barking dog complain

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

i live in hoa community that allows animals. five years ago neighbor moved in next door with no pets now she is the president of the hoa, i started to received excessive dog barking complaints from a neighbor/s. wrote letters to the hoa asked how many neighbors are complaining. no response. in 2013 we had a hearing, fined $100 for alleged excessive dog barking in the property. In the hearing, that neighbor is a board member she admitted she is annoyed by my big dog barking. She even threatened me with lawyer, and sue.

All I want is for this neighbor or neighbors to come forward to let me know my dog bothers her/them, we could have talk about it, make adjustment, arrangement, or correction.

In May 12, 2015 I received 5 violation notice alleging my dog barking at night and it must be stopped.
I called the Hoa Mgt, the lady said no record of 5 violation notices mailed to the house. I asked why there is 5 she couldn't answer.

The HOA Board is demanding to keep my dog "quiet" and to "keep" dog inside all day. I explained thousand times our dog do not bark excessively or constantly, he is not a chronic or habitual barker. he rarely bark back when neighbors dog started barking day and night. Of course dog bark when there he hear noise or strangers around the property. of course it his breed and nature to bark. Apparently, they do not listen to explanation. I offered the HOA to send someone to observe my dog behavior. I will even pay his/her time to come to the house, sit for as long as she/he/they want to observe. They alleged dog is being left alone, of course we leave him outside he is a large dog 80 lbs.. we cannot let him tear furniture, urinate, and defecate inside the house.

I even told the HOA, to tell our complainant to call animal control or the police.

I have been going through this situation for 5 years. I used to be friends with this person, she knew my pets. she knew me and my family. I do not what else to do. I could have offered to buy her and neighbors who are complaining bark control device to install in their yard. The HOA stressing me out for this constant unfounded allegations. I contacted Nevada Neighborhood Justice Center and Nevada Real Estate Division for help.

I would appreciate advice on this matter. thank you.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

This is an animal control issue NOT HOA. What are they going to sue for? Let them sue. Just file a counter claim for the expense of defense or expenses... Next time tell them to contact animal control and no longer contact you. Prove they have the right to fine. If not, then if they sue then for the fines if they sue.

Former HOA President

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

This is an animal control issue NOT HOA. What are they going to sue for? Let them sue. Just file a counter claim for the expense of defense or expenses... Next time tell them to contact animal control and no longer contact you. Prove they have the right to fine. If not, then if they sue then for the fines if they sue.

Former HOA President

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

thank you very much for your help, that's what i thought.. and yet this complainant/s keep complaining every time he/she/they hear my dog bark. I was told hoa mgt keep complainant/s identity in confidentiality afraid of retaliation. I'm telling the truth, not afraid truth come out. retaliation for what? i must say to these people.. we may be immigrants, ignorant, but we are not stupid or coward.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Ilean, lets face it, if you're not there, you don't know what your dog might be up to. I would suggest you record your pet while you are away to find out if the complaints are justified or not.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

someone called animal control to the house, officer did not find my dog aggressive or bark excessively. i have a record of dog barking habit. he doesn't even bark 14 hour period, he stays in the back yard from 8 to 9 pm, depends if he hears strange noise lurking near or close to the house. sometimes he suddenly bark one or 2 woofs. sometimes a next door neighbor dog is out barking and my dog would come up to him and playfully bark. at night came home from work at 2am let him out to urinate and defecate sometimes he suddenly bark for few seconds. wrote letters to neighbors apologized, to call me or the my family in the house when dog bark excessively, no one is coming forward to let me know they are bothered or annoyed by my dog barks . he/she/they keep running to the hoa to complain.

I do not dispute allegation dog bark during day or late night.. I do not know what else to do to keep my dog very quiet. i did everything hoa ask/demand to keep dog quiet.. i have no idea what these complaining neighbors want us to do with our dog. we live in community that allows animal, she/he/they should expect there are dogs and they bark.

I appreciate the info.

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

what a predicament, if i know which neighbors are complaining, am going to buy them a dog..

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

The only thing I didnt read is...... how are you going to stop your dog from barking? Its the dog that is the problem. Talking to your neighbors will not solve that.

Try a bark collar.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

The more a dog barks the more adamant the owner will deny that his dog barks a lot. Why should the association tell you how many people are complaining? Want to refute it? Gather some evidence to support your side of the story. Get yourself a setup that can record ambient audio at your home 24x7 and then you'll have a record of proof, minute by minute, about how quiet your dog really is.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

A bark collar worked on a dog that barked a lot next door to my former home. The owners were at work all day and didn't realize it was barking until I (nicely) asked them if they were aware. They weren't, got the collar and it was effective.

In my current HOA, we have a rule that dogs may not bark often or incessantly. This is because our CC&Rs say that every resident has the right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes. So this is an HOA matter and not a animal control matter (high rise condos).

What do your Rules say, Ilean, about dogs barking or other frequent & loud noises? Or perhaps it's in your CC&Rs?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Geno's reply makes sense, too, Ilean!

