I need advice...Quick!
 

Here's the back story:

My neighbour had two huskies (dogs) who don't bark, which was great. We never heard a peep out of them. They were locked under the house most of the time (which I personally don't approve of but that's not the issue really).

Recently (about 3 weeks ago) one of the dogs died. They don't really know why. That left one lonely Husky.

Now, every day when they go off to work and school, leaving the dog alone it howls. Pretty much constantly. I'm talking probably 6 out of the 9 or so hours it's alone for. Please keep in mind as you read this that I also work from home so this affects my ability to concentrate.

A couple of weeks ago I called her at work to tell her and she was quite good about it. Glad I'd let her know etc. She suggested she might leave the dog in the house with the cats while they're all gone or some such thing. Anyway, something must have not worked out with that because the dog was back downstairs again pretty quickly (after 1 day). Howling.

I tried to be patient and haven't said anything else till last week (when I was really sick and all I wanted to do was rest...of course this was difficult when there's a howling dog a few metres away). Anyway, because I had no voice, I sent her a text message simply saying, 'the dog is still howling. Thought you'd want to know.' I got no response, and there has been no change.

So this morning I decided to go talk to her before she left for work. First of all I saw them all look at each other before rolling down the window of the car. There were no smiles or good mornings. Only attitude. Lines like, "what do you want me to do", "we've just lost one dog", "we're trying to fix it", "we're not going to get rid of the dog", all of which I already knew and was not suggesting anyway.

The issue is, I'm a pet owner and realize that other people's pets can be a nuisance sometimes, but usually it's fairly short lived. This has been going on for several weeks now, with no end in sight from what I can tell.

I'm really pissed off after the way she spoke to me this morning when I consider myself to be a pretty considerate neighbour and I was not mean to her in my tone or words at all. I understand she probably does feel bad about it, so goes on the defensive, but that's not solving the problem, or helping me feel any sort of compassion towards her.

What would you do if you were me?

Really hard to say, you've already been far braver than I would in the same circumstances (I am such a coward re confrontation).

Personally, I'd buy earplugs, but I don't think that's a solution you'll go for :)

Check out the laws in your area re noise pollution I guess.
Then write her a letter stating the facts as you've laid them out above - you work from home, you understand the circumstances but this has become a longer term problem now, you don't want to take it any further but they need to come up with a solution.

That way they can't brush you off the way they did in the car. They're just being defensive, but the truth is, it isn't up to you to come up with a solution for them - this is their problem.

Good luck & keep us updated.

Another idea - tape or video it.
No commentary needed.
Then ask your neighbours to watch/ listen to it.
They might think you're overplaying the nuisance value otherwise.

Perhaps get her some valium/prozac?

(for the dog, I mean.)

Yeah, I thought about taping it, and I've just been writing a letter to stick in her mailbox today. This is what it says:

Donna,
I’m writing this letter to you because I didn’t get to tell you something important this morning. Aside from Keto (sorry if I’m not spelling her name correctly) howling all day, she’s scratching at the doors etc trying to get out. The dog is obviously very distressed, and aside from me being bothered by the howling, the dog is getting more and more aggressive in her attempts to escape. (she’s doing it right now as I type this letter)

With regard to our conversation this morning, I’d like you to consider that I’ve always tried to be a good neighbour and to communicate any issues I have to you directly rather than stewing on them and creating an unpleasant situation for all of us. I don’t think I’ve been unreasonable with you about this issue either. Over the course of three weeks I have made one phone call and sent one text message aside from our conversation this morning (aside from the day I first mentioned it to Ashleigh, which was when I found out about Wikka). Please try to consider how this situation affects my ability to concentrate when I’m working, aside from the fact that I was very sick last week and could not get the rest I needed because of the howling.

I don’t know what the answer to this problem is. It’s not for me to decide. What I can tell you is that I do have compassion for you over losing your pet that you loved. I love my pets too and would be devastated if I lost one, so please believe me when I say that. I also want you to know that I truly do not want you to have to lose another of the pets you love so dearly. All I need is for you to find a way to create some happiness for your puppy dog so that we can all have some peace once more.

I would like to think that if you had an issue with me or anyone in my family, you would try and discuss it with me in a reasonable manner so that a solution could be found.

Trish.

Hmmmm...maybe I'll slip the dog some doggy valium. I know my brother has some of that for when he needs to take his dog to the vet. Knowing my luck I'd kill the dog though.

I agree with SG about the noise pollutions laws, and the taping of the issue-good luck with this- I am not a dog person so it would drive me especially crazy

Sounds like the dog is in "mourning" over the loss. If the neighbors would consider getting another dog, it would probably help with the situation, sounds like he needs a companion. Obviously, this is not something you can do for them, but maybe as a suggestion.

Maybe if they can afford it, consider a dog sitter until they are ready to get another dog to keep the lonely one company

The letter sounds good. Also, how about suggesting a time to meet face-to-face to discuss solutions?

The dog just may need another companion.

I'm also in agreement with SGs assessment, and if necessary, get the police involved.

blue, I think you're right about the dog needing some company. Dogs are pack animals. Of course it's going to be sad when it's pack is all gone.

