Discussions

Context: Neighbors in my area have two untrained (dangerous if got out) dogs. They bark the entire time they get let out, sixish times a day 15-30 minutes up to an hour sometimes and they bark their lungs out the entire time. I see your "guard dog" signs but let me tell you something, your dog is untrained, it's not a protector it's scared shitless of everything. it's scared of the old man unloading is groceries and It's scared of the kids playing outside. Everything is a threat and you're a horrible owner and you should feel ashamed.  
 
It's getting overwhelming, I'm sometimes pushed to tears because i can't sleep at night, nap in the day or even have enough un-interrupted study time or read my damn book. I can't afford to move somewhere else either. The simple solutions just don't fix anything for me.  
 
So far I have called bylaw five or so times, it's gotten better... but hasn't been fixed by any means. They can't be talked to, i got verbally assaulted the last time.  
 
Before someone comments: "Get a good pair of headphones", i do. It's the only reason i have any sanity remaining. I can't wear them all the time that's just not realistic, i wish i could but i can't. Ear PLUGS also don't do anything. The barks go right through.  
 
Edited by prairieboi, 2022-08-24 17:39:53

Too bad people are crappy dog owners. It's not the dogs, but the owners. Sorry you're going through this.  
 
So they live right beside your house or in the area neighborhood?  
 
Dog or dogs? First says 2 dogs, then then says 'dog' or 'it', meaning one. If they or the dog are dangerous, why are they or it scared witless? Are you the old man?  
 
Is bylaw getting back to you as to a possible solution? What was your approach to make owners verbally assault you?  
 
Lots of questions but I agree there are people that should never own pets if they are neglected.

Find a bark controller, something like this:  
 
https://www.petsmart.ca/dog/training-and-behavior/bark-control/petsafe-outdoor-dog-bark-control-13830.html?fmethod=:Search  
 
It sucks that you'll have to buy it versus the owner dealing with their dogs, but if it works it'll be worth it.  
 
Edited by Trevor, 2022-08-24 18:01:04

That sucks. Not sure what advice to give you. I'd be right up in their faces about it, but that approach doesn't work for everyone. Sorry you're going through this. Do they own the place, or rent it?

If they don’t hear from you then they will think the matter is resolved.  
This is maddening. I do feel for you. I have 2 dogs of my own. I hate it when they bark uncontrollably and work with them to stop that behaviour. If these dogs are fearful they are living a horrible life. The owner is responsible for socializing their dogs.

I have 2 dogs. Both bark loud and none stop if someone drives on my yard/cyot, or deer pass by, etc. Unless you’ve been welcomed in, you won’t want to come far…..HOWEVER, I live in the country (alone) and have them for guard… I can stop them with a “hey. Stop” either in person, or speaking through my outdoor camera or, if I lightly tap on my window, They will stop and go lay down….. guard dogs are one thing. Out of control beasts are another…. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like dogs… I tolerate dogs if they serve a purpose… and tbh I have seen very few dogs serving any real purpose and are aloud to run wild and uncontrolled … these past 2 years have increased my intolerance for people not taking care of their creatures…. Sorry there OP. No real advice. I lived by a yappy ankle bitter that barked NONSTOP ALL DAY LONG…… it makes you crazy! Keep calling bylaw. Be an annoyance. It’s not worth losing your sanity over.

This is an age old issue that is difficult to enforce, and the fines are not a deterrent.  
First time offence $50 to $1000, second and subsequent offences $100 up to $1000. Needs to be much higher.  
 
I would bet the dogs are not out and/or barking when the Bylaw officer shows up. Very difficult to charge someone when there is no offending behaviour to observe and make note of.  
As a complainant , Bylaw officers can lay a charge on your say so, but you have to go to court, and prove your case. I would start documenting each offending event,. Video/audio evidence is best, if it can be done without you being seen as the antagonist of the behaviour. I know this sucks, but you are the solution to the problem, if you put in the work.  
Note though they will only get a fine, the dogs, most likely won’t be removed, the behaviour will continue, and the owners will know you are the complainant.  
Bylaw enforcement is difficult without the will of citizens to stand up. Easy to say difficult to do in todays society.  
Good luck to you.

A humane way to prevent your dog AND neighbor's dog from barking! Here is 1 of the options available to order on line:  
https://www.amazon.ca/Barking-Rechargeable-Upgraded-Deterrent-Training/dp/B09RHFSNYY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ZPJLDL5SB8OM&keywords=Stop+neighbor+dog+barking&qid=1661428048&sprefix=stop+neighbor+dog+barking%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

If someone were to try this I would google reviews first. I did and there are not a lot of them that actually work well. May work once as it surprises the dog and then never again. But not harmful to either dog or human. So if you have the cash to spend and want to try may be a solution or may not and you will have spent money for nothing.

Hello,  
 
I listened to dogs bark for ten years.  
Rather than asking animal control to visit the household AGAIN and issue whatever warnings they do, I finally decided to ask them to be fined.  
 
And believe me, it worked. No more barking dogs.

My neighbor had a cat her cat house was right beside my bedroom window and she howled every night so I phoned animal control the next day they told my neighbor if you don’t keep your cats in the house during the night they’ll be taken away the problem was fixed

Dog Owners really suck! I know people who are oblivious to their barking dog! They sit 5-10 feet from it while it barks non stop and they do NOTHING! Frustrating for the rest of the neighbours who have to listen to it!

Not only some dog owners but in general people who either lack the understanding of how to respect others or simply don't care. I walk my dogs and pick up every mess they leave behind. My dogs bark I intervene to stop them and even hired a dog trainer to learn how to manage my dogs better. I also come to a stop at stop signs, signal when I am about to change lanes etc etc.  
 
There are people who leave their dog poop everywhere, ignore their barking dogs and in general do what they want out in the world with no regard for the rules of the road or how their actions affect people around them. They simply don't care and are the bottom of the barrel in society IMO.  
 
So if you have a chance to have these people fined for their behaviours go for it. Fine away!!! its the only thing they hear.  
 
Edited by Spades!!, 2022-08-26 10:04:30