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

matters not who complains

matters not about animal control

YOU have a dog
YOUR dog barks and annoys someone
YOU need to 'domesticate' and train your dog NOT TO BARK

YOUR animal is annoying someone
YOU need to stop the annoyance

Your only issue as a civilized member of society is to determine HOW to abate YOUR nuisance

THEN DO SO

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

PitA's response is a good one, Illean. I'd continue on & further and say it does NOT matter WHY your dog barks. It's up to you to make it stop.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I have an issue with a neighbor. They have 3 yippee yappee dogs that annoy most of the neighbors. I had 4 older dogs that rarely barked accept at their dogs, strangers, or the unfortunate squirrel.. I even video taped showing my dogs NOT barking and even avoiding their dogs! Just to top it off... The animal control officer is our neighbor who lives right behind us. We basically share a fence with animal control guy. This neighbor would call and threaten me. Complaining about my dogs barking!

We had several rounds with the police and animal control. I ended up installing a wood fence on my property to block their dogs view. It was basically their dogs that were the true annoyances. My dogs honestly did not like them and would go to the opposite side of the yard to avoid them. I am a huge dog fan but even their dogs were annoying and one even bit me!

I was forced to get rid of 2 of my dogs because of this jerk. One I had to put to sleep. The other had to take to the pound. The dogs were "too big" and made him scared. Mind you they were an Eskimo Spitz and a Boarder Collie! I kept my original babies because my baby boy had become handicapped after a stroke and needed a backyard. I basically bought my house for my dog...

So it really irritates me to no end when someone says that it's the owner's fault for their dog barking or lack of control. Sometimes it is all in the complainer's perception. My dogs were proven to NOT be the problem. Animal Control guy and the police witnessed first hand my dogs in full action. They declared there was NO issue with my dogs and they were all well behaved. Matter of fact, they did not even bark at the police who came to investigate! My neighbor's dogs barked their head off. Plus they let their dogs out without a leash. Mine would never ever leave the house without a leash and are trained to stop at the door.

I can believe the OP's stating their dog is not out of the ordinary dog behavior. However, once a dog gets under someone's skin there is no talking out of it. They are the one with an issue. My motto is my issue with me is NOT my issue with me!

Former HOA President

AaronJ (California)
Posts: 48

Posted:

This is an HOA issue as well as it could also be an Animal Control issue. If someone complains to the hoa about a nuisance and the hoa does not act they can be sued.

I would say get a camera that records video and sound while you are away to prove your dog is not barking. This is what I had to do when I had a similar situation. Our resident manager who had it out for me because I questioned some of his actions as a manger and board member, got a couple of his friends to make complaints about my dog excessively barking. When I went to the fine hearing I brought video evidence. There were times when my neighbors said my dog was barking all night and I had records to prove he wasn't even at the condo because he was being boarded while I was out of town. He's no longer the manager or on the board and I'm now a board member.

If your dog is in fact barking you have to remedy the situation because it can be a disturbance to neighbors. But I am also an example of someone abusing power to intentionally harass a resident.

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

this is my predicament, I have been explaining for 5 years.. my family and i never deny our dog barks, never disputed at all. we were fined $100 for alleged excessive dog barking in the property. i have video and audio recorder of dogs in the neighborhood. I have audio recorder of my dog during the day for 14 hours yesterday, he barked twice. i even asked the hoa to send someone to the house to observe our dog behavior, he/she/they can stay as long as he/she/they want, and even compensate them if i have to. i dont know what else to say or do to convince hoa that we did our best. i don't know what else to do to keep my dog "quiet". He rarely barks. Don't animals have rights too?

i sent out letters asking neighbors cooperation, no one came forward. what else can we do? bought all kinds of bark control devices except collar, because like i said he rarely bark, he is not chronic or habitual barker.. he doesn't deserve to be punished for being a dog.

so i called the nevada neighborhood justice, animal control, nevada real estate division, and an attorney for advice. I'm hoping we can mediate with the neighbors, been going through this situation for 5 years we still dont know which of the neighbors are complaining. we have suspicion, just the matter of proving it.

anyone can tell me how do hoa board of directors determine dogs bark is nuisance when not one of them have not seen or hear dog bark?

stressful situation. thank you all for the advise..

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

hoa cc&r 6.02 animals. No animals of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any lots "except" that a reasonable number of dogs, cats, or other household pets may be kept on a lot provided that they are not kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. No pet shall be permitted to be kept within any portion of the property if it makes excessive noise or "otherwise determined by the board of directors to be nuisance"

Residents are allowed 3 pets.

HOA Rules and Regulations Section E. Animals
1. The following rules have been adopted with respect to pets. Violations should be directed to Animal Control as the Clark County Municipal Codes take "PRECEDENCE' over home owners association rules and regulations.

Clark County Code Chapter 10.36.010
No person shall own, keep, harbor, or possess any animal which by loud frequent, habitual barking, yelping, braying, crowing, or other noise causes annoyance to the neighborhood or to any person in the vicinity.

I guess we are going to wait and see what the HOA next move. thank you all for your help, will continue to read posts..