I don't know if they're considering that as an option, but my personal opinion is that it is the only solution.

I know money is tight for my neighbours though, so maybe buying another pet is out of the question at this stage.

I'm hoping that Donna will have a change of heart (attitude) and come and talk to me after she reads the letter.

Drax, I'd rather keep the cops and any other agencies out of it if possible. I have to live next door to these people for the for-seeable future.

Aliantha - we've been going through a somewhat similar situation with our neighbor for the last several years. She has three dogs that constantly bark; whenever a fox or a bicycle or another dog goes by, they bark. If I go out in the yard or on the deck they bark, and continue to bark as long as I'm out there.

I've talked to her about it, and she's made some efforts, but I still think it would be nice if they all just disappeared one night.

Because of that, I don't work from home as often as I could.

That situation sux HLJ. Is she at home when they're barking?

This is a PS I decided to put on the bottom of the letter:

Ps. I’d really like to discuss these issues with you if you think there’s any way I can help. What about getting a friend for Keto? Is that an option? Maybe I can help with that.

Hence, the "if necessary." :p

I think there are better solutions than calling the cops. I doubt I'd even go down that road to be honest.

I'd rather fork out for a new puppy than call the cops.

Incidentally, our two dogs only bark when anyone except my folks enter our driveway.

Just had a thought that might be helpful.

Why not have the dog over to your house during the day? You said you are a pet lover, do you have a dog? A cat? Somewhere that the dog might feel better during the day? Might a good petting for a short period of time followed by a comfy ( or comfier ) place to spend the day calm the dog down?

This is not your problem as you have described here and to the neighbor in the letter. Maybe ( just maybe ) you could strike homerun with the grieving neighbor and make a new friend ( the dog ) at the same time.

It's a very long shot, yes but that's what I would try to do in that situation.

Sadly, Ali already has two dogs and two cats of her own to look after...

I've thought about that. I have two dogs in our back yard, and they're pretty territorial, so that's probably not an option. We have a number of cats, and although they get along with our dogs, they're not too keen on stange ones. I do have a verandah out the front which can be closed in, so I've thought about suggesting that as an option. The only thing is, I'm not sure if I want to be responsible for their pet on a full time basis if that makes sense. They're inclined to bolt if they get the chance, and with the kids coming in an out all the time, the chances of escape are high. It's worth a thought though, and I might suggest it as a short term option till they can come up with something else.

With those circumstances I know myself well enough to know that I'd go a bit nutty and take care of things one way or another after losing my temper, so taking the responsibility for another dog would probably be better than jailtime.

That's a good point about the dog running off though. And being responsible for it biting someone.

A tough situation.

I understand your desire to keep the peace - we've had neighbors I would've liked to shoot, so you're lucky to be able to have even HAVE a conversation about this situation.

My concern, though, is for the dog. It's normal for him to be mourning the loss of his pack - not to mention the added stress of suddenly being locked in the basement (or wherever they have him) alone.

I don't know what your animal control laws are like there, but if it were me and none of the things you've mentioned worked, I would absolutely report them. For it to go on this long with no real effort to console this dog is unforgivable, IMO. Here in Ohio, you can do so anonymously. I'm assuming you have other neighbors that might be affected, which may not be the case making an anonymous report impossible.

In your shoes, I probably wouldn't offer to care for the dog for any period of time simply for the liability reasons already stated. As far as I can tell from your posts, you don't seem to know the dog at all.

I wish you luck. You're not in an easy position.

I guess the best solution is for the neighbours to get another dog. They're social animals, it wants someone to play with.
I was also thinking along the lines of uniting Ali's dogs with the neighbour's dog, thus fixing its loneliness. If you aren't willing to have their dog at your place ... can your dogs go over their for visits? If they come to like each other, could you make a doggy-door in the fence?
Failing that, speak to the other neighbours behind and around the noisy dog's house. If it's annoying you, it's going to be annoying others. At least you'll feel better knowing you're not alone.
Give it a bit of time for the neighbours to sort out. Calling in the council/police ruins relationships. But as a last resort, I guess you should.

Seems logical to me. Before we got Aly, Mandy was very aggressive (it's the Catahoula in her), but with Aly to play with, she's much calmer.

You're right about the social aspect of it Zen. The problem with huskys is that they're climbers. We have 6 foot pailing fences around our yard and the dog can still climb over them. That's a big part of the reason the dog is locked under the house.

With regard to the rest of the neighbours, I doubt they notice because they all go off to work each day so wouldn't really hear it. Also, the door to their under the house is next to our fence line, and that's where most of the howling goes on, so it's more intense over this side anyway.

I stuck the letter I composed in the mail box during the day today, so hopefully that will get some results. I really do think the only answer is to get another puppy dog because they're not going to be able to be with the dog all day, no matter how much they might want to.

You're right Drax, most dogs do react well when they have a playmate to work off their boredom and or possessivness with.

If that was me and my dog was in mourning I'd probably take a couple of weeks holiday time and stay with the dog. Each day going out for a little while and gradually extending it so that by the end of the fortnight it was used to being on its own for longer periods. It's what I did when I got my pup, so it got used to being on its own in the house without feeling like I wasn't coming back.

