Neighbors complained about my dogs - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ashley V · 03-04-2011, 07:33 AM

We live in a condo complex and we've been here for almost 2 years. In our building we have no new neighbors... they've all been here before us. When we first moved in, we tried to let the dogs have the entire run of the apartment when we would leave the house, but someone put a note on our door within the first week of us moving in, that the dogs barked too much. Okay, so we went back to putting them in the bedroom like we did before when we would leave the house. We put a fan on so they can't hear so much and I'm pretty sure they sleep all day except when someone walks behind our condo (we live on the first floor) so they freak out when someone has a dog with them or gets really close. I think what happened is the landscapers came a few days ago and they freaked out because they were probably putting mulch and such on the bush that touches our window. Most dogs would be freaking out, not just mine. My landlord emailed me that there was a complaint mailed to her. She didn't say anything else, but I'm now afraid about Chip and Smokey barking at all. They really don't even hardly bark when we're home. Mostly just when they are playing, but they are fairly lazy dogs or when I'm home alone, Smokey just extra protective and will bark more. I try to keep them quiet, but when one gets set off, so does the other one. Also, the neighbors that I think put in the complaint, the ones directly above us, bang and hammer, and make a lot of noise themselves, so that sets Chip and Smokey off if they aren't expecting that noise. I don't know what to do really. This is come off as a shock because it hasn't been an issue for so long and I don't think they bark hardly at all, but I can see where it can get annoying, especially if someone doesn't particularly like dogs. What should I do in terms of training?

Maximo · 03-04-2011, 08:30 AM

I am sorry that you are facing this challenge. If possible, I would buy a recording device to study your pups' activities and barking habits when you are gone. You could do this with an relatively inexpensive security camera and VCR.

I would also try talking to your neighbors to let them know that you are concerned and want to work out any problems. Some people cannot be reasoned with, so I understand if this is not a possibility.

Do your pups like TV or radio? You could add that to the fan. Are they able to see out the window? Maybe blocking their view would help.

Ashley V · 03-04-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximo

I am sorry that you are facing this challenge. If possible, I would buy a recording device to study your pups' activities and barking habits when you are gone. You could do this with an relatively inexpensive security camera and VCR.

I would also try talking to your neighbors to let them know that you are concerned and want to work out any problems. Some people cannot be reasoned with, so I understand if this is not a possibility.

Do your pups like TV or radio? You could add that to the fan. Are they able to see out the window? Maybe blocking their view would help.

The tape recorder is a really good idea. Our bed has a large window right behind it and we are actually getting a wooden head board on Monday to block the window some so they can't see out of it, which should help some. I don't think they care too much about a TV or radio. It might help block some noise though. Thanks for the ideas!

ArmaniMan · 03-04-2011, 08:39 AM

I also recommend blocking that window if possible- I had to do the same in my apartment to prevent Chloe from barking whenever someone walked by. I think recording them is a good idea- this way you can see if there really is a problem- if they are constantly barking all day long you may have to consider crating them when you are gone. If it is just a few barks here and there when someone is near the window you can use the tape as proof for the landlord. I understand people don't like dogs but it is unreasonable to expect to never hear a dog bark if you live in an apartment/ condo type place. I hear other people talking in the halls, I hear people's music, I hear walking/ banging/ etc.- it is all just part of living in close quarters. Good Luck.

Maximo · 03-04-2011, 08:45 AM

Hopefully you will receive some more tips. I'm very sensitive to other people's comfort, and I know noise in a condo or apartment can be a serious problem, but I think many people just enjoy complaining. We live in a subdivision with minimum half acre lots and lots of dogs barking indoors and outside. There are a few people, dog owners, who like to complain about other people's dogs. They make plenty of noise themselves in other ways too.

Even before I had Max and Teddy, I wasn't bothered by dogs barking. I'm far more concerned about mega bass stereos and really bad garage bands.

browniesmom622 · 03-04-2011, 08:55 AM

we put frost on the bottom of our windows so they can see out but we still have the light from the windows.

miabellaamoure · 03-04-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximo

I am sorry that you are facing this challenge. If possible, I would buy a recording device to study your pups' activities and barking habits when you are gone. You could do this with an relatively inexpensive security camera and VCR.

I would also try talking to your neighbors to let them know that you are concerned and want to work out any problems. Some people cannot be reasoned with, so I understand if this is not a possibility.

Do your pups like TV or radio? You could add that to the fan. Are they able to see out the window? Maybe blocking their view would help.

You could also bring your dogs to meet the neighbor and apologize for any noise these little "cuties" have made and then make sure you have a tray of hot chocolate chip cookies for the neighbor, too.

Nothing works better than chocolate in resolutions!