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

hoa cc&r 6.02 animals. No animals of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any lots "except" that a reasonable number of dogs, cats, or other household pets may be kept on a lot provided that they are not kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. No pet shall be permitted to be kept within any portion of the property if it makes excessive noise or "otherwise determined by the board of directors to be nuisance"

Residents are allowed 3 pets.

HOA Rules and Regulations Section E. Animals
1. The following rules have been adopted with respect to pets. Violations should be directed to Animal Control as the Clark County Municipal Codes take "PRECEDENCE' over home owners association rules and regulations.

Clark County Code Chapter 10.36.010
No person shall own, keep, harbor, or possess any animal which by loud frequent, habitual barking, yelping, braying, crowing, or other noise causes annoyance to the neighborhood or to any person in the vicinity.

I guess we are going to wait and see what the HOA next move. thank you all for your help, will continue to read posts..

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

in the area where i live there so many dogs, couple of neighbors has similar barks as mine. i asked how many neighbors are complaining for me to determine which neighbor/s greatly affected when my dog bark. he barks when he hears noise or strangers around or near house.

my property is located behind golf course, which means we do not have neighbors in the back, next to us is a lady with no pets, the neighbor next to her has pets, next door to her next door neighbor has pets which are barkers. the other side is a next door neighbor with a little chihuahua which is also a barker, and my dog's playmate, sometimes my dog respond to his barking. my dog rarely barks back when he hears dogs in the neighborhood bark. the neighbor of the next door neighbor has pet dog too. the front neighbors is across street about 150 or so yard away, both corner houses has big dogs constantly barking day and night.

my dog is about 80 pounds, pitbox mix, he looks mean but he is mellow not aggressive. he is out in the back yard from 8am to 7pm. He stays inside from 7pm till 8am. take him out in the middle of the night or at 2am when come home from work.

I audio record him from 8am until 6pm, not a woof for 14 hours.

we'd done what hoa board of directors asked us to do, the only we thing we cannot do is too keep big dog inside house 24/7, explained it is unsanitary to let him defecate and urinate inside house, we have a 1 year old baby to worry about, we cannot let big dog become playful, become aggressive around baby. we are are not going to risk a baby being mauled by family pet.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Pitbox. ESL detected.

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

we are are not going to risk a baby being mauled by family pet.

How do you make this statement and still have the dog and the baby??? I do not understand what you mean here because if you have a baby/infant why, o why would you have a dog that could "maul" your very own child? I don't understand that comment, even if I loved the dog dearly. That is not a "Family Pet". That is a animal who you think can harm your child. I don't get it.

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

so far dog hasn't been near the baby, dog is a mellow, he is not aggressive, but he can be playful. the hoa board of directors demand is to keep this dog inside the house during the day, complaining neighbors alleged dog being left in the back yard unattended. who would know people leave the house? they even know the color of the dog that is barking and even know the exact time he barks.

i called the north las vegas nevada animal control. i spoke to an officer. i told him the breed of the dog i have, by the way my brother and family live with me. the officer said dog can stay outside during the day as long as he is not excessive barker, not chained, has plenty of food and water.

We understand dog barking can be nuisance to some people especially to those who do not have pets.

Now, my family and talked I about this situation.. I know complaints will not stop as long as these neighbors hear our beloved dog bark.

We decided; if the hoa board of directors can prove there are more than 2 neighbor complaining and witnesses to prove our beloved dog excessively bark day and night, and if these neighbors come forward tell us personally that our dog caused disturbance and he/she/they aggrieved by his barking. then family and I will give up our beloved dog, no matter how much it going to pain us.

My point is how can homeowners with pets able to protect themselves from unfounded allegations or complaints? people who do not have animals chose to move in a community that allows animals they should expect noise in the neighborhood. We do not live in a perfect world.

I, as home owner and a dog owner is stress from this allegation, am urging these neighbors to come forward to talk to us. We can make arrangement, adjustments, or corrections. We can compromise. how would pet owners know people are in their homes when dogs bark? We cannot watch or baby sit our dogs 24/7.

Family and I gathering evidence to show our dog is not chronic, habitual, constant or excessive barker. these neighbors know it.. We have been neighbors for 5 years.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By IleanW on 06/05/2015 8:11 PM
hoa cc&r 6.02 animals. ... No pet shall be permitted to be kept within any portion of the property if ... "determined by the board of directors to be nuisance"

Clark County Code Chapter 10.36.010
No person shall ... keep ... any animal which by ... noise causes annoyance to ... any person in the vicinity.

No bark collar. Woof Woof. Violates both rules.

Bark collar. No violation.

Your explanations don't reverse the rules.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

Your dog

Your noise nuisance

YOUR PROBLEM

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

My point is how can homeowners with pets able to protect themselves from unfounded allegations or complaints?

