Bites eventually go away, but barking can go on, and on, and on. Sometimes, it seems that there is almost nothing you can do. But take heart, there are some steps you can take to create a civil and pleasant experience for you and your neighbors:
- First, don’t blame the dog. It’s not his fault.
- Second, don’t automatically blame the neighbor. They may be at work all day (or night), completely unaware that the dog is barking at all. The very best thing you can do is to share with your neighbor that the dog is barking while they are away.
- Get to know the dog’s name and try to calm him through the fence. Sometimes barking is a result of the fear of the unknown.
- If the owner is aware, and just doesn’t seem to care, please report it to the Association’s management office.
We encourage neighbors to work together to find a collaborative solution.
If you’re the owner of a barking dog, try to remember that your neighbors really don’t want to report you. They just want some peace and quiet. The sound of your barking dog may make you feel secure, but can be nerve‐wracking or distracting to others and is not allowed within our association (CC&R’S section 8.07). There are lots of reputable dog trainers who can teach you how to quiet even the most boisterous barkers.
Remember, responsible pet owners make great neighbors!