t have the means to provide their dog with more exercise, encourage them to at least provide mental stimulation to help with their dog’s boredom. Interactive toys, training games, and treat puzzles all provide mental stimulation and help to both calm and entertain a bored dog.
A long-lasting treat, like a Himalayan Dog Chew or a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter can keep a dog quiet for hours, too. If the problematic barking occurs when your neighbor isn’t home, offer to toss a long-lasting treat over the fence when the barking starts and become part of the solution. Your neighbor—and their dog—just might love you for it!
Consider an anti-bark solution.
We only recommend aversive solutions as a last resort. So, if you’ve tried talking to your neighbor and making suggestions to help quiet the barking dog to no avail, it may be time to consider an anti-barking device to bring back quiet time.
A great option for problematic canine neighbors is the Ultrasonic Birdhouse from PetSafe. This device can be used to stop your neighbor’s dog from barking without them knowing you’re doing it. This covert device can be helpful in keeping the peace when your neighbor is unable or unwilling to address the problem barking.
Ultrasonic bark control devices need only be directed toward a dog who is barking. When they detect barking, the devices emit a specific ultrasonic sound that disrupts the behavior pattern and, hopefully, stops the barking. Unfortunately, they are not always effective for all dogs.
Finally, contact authorities for help.
If you’ve tried all of the suggestions above and your neighbor’s dog still won’t stop barking, you may need to contact police or animal control officials for help. Authorities will usually perform a wellness check on the dog and give your neighbor a warning that the problem must be resolved. If the dog is not kept quiet, your neighbor could face a citation or fine. If problem barking continues after a citation is written, your neighbor may lose custody of their pet. Be sure to carefully consider how involving authorities and law enforcement may impact the relationship with your neighbor before picking up the phone.
Have you ever successfully solved a problem with a neighbor’s barking dog? Share a comment below about how you brought peace and quiet back to the neighborhood.
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