SIMPLE

SILENCE THE ANIMAL(S)

NO NOISE = NO PROBLEM

imo: ethylene glycol is a wonder chemical - it enables one to drive away from a nuisance

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

i guess, no one is listening... how do you keep a dog from not barking? do animals have rights to express themselves? if these neighbors are too sensitive to noise why are they here?.. they should move in a community where not even a bird tweet be heard. dog collar is not an option going to say it again.. my dog is not chronic, habitual, constant, excessive barker.. the law said that is City of N Las Vegas
Municipal code, the city ordinance, the NRS, Clark County.

Nuisance- definition can be limited to excessive barking or expanded to include other issues
1. Nuisance noise from a dog is defined as barking or whining for more than 5 minutes in any 1 hour
period.

2. Excessive barking is barking that is persistent and occurs for an extended period of time or on a
repeated basis. When determining if barking is a violation, consideration will be given to the time
of day, duration and frequency of barking.

Now if these complaining neighbors can prove my dog as such, there is no more discussion.

HOA Rules and Regulations said

All animal violation should be directed to the animal control.

Aren't we all must follow the law of the land??

thank you all for your help,

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

personally, if I were your neighbor, I would silence your dog by WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY

neither the HOA nor Animal Control would be involved

your nuisance dog, however, would no longer be barking - period, done deal

2. Excessive barking is barking that is persistent and occurs for an extended period of time or on a repeated basis. When determining if barking is a violation, consideration will be given to the time of day, duration and frequency of barking.

So, you are saying that if your dog barks once every 3 minutes it is code compliant?

What the law MEANS is: nuisance dogs are NOT allowed!

Sheez, time to lock and load

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Don't defend yourself or your dog against people if your NOT violating any rules. Simply put again... Your problem with me is NOT my problem with me... I have dogs all around me that bark. Almost all of my neighbors have dogs. We have some cats that run around too. Which causes the dogs to bark... Not to mention the wildlife.

I have found that barking dogs at night mean danger or something is not right. My dogs barked one night and thought for sure my neighbor would have the cops out. Turns out there was a HUGE Opossum right out my door! Thing snarled at me! I totally freaked out. They have also alarmed me to people being outside of my house.

I sleep 3rd shift and have 4 dogs now... My dogs bark I know something is wrong and my dogs are protecting me...

Former HOA President

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

exactly... not even bark 24 hour period, now there is exception to that when he hears strangers around the house he barks, his first instinct is to protect the property, he let us know there are strangers. we get 1 complain a month, and sometimes months before we get notices, in May we received 5 violation notice of the same offense. just wondering why there were so many of it. i emailed hoa mgt why there had to be 5 notices, she called and said she had no idea and no record of 5 notices mailed to the house.

the other thing, i had an issue with a next door neighbor in 2013, same problem, she threatened me with her/hoa lawyer. threatened to take a legal action. I challenged the attorney.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

blah blah blah

By definition: If your dog annoys someone - it is a nuisance.

STOP IT FROM BARKING

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

By definition Pita you could be considered a nuisance... Blah blah... I hate lawnmowers and the sound of them during the day when I try to sleep... By your logic I should shoot my neighbors for doing it during the day when it is allowed and appropriate time to mow...

If your following the rules and no barking after 10pm and before 7 am... Then no one should have an issue. I have met no one who can even do that with their own children... Dogs lives matter too if your does...

Former HOA President

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

Wrong

Again

As Usual

By Definition I am a Pain In The A$$ - Can you not even read my name?

My quiet and peaceful enjoyment VERSUS your barking annoying dog.

Hmmmmmm, let me ponder the issue.

Done ..... your dog loses.

Unless, of course, you require the animal because of a mental condition and have the HUD recommended letter on file.

DOGS CAN, REPEAT CAN, BE TRAINED TO BARK ONLY ON COMMAND

ps. lawnmowers are REQUIRED to have sound deadening mufflers which require maintenance/replacement - another issue for another debate

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

With the post count at zero, it appears that Ilean has left the forum.

Hopefully posts were helpful.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

I believe that Melissa and Myself are even more annoying than his barking dog.

IleanW (Nevada)
Posts: 1

Posted:

haven't left... thank you all for the information.. did learn something.

ms pita give me an idea to install surveillance camera in my backyard in case this neighbor thinking of shooting my dog.. or maybe poison. i sure will make sure she goes to jail. also for these neighbors
that yaps too much, worse than my dog... i'd say put a cork in it.

I agree mellisa, thank you as long as we are not breaking the law, i'll let these neighbors yap all they want.

so, we will see what happens next..have a great day eveyone

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Your asking what your supposed to do to stop your dog barking. You bring them inside. Oh wait, you can't because it may or may not maul your child. There fore you find a new home for your dog or your baby or all three of you out in the woods without neighbors. That way you can keep your "family pet" since it has just as much importance to you as your child does.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

ms pita give me an idea to install surveillance camera in my backyard in case this neighbor thinking of shooting my dog.. or maybe poison.

you dog would still be silenced

you may, or may not, identify the silencer

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Hi,

I skimmed through this and disagreed with some of what was said.

First, I used to volunteer at a humane society. I had to learn policy and did work the front office.

Second, the problem of a "barking dog" is not always the problem of the owner. Sometimes the problem IS the complaining neighbor. If the complaint is allowed to be vague, then it is easy to harass someone with the claim and subsequent fines.