-

yorkietalkjilly · 03-04-2011, 04:37 PM

Surely if they know that you are working on a solution they will give you and the Yorkies some leeway and be patient. My neighbor's 2 dogs barked almost nonstop for 4 years so I know how harrassing it can be. Those 2 dogs would bark together and then one at a time and when one tired out, the other took over. Oh, they stopped some - maybe an hour to rest but the whole time you wondered how long B4 they started up again and soon, they were back at it. If my neighbor had just once given me a reason to hope that she was working on a problem, it would have helped some. I only wish she had acted as responsibly as you and worked on the problem as soon as it was reported. It is good to know there are people who want their dogs not to bother others, as I am that way with Tibbe. And hopefully, those noisy neighbors of yours will quieten down some, too. I'll bet videoing your dogs will help you to devise a good plan and I wish you and your little babies good success. But doggies have got to get in some barking just to be normal dogs and I hope your neighbors will understand that, too.

yorkieusa · 03-04-2011, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashley V

The tape recorder is a really good idea. Our bed has a large window right behind it and we are actually getting a wooden head board on Monday to block the window some so they can't see out of it, which should help some. I don't think they care too much about a TV or radio. It might help block some noise though. Thanks for the ideas!

I never leave my house without leaving the tv on for mine. I don't have to worry about her barking. I just don't want any other noises to bother her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miabellaamoure

You could also bring your dogs to meet the neighbor and apologize for any noise these little "cuties" have made and then make sure you have a tray of hot chocolate chip cookies for the neighbor, too.

Nothing works better than chocolate in resolutions!

-

Great idea! Dress them up really cute!

2Morkies · 03-04-2011, 08:05 PM

I leave the TV on for my two too. Only Muffin barks though. Maybe you could find a dog friendly community???

kjcmsw · 03-04-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashley V

The tape recorder is a really good idea. Our bed has a large window right behind it and we are actually getting a wooden head board on Monday to block the window some so they can't see out of it, which should help some. I don't think they care too much about a TV or radio. It might help block some noise though. Thanks for the ideas!

The TV is a good idea, just don't put it on animal planet, as if a dog show comes on with barking dogs, it may start them going. I put it on CNN or something like that...constant people talking, keeps 'em company (I think). Seems to block out the noises that gets 'em going.

I would at least to talk to your neighbors too...even if it turns out they're creeps and dislike animals they may be reasonable and believe you are trying to abide by community living rules.
I lived in an apartment once many years ago...once was enough for me.

mscat · 03-05-2011, 03:14 AM

I live in an upstairs apt. my yorkie Suzi is the barker . She is an amazing little watchdog, though. But, I can hear her from down the stairs towards my car at times. She is very loud and sounds like a bigger dog then a small yorkie. Suzi is now 3 years old , and I have had her since 9 weeks old. We have been lucky that their have not been neighbor complaints. Leaving the tv on is a great idea . I usually leave a light on for them when we go out.

Princess10 · 03-08-2011, 09:35 PM

i always leave the t.v. on the "soundscapes" relaxing music station or leave the pc with music for princess. the vet told me to do it because not only does the dog think there's trouble when it hears something, he may also think you are coming home when in fact you're not yet, and may bark or whine because of that. so the extra sound drowns out the sounds more.
also, i don't know where your computer is or if it's a laptop, but you could also record them on a webcam and save the file to your pc that way you don't have to worry about running out of tape/batteries, etc. i think if you call best buy or another pc store they will tell you how to record it that way. and you can get a webcam for $20-$30. i know it's hard living on a shared property, i'm in a huge complex with tons of dogs including my across the hall neighbor & pug, whom princess despises. hopefully you can figure it out so you're not stressed and worried when they do bark sometimes, and people need to understand that it's a package deal when you live in a pet friendly area.

03-04-2011, 07:33 AM	#1
Ashley V ♥ Chip ♥ Smokey ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Leesburg Posts: 3,835	Neighbors complained about my dogs We live in a condo complex and we've been here for almost 2 years. In our building we have no new neighbors... they've all been here before us. When we first moved in, we tried to let the dogs have the entire run of the apartment when we would leave the house, but someone put a note on our door within the first week of us moving in, that the dogs barked too much. Okay, so we went back to putting them in the bedroom like we did before when we would leave the house. We put a fan on so they can't hear so much and I'm pretty sure they sleep all day except when someone walks behind our condo (we live on the first floor) so they freak out when someone has a dog with them or gets really close. I think what happened is the landscapers came a few days ago and they freaked out because they were probably putting mulch and such on the bush that touches our window. Most dogs would be freaking out, not just mine. My landlord emailed me that there was a complaint mailed to her. She didn't say anything else, but I'm now afraid about Chip and Smokey barking at all. They really don't even hardly bark when we're home. Mostly just when they are playing, but they are fairly lazy dogs or when I'm home alone, Smokey just extra protective and will bark more. I try to keep them quiet, but when one gets set off, so does the other one. Also, the neighbors that I think put in the complaint, the ones directly above us, bang and hammer, and make a lot of noise themselves, so that sets Chip and Smokey off if they aren't expecting that noise. I don't know what to do really. This is come off as a shock because it hasn't been an issue for so long and I don't think they bark hardly at all, but I can see where it can get annoying, especially if someone doesn't particularly like dogs. What should I do in terms of training? __________________ ~~ Chip ~~ Smokey ~*~ My heart is wrapped around their little paws Karley Marissa born 1/20/12 weighing 8 lbs 11 oz and 21.5 inches long

