Uncommon Ways to Deal With Your Neighbor’s Barking Dog

There are few things that can grate the nerves quite like the consistent noise of a neighbor’s barking dog. In an apartment complex, it’s much more of a problem than in other living situations. While it may be tempting to go over to a neighbor and fuss about how the problem is disrupting your life. However, there are ways to deal with the problem that can keep the peace in the buidling and help meet the dog’s needs so that he doesn’t need to bark.

Stop Dog Barking Simply

Start off with a polite, calm conversation with your neighbor. Ask him if he knows why his dog is barking. If the dog barks when the neighbor isn’t home, he may be completely unaware of the problem. Simply explain the situation and ask if he thinks there’s something that he can do to correct the situation. If you are sincere and friendly in your request, the neighbor will likely be embarrassed about having bothered you. He should be apologetic and agree to correct the situation.

Anti-Barking Attempt with Kindness

Be patient. It’s not going to be easy to correct errant behavior in a dog overnight, especially if it’s attempted on a busy schedule. Give your
neighbor at least a week to notice some improvement. If there’s no change, ask the neighbor once more in a polite way. Explain that the situation must change. If the neighbor isn’t cooperative at this point, you may mention that you’ll need to go to the landlord if something doesn’t change. If the neighbor is apologetic and seems sincere in trying to solve the problem, continue patience a bit longer. Explain that the dog is barking for a reason. He is likely upset or bored or in need of something; you may suggest that obedience training is a good way to start addressing the situation.

Further Bark Control

If the problem persists, try one more amicable solution. A dog that’s kept locked up in an apartment space all day likely needs to get out pent-up energy and may even need to relieve itself. Offer to take the dog for walks for your neighbor while he’s gone if the problem persists. A neighbor may perceive this as a bit creepy if you don’t know one another very well, but it depends on how you approach it. Start off by explaining that you empathize with the fact that he must keep appointments, yet leave the dog behind. Then simply explain how the problem is effecting you, such as bothering your own work time at home or peace and quiet during your few relaxing moments.

It might make you both more uncomfortable if you first suggest a doggy daycare and then, if the owner mentions that he can’t afford daycare, you can suggest a much more economical professional dog walker, and then offer that you would even be willing to take the dog for a walk. However, keep in mind what that entails-are you willing to walk the dog daily, or maybe even twice a day, if that’s what is needed? Is the neighbor willing to form a long-term relationship with you that involves seeing each other at least twice a day to walk the dog? Would the neighbor be comfortable giving you a key to enter his apartment when he’s not home?

Express that you know that a solution must be met, and explain that you are willing to contribute to the solution. Go the landlord if the problem continues. You don’t want the dog to end up being evicted from the building, and that should be expressed to the landlord. However, make it clear that the neighbor isn’t doing anything that’s solved the problem (but don’t make it sound like the neighbor hasn’t made an effort if you’re not sure that’s the case). A visit and warning from the landlord will usually motivate a neighbor to resolve the issue once and for all.