So what I would recommend is that the dog owner familiarize themselves with nuisance noise ordinances in the city/county/state. Then speak with your animal control officers specifically about dog barking annoyances.

The questions you need to answer are these:

1. What are the quiet times in the community at large outside of the HOA?
2. What are the quiet times within the HOA according to the CCR? If the rules are more restrictive, remember that actually city laws trump HOA rules. State laws trump city laws.
3. A complaint about dog barking should include indications of the date, the time and, most importantly DURATION and Decibel. What are the specific incidents that the HOA is referencing.
4. Are there other dogs in your neighborhood?
5. Where are they situated.
6. Do they bark at similar times?
7. Have complaints also been filed against them.
8. Are there similar problems with either children or car alarms.

Dogs are considered property. They can be controlled, but only to a certain extent.

Noise nuisances usually involve either regular occurrences of a certain duration. So say the sound happens every day when the postal carrier comes and lasts for 5 minutes or more and is loud enough to be heard by two neighbors on either side. Or a car alarm occurs every morning at 6 a.m. and lasts for 5 minutes.

HOAs are often run by people who have little experience in law and can become unprofessional. You must set an example by being professional. If the HOA cannot provide you with specific instances, then you need to say the HOA cannot prove that the noise was your dogs. They can't just say they "know" it is your dog. If they give a specific time and you should by now be keeping records as to time and date and duration of your dog's barking, then you say that their claim is unsubstantiated.

I have owned dogs for many years. I have also had someone complain about my specific dogs ALTHOUGH his dog was chained up and barked at all times of the day, including between midnight and 6 a.m. Enforcing the complaint against me, would have put both the manager and my neighbor (his friend) at odds because their dogs were actually more problematic and if the neighboring apartment complexes were complaining, it was more likely complaining about their dogs.

When I lived in a HOA, someone also complained about my dogs and I asked for them to give me specifics. That led them to try another means of attack.

Also, you need to ask about due process. If you are not given specifics, then you need to be able to question your accuser and ask them to give specifics.

If you find that other complaints are not being made against other people for similar incidents OR if you get them to commit to actual times and dates for the complaint and you can show or explain that you know your dog was not barking on that date or time (in our case, that was easy because there were times we weren't home and my husband is a light sleeper and goes to bed early and the dogs sleep in the bedroom).

If you need to go to court or if you HOA takes you to court, then if you can get written statements that your immediate neighbor on at least one side is not troubled or doesn't consider your dogs a nuisance, that will help your case. If you also have the call report of animal control, that would be even better.

Getting five complaints in one day is suspicious, especially because at least in California, the HOA board would have to meet together in a non-emergency meeting to discuss sending notification and have that issue on the agenda. I am not clear on the agenda and meeting codes for Nevada, but you should check on them.

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PitA on 06/06/2015 8:29 AM
blah blah blah

By definition: If your dog annoys someone - it is a nuisance.

STOP IT FROM BARKING

That is not the actual legal approach and not very helpful.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

The most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behavioral problem, is to clearly communicate to your dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

One of the biggest mistakes us dog owners make is to inadvertently reward our dogs excessive barking. We actually encourage and reinforce the barking problem when we commit these three dog training sins:

- Yell and scream at the dog, this just gives them the attention they were crying out for.

- Let them inside. If your dog is barking his head off outside, then you let him in, this just rewards the barking.

- If your dog is barking and you react by giving him a comforting cuddle or a treat of some sort, you are definitely encouraging your dog to bark again. By doing this you are communicating to your dog that you are happy with him. You should be making it clear that his excessive barking is inappropriate.

Right, lets get stuck into some proven techniques to stop your dog from barking. I've listed the most common reasons why your dog may be barking, and some suggested solutions you can try.

- If you give your dog basic obedience training, behavioral problems such as excessive barking are easily controlled. Your dog looks up to you as their pack leader and is eager to please you in any situation. Teaching the Quiet! or Stop! obedience training command will soon correct nuisance barking problems.

Dog Barks When You Are Not Home

Im not going to pretend this type of barking will be easy for you to control, because in reality it is often a difficult and lengthy process.

Always remember that dogs are social creatures, when they are separated from their pack (you) they can become stressed and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by separation anxiety.

- Firstly Id say just use your common sense and get these dog ownership basics right. Keep your dog well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. You can also try to block your dogs view of the street or other distractions. Basically, make sure your dog is happy.

- If you know your dog has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him for a while when you return home. I understand this is difficult for lots of owners, but otherwise your dog believes that his barking is the reason you came back home to him. Just go about your business for a little while when you get home, ignoring your dog. When your dog has settled down, you then initiate contact with him.

- This next method takes time and patience, but can be a very effective way to stop your dog from barking. Its based on that important rule applicable to all training situations. Praise or reward when your dog does something good, create a negative association when he does something bad. Leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. When your dog starts to bark spray him with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in his direction (this is the negative association). Try to keep out of your dogs sight while doing this if possible. Go and hide again, if he is quiet for a while, go in and reward his good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. This process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.

