How to Approach My Neighbors About Their Barking Dog

Dogs bark to express themselves.

Dogs bark when they're happy, sad, scared or angry. Dog owners find great joy in their canine companions' vocalizations, knowing that Fluffy or Fido is communicating with them. Dogs that bark all night and all day are just like the friend who doesn't know when to stop talking, and like that friend, barking dogs quickly become annoying. A neighbor with a barking dog doesn't have to mean a neighborhood war, however. Many dog lovers are more than happy to work out a solution to the noise problem if you approach them in a calm manner.

Instructions

1. Choose your timing wisely. The city of Phoenix website suggests giving yourself time to calm down and approach the neighbor when you aren't upset by the noise. Attorney Jeffrey Harlan recommends choosing a time appropriate for your neighbor, too. Don't approach him when he has his hands full or is obviously performing a task.

2. Speak to your neighbor and arrange a time convenient for both of you. If you and your neighbor run on different schedules, leave her a note inquiring about the best time for a chat.

3. Practice what you're going to say beforehand with a family member or friend. If you don't feel comfortable speaking alone, bring that family member or friend with you when you approach your neighbor.

4. Gather your facts. Know what times of day the dog is barking and whether there are any obvious triggers, such as your neighbor going to work or inclement weather. Having your facts straight can prevent you from making broad, accusatory statements, such as "your dog barks all the time." According to "Looking Out, Looking In," these statements are not conducive to conflict resolution.

5. Bring a peace offering. If you're an avid gardener, share some of your harvest. If you're a world-class baker, bring a plate of cookies. Bringing a good-will gift can break the ice and show that you're an amiable person.

6. Introduce yourself. The city of Beaverton, Oregon, offers this deceptively obvious advice in case you're not acquainted with your neighbor.

7. Remain calm and respectful when stating your problem. The city of Beaverton suggests using "I" statements, such as "I work during the day and I need to sleep at night. I have a hard time sleeping when there is an upset dog next door." The Buckeye, Arizona, police department suggests avoiding intimidating or aggressive language.

8. Explain to your neighbor what time the barking occurs and any of the triggers you've observed.

9. Exchange phone numbers with your neighbor and call him when the dog's barking is a problem. It is possible he doesn't know his dog is barking or isn't aware of the volume.

10. Agree on a plan, advises Harlan. Formulate a concise, clear mode of action to resolve the barking. If the dog barks at night because it is left outside, for example, you and your neighbor can agree that the dog will be outside no later than 10 p.m.

11. Research your local or regional noise ordinances. Your city or county may have a law against dogs barking past certain hours.

12. Seek professional mediation. If speaking to your neighbor directly doesn't resolve the issue, a professional mediator may be able to help. Some cities provide this option for residents.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect the dog is barking from abuse or neglect, contact your local humane society or animal welfare and control organization.

References

• City of Phoenix, Arizona: Law Department: Barking Dog Complaint Information Center
• Buckeye, Arizona Police Department: Barking Dogs
• City of Beaverton, Oregon: Noise in Urban Environments Series: Barking Dogs (PDF)
• Claris Law: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer: Barking Dogs
• "Looking Out, Looking In"; Ronald B. Adler and Russell F. Proctor; 2008