"The name dog whistle is often used for both lung-powered whistles as well as electronic devices that emit ultrasonic sound via piezoelectric emitters. The electronic variety are sometimes coupled with bark detection circuits in an effort to curb barking behavior."

If that doesn't work, aim a dog whistle mp3, in a playback loop, at your neighbor's house all night long to keep the dog up; so, it'll sleep during the days!

Or at least give your neighbours an idea that there is a problem with their dog.

Or else you could become a tseihta. Deny the existence of the doG.

I wouldn't be able to stay home with my mourning dog, I have to work....The dog just needs to settle in and get used to the idea of lost companions. As a human I have made a hell of a lot of noise over lost companions....just like a dog I've had to quit howling...this takes time. Your neighbors are probably grieveing as well. I'm sure you were polite, and they are defensive...but I think the dog may need more time. It might not be long before it quiets down. Your neighbors were right when they asked what you would like for them to do? How do you train a dog to not be sad? There are obvious diversion tactics you can use when you are around...but that does not cure the feelings of loss. Please be understanding. I'm sure it's flipping obnoxious...but it's too soon for them to get the animal more company, however. Poor thing. Time will heal. There was an article on the memory span of dogs, and it was devastatingly short...I forget how long the period. I'll go look it up. The point being: the dog will get used to things soon enough and it will probably just begin to whimper quietly after a time, and then completely get over it.

Another little tidbit about Mandy: As a puppy, when my mom would put her in her crate for the day while my folks were at work, she'd pretty much yip until they got back, but it wasn't too long before she stopped.

I've had this problem before, and I'm happy to report it can be remedied in a few easy steps. Here's what you do:

1. Break into your neighbors house around 4:00am or when you know they're asleep.

2. Stand at the foot of their bed and in your loudest voice let out your best howl.

3. When your neighbor awakens kindly ask "how the fuck do you like it jerkoff?" and go home.

:lol:

It has been nearly a month. I've been patient. Aside from the fact that the noise is annoying me, the dog obviously needs more attention than it's getting.

It might be too soon for the owners to thnk about a new pet, but I guarantee it's not too soon for the dog.

People talk about responsible pet ownership. It's being responsible when you make sure your pet is happy and not doing things which could possibly harm it, such as trying to claw it's way out of it's confinement.

No, I think I've been very patient. I think my neighbours are being rude by refusing to sort this issue out.

Rex, I'm getting to the stage where I think your idea might have some merit.

Update: No response to my letter at all. She gave my husband a dirty look on the train yesterday arvo though. He told me to poison the dog.

If the situation doesn't change in a few days, it might be time to tell her that if she's not going to help her dog, you're going to call the SPCA or whatever animal agency.

A few days? It's been a month! How long do want want my girl to wait, 'til her head explodes?!

Something must be done now, by any means necessary.

There's gotta be some law against pet neglect in Australia.

Yeah I know. Would you believe this woman works for the EPA? Quite ironic really.

OK, I don't know if you were trying to be funny here Drax, but this post made me laugh. :D

Oh, is the dog neutered?

Hey, I'm just trying to help.

it's a girl dog.

Check out this site.

I like that he called you *my girl*.....


Draxxie and Ali sitting in a tree.....

lol...shut up ducksy you big dicksy.

I know, I sure don't want Ali's head to explode.

But the neighbor just got the letter, so maybe she'll calm down in a day or two, and agree to do right by that dog and Ali's sanity...hopefully...!

Maybe you should get a fighting wombat and sick it onto the howling dog. That'll learn 'im. garrrr.

lol....do you think you're a pirate?

The neighbor just got a new dog (for a total of 4), and this moved to the top of my Xmas wish list:

http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/ds_pro.htm

Dog Silencer Pro™ - Bark Control Training System
http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/i...rk_control.gif

http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/i...rk_control.gif
http://www.ultimatebarkcontrol.com/i...rk_control.gif Includes

• Dog Silencer Pro
• Remote Control
• Rain Jacket
• Battery Powered
• AC Adaptor sold separately

+ Larger view

Have any of you Cellarites had any experience with similar devices?

My brother had something like that for one of his cattle dogs that used to bark a lot. It was pretty effective although sometimes if she was really worked up, she'd ignore the small current, but that was when the remote control came in handy (if they were home). In those instances, my brother could give her an extra zap to make her pipe down.

I don't think they're really meant for long term and that proved to be the case with Maloo. she hardly barks at all anymore unless there's someone too close to the fence which is really what you want a watch dog for anyway.

Ali - Was that a collar device? This one produces a sound that the dogs find annoying, and works from a distance.

What ever happened with your situation from the original post?

It was a collar with a zapper.

I don't know much about the noise ones. Sorry I didn't read the article properly.

What ever happened with your situation from the original post?

We moved. lol Best thing we ever did too.

tha'ss not an ultimate bark controller.




THIS is an ultimate bark controller:
http://www.theshootersbox.com/store/...le_110GXP3.jpg

Yeah, I was gonna ask if poisoning is definitely out of the question.

Maybe the dog could spend the days with you and you could pick up some extra dosh as a dog sitter.