Neighbor Complaint..What should I do? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

hannahallen · 10-14-2009, 05:36 PM

This evening when I got home there was a note on the front door to my apartment. It said that Cohen started barking at 7 am and did not stop until 5:30pm and that we need to do something about it or they will file a formal complaint with management. I don't even know what to say. First of all, it is a major exaggeration. I know this, because I did not leave this morning until 8am, and he wasn't barking at 7. Then I came home right after class at 12 and was here until 4pm, so between 12-4 he wasn't barking. I just got home at 8 and found this note.

I feel bad for the neighbors if he really was barking, because I know that can get annoying, but for heavens sake we live in the dog building of my apartment complex! Everyone's dog barks, and yeah, I do think it's annoying, but I have never complained about it to anyone. I don't think it is the owner's fault if his or her dog is upset when they leave, because they just love and miss their owner!

I do not know what to do about this, and I will be very upset if I really do get a complaint through management because you only get 3 and then you have to move out. Anyone have any suggestions?

a2luckygirl · 10-14-2009, 05:44 PM

I would tell management that you were there at the times you were- and your dog was not barking at those times! It sounds to me like - it was someone else's dog!

I would start keeping track if you hear another dog barking and the times you hear it( WHEN U ARE THERE!)

dO YOU LEAVE A RADIO ON - OR TV TO KEEP YOUR DOG COMPANY??
jUST SOME SUGGESTIONS!!!

hope it all works out for you!

Lioncross4 · 10-14-2009, 05:47 PM

I would keep close tabs on your schedule and document it, so if there are more complaints you can answer with confidents. I would also think about putting in a time stamped nanny cam-these aren't very expensive. Then, you know what is really going on.

My neighbor complains about us all of the time to the police, because of good documentation and a great relationship with the cops...we have never been in trouble...they see our neighbor as the complaining soul she is.

You could also talk to other neighbors to see if they have heard anything or heard that neighbor complain of others...

good luck--this is a hard one.

JeanieK · 10-14-2009, 05:48 PM

There was a post on there just a few days ago about a thing that looks like a bird house. When the dog barks it gives off a sound that cannot be heard by humans but dogs do not like.

You could try that. I don't know how well it would work indoors. Perhaps someone that has tried one can give you more information

hannahallen · 10-14-2009, 05:53 PM

Thanks for suggestions. My bf doesn't think it is Cohen making the noise. I will definitely try to explain it to management if I get a complaint from them. That noise-making thing sounds like a good idea. I'll look into that.

Timba212 · 10-14-2009, 06:11 PM

You know what if your allowed to have dogs on the premises... then who cares what anyone says... Im sure the other dogs bark too.... I dont care who complains where I live...." I just tell them if you dont like it go live in the cemetery where there is peace and quiet all day long" .... or put on ear plugs....lol

capt_noonie · 10-14-2009, 06:18 PM

Do you know who it is? or was in an anonymous? seems to me this person is probably jealous of you. they should get a life! I think I would go talk with management before they do.

hannahallen · 10-14-2009, 06:22 PM

They didn't put their name on it. So irritating. If your going to be rude enough to leave a note, at least let me know who you are.

a2luckygirl · 10-14-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hannahallen

Thanks for suggestions. My bf doesn't think it is Cohen making the noise. I will definitely try to explain it to management if I get a complaint from them. That noise-making thing sounds like a good idea. I'll look into that.

I would beat the jerks to management!
Tell them u were home some of those times- and the complainers are MISTAKEN- that's a nice way to put it!!!

Abby08 · 10-14-2009, 06:35 PM

This is a tough one. Have you tried talking with your downstairs neighbor? In a non conflicting way, you can start out by letting them know when you left and came back and how you were unaware of your dog's barking when you left or came back. Listen to them carefully so you can find out what times he barks and for how long. Perhaps when your dog barks, others bark too or when other dogs bark, it causes your dog to bark. Maybe your dog is barking when someone walks past your apartment? Is there a cat meowing next door? Phone ringing?