- The above techniques have proven to be successful with my own dogs, but if they dont work for you, maybe you could try a Citronella Collar. Again this method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks, a fine mist of citronella is sprayed into the air. Most dogs hate the smell, and soon realize if they don't bark, the smell isn't there to bother them.

Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something

This is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly. - If you establish yourself as the pack leader or alpha dog in your owner-dog relationship, this type of barking problem wont occur. You'll also form a strong bond with your dog based on trust and respect.

- Another effective method you can try to stop this attention barking is simply ignoring your dog. Your dog will probably become frustrated and bark a lot initially, but once he realizes that it is not getting him anywhere, he will stop. This training method can be hard on the ears for a while!

Dog Barks At Passers By

Workers like the Postman and Delivery Drivers are constantly being barked at throughout their day.

Your dog perceives these type of people as intruders or a threat to their territory. The dog then barks and every time he barks he is rewarded, as the intruder goes away. Your dog is then very pleased that he has averted this threat, which leads him to do it again and again. His behavior is reinforced and therefore this can be a difficult problem to turn around.

- If possible, you could try to block your dogs vision or access to the area where these people pass by.

- Dog obedience training is the best solution to this type of excessive barking. Once you have your dog properly obedience trained, you will be able to communicate to him that this is unacceptable behavior.

- If your dog consistently barks at a particular person, you may need this person to help modify your dogs behavior. Just say your dog gets really agitated each time the postman arrives. Have a chat to your postman and give him some of your dogs very favorite treats. Each time he delivers to your house, he can also deliver a tasty treat to your dog. In your dogs mind the postman goes from being a threat, to a welcome guest.

Ultimate Solution:

In extreme cases of excessive barking, where all else has failed, some people advocate debarking surgery. I've never needed to go down this path with any of my dogs, and don't think I ever would. But if you have come to the end of the line and think you have run out of options, you could discuss debarking surgery with your Veterinarian.

Abating the nuisance involves LOTS of hard work.

YOUR nuisance = YOUR work

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JM10 on 06/08/2015 9:07 AM

Posted By PitA on 06/06/2015 8:29 AM
blah blah blah

By definition: If your dog annoys someone - it is a nuisance.

STOP IT FROM BARKING

That is not the actual legal approach and not very helpful.

I repeat:

STOP IT FROM BARKING

- Train it

- Remove it

- Debark it surgically

- Kill it

- Move to a farm atmosphere

HOWEVER, abate the perceived nuisance

(before a neighbor takes action in frustration)

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Jim10, what is the policy or philosophy of the Humane Society if a person keeps a dog outside because they are afraid it will maul their child? That is key in this discussion because when a dog is left outside 24/7, the likelihood of their barking becoming a nuisance is much greater.

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PitA on 06/08/2015 9:49 AM

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

The most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behavioral problem, is to clearly communicate to your dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

One of the biggest mistakes us dog owners make is to inadvertently reward our dogs excessive barking. We actually encourage and reinforce the barking problem when we commit these three dog training sins:

- Yell and scream at the dog, this just gives them the attention they were crying out for.

- Let them inside. If your dog is barking his head off outside, then you let him in, this just rewards the barking.

- If your dog is barking and you react by giving him a comforting cuddle or a treat of some sort, you are definitely encouraging your dog to bark again. By doing this you are communicating to your dog that you are happy with him. You should be making it clear that his excessive barking is inappropriate.

Right, lets get stuck into some proven techniques to stop your dog from barking. I've listed the most common reasons why your dog may be barking, and some suggested solutions you can try.

- If you give your dog basic obedience training, behavioral problems such as excessive barking are easily controlled. Your dog looks up to you as their pack leader and is eager to please you in any situation. Teaching the Quiet! or Stop! obedience training command will soon correct nuisance barking problems.

Dog Barks When You Are Not Home

Im not going to pretend this type of barking will be easy for you to control, because in reality it is often a difficult and lengthy process.

Always remember that dogs are social creatures, when they are separated from their pack (you) they can become stressed and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by separation anxiety.

- Firstly Id say just use your common sense and get these dog ownership basics right. Keep your dog well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. You can also try to block your dogs view of the street or other distractions. Basically, make sure your dog is happy.

- If you know your dog has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him for a while when you return home. I understand this is difficult for lots of owners, but otherwise your dog believes that his barking is the reason you came back home to him. Just go about your business for a little while when you get home, ignoring your dog. When your dog has settled down, you then initiate contact with him.

- This next method takes time and patience, but can be a very effective way to stop your dog from barking. Its based on that important rule applicable to all training situations. Praise or reward when your dog does something good, create a negative association when he does something bad. Leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. When your dog starts to bark spray him with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in his direction (this is the negative association). Try to keep out of your dogs sight while doing this if possible. Go and hide again, if he is quiet for a while, go in and reward his good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. This process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.

- The above techniques have proven to be successful with my own dogs, but if they dont work for you, maybe you could try a Citronella Collar. Again this method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks, a fine mist of citronella is sprayed into the air. Most dogs hate the smell, and soon realize if they don't bark, the smell isn't there to bother them.

Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something

This is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly. - If you establish yourself as the pack leader or alpha dog in your owner-dog relationship, this type of barking problem wont occur. You'll also form a strong bond with your dog based on trust and respect.

- Another effective method you can try to stop this attention barking is simply ignoring your dog. Your dog will probably become frustrated and bark a lot initially, but once he realizes that it is not getting him anywhere, he will stop. This training method can be hard on the ears for a while!

Dog Barks At Passers By

Workers like the Postman and Delivery Drivers are constantly being barked at throughout their day.

Your dog perceives these type of people as intruders or a threat to their territory. The dog then barks and every time he barks he is rewarded, as the intruder goes away. Your dog is then very pleased that he has averted this threat, which leads him to do it again and again. His behavior is reinforced and therefore this can be a difficult problem to turn around.

- If possible, you could try to block your dogs vision or access to the area where these people pass by.

- Dog obedience training is the best solution to this type of excessive barking. Once you have your dog properly obedience trained, you will be able to communicate to him that this is unacceptable behavior.

- If your dog consistently barks at a particular person, you may need this person to help modify your dogs behavior. Just say your dog gets really agitated each time the postman arrives. Have a chat to your postman and give him some of your dogs very favorite treats. Each time he delivers to your house, he can also deliver a tasty treat to your dog. In your dogs mind the postman goes from being a threat, to a welcome guest.

Ultimate Solution:

In extreme cases of excessive barking, where all else has failed, some people advocate debarking surgery. I've never needed to go down this path with any of my dogs, and don't think I ever would. But if you have come to the end of the line and think you have run out of options, you could discuss debarking surgery with your Veterinarian.

Abating the nuisance involves LOTS of hard work.

YOUR nuisance = YOUR work

This only applies if the facts as stated are not true.
Further, because the complaint is generalized, the dog owner cannot work to resolve the problem.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

OP's dog.

OP's nuisance.

OP's responsibility.

including debarking or burial of said nuisance animal if necessary

? What part of 'right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment' do y'all not understand ?

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CyrstalB on 06/10/2015 4:28 AM
Jim10, what is the policy or philosophy of the Humane Society if a person keeps a dog outside because they are afraid it will maul their child? That is key in this discussion because when a dog is left outside 24/7, the likelihood of their barking becoming a nuisance is much greater.

I'm guessing you're referring to me although my name isn't Jim.

We only have one side and what you write above seems contrary to the scenario presented. The dog owner says: "we'd done what hoa board of directors asked us to do, the only we thing we cannot do is too keep big dog inside house 24/7, explained it is unsanitary to let him defecate and urinate inside house, we have a 1 year old baby to worry about, we cannot let big dog become playful, become aggressive around baby. we are are not going to risk a baby being mauled by family pet. "

So is is just the opposite of what you write. The dog would not seem to be outside 24/7. The dog is not INSIDE 24/7. The dog owner also writes that the dog is in the back yard from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. So obviously this means the dog is not outside 24/7. Further it is reasonable to have the dog defecate outside of the house.

In general it is not recommended to leave large dogs and small children alone. A large dog should always be supervised with a small child.

The dog owner further states: "in the area where i live there so many dogs, couple of neighbors has similar barks as mine. i asked how many neighbors are complaining for me to determine which neighbor/s greatly affected when my dog bark. he barks when he hears noise or strangers around or near house.

"my property is located behind golf course, which means we do not have neighbors in the back, next to us is a lady with no pets, the neighbor next to her has pets, next door to her next door neighbor has pets which are barkers. the other side is a next door neighbor with a little chihuahua which is also a barker, and my dog's playmate, sometimes my dog respond to his barking. my dog rarely barks back when he hears dogs in the neighborhood bark. the neighbor of the next door neighbor has pet dog too. the front neighbors is across street about 150 or so yard away, both corner houses has big dogs constantly barking day and night. "

If the HOA is just fining this one person and not the two corner houses which also has big dogs, but the big dogs are "constantly barking day and night," the fines would then seem arbitrary and could be considered harassment. Rules should be enforced uniformly and without prejudice. So to the writer who keeps on blaming the dog owner and then posted a long cut-and-paste about barking dogs is not actively "listening" or evaluating the dog owner's case as presented, but putting forth a simplistic approach that seems biased.

Because the dog owner notes:

1. There are other neighborhood dogs who bark constantly
2. The complaint is generalized
3. The dog owner has complied with the HOA's requests
4. The dog owner recorded the dog and it was quiet for 14 hours
5. Animal control did not find the dog owner in violation of the nuisance law

My conclusion would be there is a problem with the HOA board of directors and the person who is complaining may be biased.

It would be important to know if the other houses are also being fined and if not, that would be a good reason to challenge the fines or complaints. Further, because the complaint is generalized and doesn't present specific times and incidents, it is impossible to prove that the barking is or is not this particular dog. Remember, a person is innocent until proven guilty not assumed guilty just because there is barking and that person owns a dog.