03-04-2011, 08:30 AM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	I am sorry that you are facing this challenge. If possible, I would buy a recording device to study your pups' activities and barking habits when you are gone. You could do this with an relatively inexpensive security camera and VCR. I would also try talking to your neighbors to let them know that you are concerned and want to work out any problems. Some people cannot be reasoned with, so I understand if this is not a possibility. Do your pups like TV or radio? You could add that to the fan. Are they able to see out the window? Maybe blocking their view would help. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

03-04-2011, 08:39 AM	#4
ArmaniMan I ♥ Armani & Chloe Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 3,895	I also recommend blocking that window if possible- I had to do the same in my apartment to prevent Chloe from barking whenever someone walked by. I think recording them is a good idea- this way you can see if there really is a problem- if they are constantly barking all day long you may have to consider crating them when you are gone. If it is just a few barks here and there when someone is near the window you can use the tape as proof for the landlord. I understand people don't like dogs but it is unreasonable to expect to never hear a dog bark if you live in an apartment/ condo type place. I hear other people talking in the halls, I hear people's music, I hear walking/ banging/ etc.- it is all just part of living in close quarters. Good Luck. __________________ Armani & Chloe

03-04-2011, 08:45 AM	#5
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Hopefully you will receive some more tips. I'm very sensitive to other people's comfort, and I know noise in a condo or apartment can be a serious problem, but I think many people just enjoy complaining. We live in a subdivision with minimum half acre lots and lots of dogs barking indoors and outside. There are a few people, dog owners, who like to complain about other people's dogs. They make plenty of noise themselves in other ways too. Even before I had Max and Teddy, I wasn't bothered by dogs barking. I'm far more concerned about mega bass stereos and really bad garage bands. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

03-04-2011, 08:55 AM	#6
browniesmom622 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ny Posts: 11,253 Blog Entries: 5	we put frost on the bottom of our windows so they can see out but we still have the light from the windows. __________________ We Love our Yt Angel! My Website< > FB page

03-04-2011, 04:37 PM	#8
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Surely if they know that you are working on a solution they will give you and the Yorkies some leeway and be patient. My neighbor's 2 dogs barked almost nonstop for 4 years so I know how harrassing it can be. Those 2 dogs would bark together and then one at a time and when one tired out, the other took over. Oh, they stopped some - maybe an hour to rest but the whole time you wondered how long B4 they started up again and soon, they were back at it. If my neighbor had just once given me a reason to hope that she was working on a problem, it would have helped some. I only wish she had acted as responsibly as you and worked on the problem as soon as it was reported. It is good to know there are people who want their dogs not to bother others, as I am that way with Tibbe. And hopefully, those noisy neighbors of yours will quieten down some, too. I'll bet videoing your dogs will help you to devise a good plan and I wish you and your little babies good success. But doggies have got to get in some barking just to be normal dogs and I hope your neighbors will understand that, too.

03-04-2011, 08:05 PM	#10
2Morkies YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA Posts: 798	I leave the TV on for my two too. Only Muffin barks though. Maybe you could find a dog friendly community??? __________________ MuffinBoomer

03-05-2011, 03:14 AM	#12
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	I live in an upstairs apt. my yorkie Suzi is the barker . She is an amazing little watchdog, though. But, I can hear her from down the stairs towards my car at times. She is very loud and sounds like a bigger dog then a small yorkie. Suzi is now 3 years old , and I have had her since 9 weeks old. We have been lucky that their have not been neighbor complaints. Leaving the tv on is a great idea . I usually leave a light on for them when we go out. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

03-08-2011, 09:35 PM	#13
Princess10 Banning Queen Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Home of the Kalamazoo Wings, MI. Posts: 3,122	i always leave the t.v. on the "soundscapes" relaxing music station or leave the pc with music for princess. the vet told me to do it because not only does the dog think there's trouble when it hears something, he may also think you are coming home when in fact you're not yet, and may bark or whine because of that. so the extra sound drowns out the sounds more. also, i don't know where your computer is or if it's a laptop, but you could also record them on a webcam and save the file to your pc that way you don't have to worry about running out of tape/batteries, etc. i think if you call best buy or another pc store they will tell you how to record it that way. and you can get a webcam for $20-$30. i know it's hard living on a shared property, i'm in a huge complex with tons of dogs including my across the hall neighbor & pug, whom princess despises. hopefully you can figure it out so you're not stressed and worried when they do bark sometimes, and people need to understand that it's a package deal when you live in a pet friendly area.