Do you have a way to keep your dog occupied while your gone? Chew toys and bones available to keep him busy? Maybe change from a bone one day and a chew toy the next and a ball the next day. Make each day different, but keep it simple and inexpensive. There are small treat balls that you can put small kibble into and teach him how to roll it around to get a treat from it.

Can you take your dog for a walk before you leave in the morning or when you get back? A good amount of exercise will help to keep his energy level more stable,perhaps less likely to bark.

I have been both victim of a noisy neighbor Yorky and am currently the owner of an instigator barking Yorky.

I hope others have some helpful suggestions as well.

Mardelin · 10-14-2009, 06:38 PM

I would also leave a recorder on when you leave the house. So that you can monitor if it's your dog.

Ringo1 · 10-15-2009, 03:27 AM

I had the same problem when I moved to a new state and new apartment with my maltese, Casper. I came home to a note on the door. It was so upsetting; I just started crying I didn't know what to do. Brand new job; brand new apartment; brand new state - I did not know one single soul to talk to. I had to go to work.

I called my vet and he mailed me some mild sedative to give to Casper for his first few days in his new place.

I only gave it to him twice because I didn't like doing it - but it did the trick. Casper got used to his new apartment and I didn't ever get another complaint.

I guess we both got adjusted!

ambocken · 10-15-2009, 04:07 AM

We have a similar problem. We used a digital camera with a video setting to take a video for the first hour and a half of us being gone. Turns out ours barks for about 20 minutes when we leave then settles down. Now we have proof!

TeresaM · 10-15-2009, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hannahallen

Thanks for suggestions. My bf doesn't think it is Cohen making the noise. I will definitely try to explain it to management if I get a complaint from them. That noise-making thing sounds like a good idea. I'll look into that.

Do not wait for the management to come to you with a complaint. Be pro-active on this. Tell them, right now, about this, write it all down very clear, no emotions, just the facts and leave a copy with them. Make a note on your copy who you gave this to, in writing and the date. Places, apartments, lenders, utilities, etc, are usually very happy to work out things with you - but you have to let them know you are responsible and aren't just trying to 'sneak out the back door'.

ladyjane · 10-15-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I would also leave a recorder on when you leave the house. So that you can monitor if it's your dog.

Great idea! That way, at least you will know if it is your pup or not. No sense banging your head against a wall trying to come up with barking solutions if it is not your pup doing it!

10-14-2009, 05:36 PM	#1
hannahallen Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond, KY, USA Posts: 163	Neighbor Complaint..What should I do? This evening when I got home there was a note on the front door to my apartment. It said that Cohen started barking at 7 am and did not stop until 5:30pm and that we need to do something about it or they will file a formal complaint with management. I don't even know what to say. First of all, it is a major exaggeration. I know this, because I did not leave this morning until 8am, and he wasn't barking at 7. Then I came home right after class at 12 and was here until 4pm, so between 12-4 he wasn't barking. I just got home at 8 and found this note. I feel bad for the neighbors if he really was barking, because I know that can get annoying, but for heavens sake we live in the dog building of my apartment complex! Everyone's dog barks, and yeah, I do think it's annoying, but I have never complained about it to anyone. I don't think it is the owner's fault if his or her dog is upset when they leave, because they just love and miss their owner! I do not know what to do about this, and I will be very upset if I really do get a complaint through management because you only get 3 and then you have to move out. Anyone have any suggestions? __________________ Cohen is the cheese to my macaroni!

10-14-2009, 05:44 PM	#2
a2luckygirl YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: HASTINGS, NE- 4 NOW!!! Posts: 2,208	I would tell management that you were there at the times you were- and your dog was not barking at those times! It sounds to me like - it was someone else's dog! I would start keeping track if you hear another dog barking and the times you hear it( WHEN U ARE THERE!) dO YOU LEAVE A RADIO ON - OR TV TO KEEP YOUR DOG COMPANY?? jUST SOME SUGGESTIONS!!! hope it all works out for you! __________________ :I PLAYING....THE BANJO........ AND KISSING MY MOMMY:kiss3

10-14-2009, 05:53 PM	#5
hannahallen Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond, KY, USA Posts: 163	Thanks for suggestions. My bf doesn't think it is Cohen making the noise. I will definitely try to explain it to management if I get a complaint from them. That noise-making thing sounds like a good idea. I'll look into that. __________________ Cohen is the cheese to my macaroni!