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PitA on 06/10/2015 6:03 AM
OP's dog.

OP's nuisance.

OP's responsibility.

including debarking or burial of said nuisance animal if necessary

? What part of 'right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment' do y'all not understand ?

According to what the dog owner has written, the city animal control officers did not define the dog as a nuisance. This is the legal standard that the HOA should be supporting. It is not the dog owner's responsibility to adhere to arbitrary standards set by one complainant.

The right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment is qualified by reasonable expectations. The HOA allows pets. Reasonable allowances must be made for that. The dog owner is not responsible for unreasonable requests nor should any dog owner be treated with prejudice.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

.... nor should any dog owner be treated with prejudice.

How 'bout treating the annoying (albeit possibly legal) dog with EXTREME prejudice ?

Then payin' up for the destroyed PROPERTY.

Just sayin'.

PitA
Posts: 311

Posted:

Of course dog bark when there he hear noise or strangers around the property. of course it his breed and nature to bark.

The OP's dog is determined by the OP to be a 'barker breed'.

'Nuf said.

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JM10 on 06/10/2015 6:14 AM

Posted By CyrstalB on 06/10/2015 4:28 AM
Jim10, what is the policy or philosophy of the Humane Society if a person keeps a dog outside because they are afraid it will maul their child? That is key in this discussion because when a dog is left outside 24/7, the likelihood of their barking becoming a nuisance is much greater.

I'm guessing you're referring to me although my name isn't Jim.

We only have one side and what you write above seems contrary to the scenario presented. The dog owner says: "we'd done what hoa board of directors asked us to do, the only we thing we cannot do is too keep big dog inside house 24/7, explained it is unsanitary to let him defecate and urinate inside house, we have a 1 year old baby to worry about, we cannot let big dog become playful, become aggressive around baby. we are are not going to risk a baby being mauled by family pet. "

So is is just the opposite of what you write. The dog would not seem to be outside 24/7. The dog is not INSIDE 24/7. The dog owner also writes that the dog is in the back yard from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. So obviously this means the dog is not outside 24/7. Further it is reasonable to have the dog defecate outside of the house.

In general it is not recommended to leave large dogs and small children alone. A large dog should always be supervised with a small child.

The dog owner further states: "in the area where i live there so many dogs, couple of neighbors has similar barks as mine. i asked how many neighbors are complaining for me to determine which neighbor/s greatly affected when my dog bark. he barks when he hears noise or strangers around or near house.

"my property is located behind golf course, which means we do not have neighbors in the back, next to us is a lady with no pets, the neighbor next to her has pets, next door to her next door neighbor has pets which are barkers. the other side is a next door neighbor with a little chihuahua which is also a barker, and my dog's playmate, sometimes my dog respond to his barking. my dog rarely barks back when he hears dogs in the neighborhood bark. the neighbor of the next door neighbor has pet dog too. the front neighbors is across street about 150 or so yard away, both corner houses has big dogs constantly barking day and night. "

If the HOA is just fining this one person and not the two corner houses which also has big dogs, but the big dogs are "constantly barking day and night," the fines would then seem arbitrary and could be considered harassment. Rules should be enforced uniformly and without prejudice. So to the writer who keeps on blaming the dog owner and then posted a long cut-and-paste about barking dogs is not actively "listening" or evaluating the dog owner's case as presented, but putting forth a simplistic approach that seems biased.

Because the dog owner notes:

1. There are other neighborhood dogs who bark constantly
2. The complaint is generalized
3. The dog owner has complied with the HOA's requests
4. The dog owner recorded the dog and it was quiet for 14 hours
5. Animal control did not find the dog owner in violation of the nuisance law

My conclusion would be there is a problem with the HOA board of directors and the person who is complaining may be biased.

It would be important to know if the other houses are also being fined and if not, that would be a good reason to challenge the fines or complaints. Further, because the complaint is generalized and doesn't present specific times and incidents, it is impossible to prove that the barking is or is not this particular dog. Remember, a person is innocent until proven guilty not assumed guilty just because there is barking and that person owns a dog.

Thank you JM10, I will correct my statement, if a dog is outside, 8-9 pm or 7 -8 pm, all day in fact, the dog can be considered a barking nuisance to surrounding neighbors. It's obvious the dog has become a hassle to the owners based upon their own statements and I am sure you know from working at HS that this is a common problem. The OP stating, "we have a 1 year old baby to worry about, we cannot let big dog become playful, become aggressive around baby. we are are not going to risk a baby being mauled by family pet." And I use the term "hassle", lightly. They need to find a new home for this dog.

I appreciate your argument, you have made some good points, and just like a car's intermittent problems that disappear when you pull into the mechanics, this officer made a judgement call based on one visit(?).

Human nature has most likely lent itself to becoming immune to the poor thing barking outside, so I wouldn't put much faith in any log they may have kept. They are too busy chasing around and caring for a 1 year old. Selective hearing is another human trait, and it works in both ways here, the one responsible for the noise and the one who hears it.

JM10 (California)
Posts: 503

Posted:

Actually, nothing of worth said.