10-14-2009, 06:11 PM	#6
Timba212 YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: BKLYN.NY Posts: 328	You know what if your allowed to have dogs on the premises... then who cares what anyone says... Im sure the other dogs bark too.... I dont care who complains where I live...." I just tell them if you dont like it go live in the cemetery where there is peace and quiet all day long" .... or put on ear plugs....lol __________________ MoM to TIMBA & MAGGIE

10-14-2009, 06:18 PM	#7
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	Do you know who it is? or was in an anonymous? seems to me this person is probably jealous of you. they should get a life! I think I would go talk with management before they do. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

10-14-2009, 05:47 PM	#3
Lioncross4 YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 338	I would keep close tabs on your schedule and document it, so if there are more complaints you can answer with confidents. I would also think about putting in a time stamped nanny cam-these aren't very expensive. Then, you know what is really going on. My neighbor complains about us all of the time to the police, because of good documentation and a great relationship with the cops...we have never been in trouble...they see our neighbor as the complaining soul she is. You could also talk to other neighbors to see if they have heard anything or heard that neighbor complain of others... good luck--this is a hard one.

10-14-2009, 05:48 PM	#4
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	There was a post on there just a few days ago about a thing that looks like a bird house. When the dog barks it gives off a sound that cannot be heard by humans but dogs do not like. You could try that. I don't know how well it would work indoors. Perhaps someone that has tried one can give you more information

10-14-2009, 06:22 PM	#8
hannahallen Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond, KY, USA Posts: 163	They didn't put their name on it. So irritating. If your going to be rude enough to leave a note, at least let me know who you are. __________________ Cohen is the cheese to my macaroni!

10-14-2009, 06:35 PM	#10
Abby08 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ,nc,usa Posts: 193	This is a tough one. Have you tried talking with your downstairs neighbor? In a non conflicting way, you can start out by letting them know when you left and came back and how you were unaware of your dog's barking when you left or came back. Listen to them carefully so you can find out what times he barks and for how long. Perhaps when your dog barks, others bark too or when other dogs bark, it causes your dog to bark. Maybe your dog is barking when someone walks past your apartment? Is there a cat meowing next door? Phone ringing? Do you have a way to keep your dog occupied while your gone? Chew toys and bones available to keep him busy? Maybe change from a bone one day and a chew toy the next and a ball the next day. Make each day different, but keep it simple and inexpensive. There are small treat balls that you can put small kibble into and teach him how to roll it around to get a treat from it. Can you take your dog for a walk before you leave in the morning or when you get back? A good amount of exercise will help to keep his energy level more stable,perhaps less likely to bark. I have been both victim of a noisy neighbor Yorky and am currently the owner of an instigator barking Yorky. I hope others have some helpful suggestions as well.

10-14-2009, 06:38 PM	#11
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	I would also leave a recorder on when you leave the house. So that you can monitor if it's your dog. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

10-15-2009, 03:27 AM	#12
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I had the same problem when I moved to a new state and new apartment with my maltese, Casper. I came home to a note on the door. It was so upsetting; I just started crying I didn't know what to do. Brand new job; brand new apartment; brand new state - I did not know one single soul to talk to. I had to go to work. I called my vet and he mailed me some mild sedative to give to Casper for his first few days in his new place. I only gave it to him twice because I didn't like doing it - but it did the trick. Casper got used to his new apartment and I didn't ever get another complaint. I guess we both got adjusted!

10-15-2009, 04:07 AM	#13
ambocken Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 245	We have a similar problem. We used a digital camera with a video setting to take a video for the first hour and a half of us being gone. Turns out ours barks for about 20 minutes when we leave then settles down. Now we have proof!