Help! My Neighbor’s Dog Is Barking All Night

Dogs bark. There are literally no two ways about it. It is in their nature, one of the only ways that they know how to communicate. While everyone knows this, it doesn’t take away from the fact that incessant barking, especially at night, can drive anyone crazy. Although barking, within reason, during the day, is something that you might have to be somewhat lenient with, the dog barking all night long is not. If you are among the people who say “My Neighbor’s Dog Won’t Stop Barking”, then here is what you need to do to deal with a neighbor’s dog that is barking all through the night.

Form a Friendship – With the Dog AND His Owners

Dogs bark for an endless variety of reasons – behavioural issues, fear, loneliness, boredom – you name it. Obviously, you cannot ask the dog what the issue is, but you can attempt to get to know both the dog and his owners. Forming a friendship can not only help you understand the issue at hand but can also give you some leeway on how to fix it. Be friendly and polite. Being defensive will only end up causing a bigger issue. The owners might not realize that the dog is barking all night long, and if they do, they could be at a loss on how to rectify the situation. Try to formulate a plan that works for everybody.

Spend Time With The Dog

If you are a dog lover, you could offer to pet sit. Many times the barking is simply due to loneliness and/or boredom. Inviting the dog over for some, one on one time is a terrific way to break the ice and shows that you are not being unreasonable, that you want to help fix the problem. You would also be surprised at how a little bit of playtime with a canine companion can really enrich your life. If you are not necessarily a fur-friend lover, doing some research for alternatives, such as affordable overnight kennels, or night-time dog walkers could be helpful. And, it is less likely to seem like a confrontation.

Make Your Home/Yard a Blindspot

If you or your activities are within the dogs’ line of sight at night, it might be triggering the barking episodes. If at all possible, blocking his line of vision will likely make him lose interest in your nightly goings-on. A privacy fence, hedges, and even ensuring that the curtains are closed every single night could help curb the dogs annoying barking behaviour. Out of sight, out of mind and all that.

Invest in Anti-Barking Devices

There are an unbelievable amount of anti-barking devices available and investing in one or six couldn’t hurt – steer clear of shock collars, though – ouch. The Ultrasonic Barking Controller Device (found on Amazon) is a great option in that and actually works, is fairly inexpensive, and causes no pain or harm to the dog.

Take it Old School and Write a Letter

Sometimes, unfortunately, it is going to take a more professional approach. Writing a letter (and keeping a copy for yourself, of course!) is a great way to get your point, and the seriousness of the situation, across. If you can find some neighborhood allies, even better. If the dog barking all night is affecting your life, it is almost guaranteed that other people within the vicinity are also being affected. Keep the letter cordial, but be firm, and plainly state that although you do not want to escalate the situation, you will if need be. Have all neighbors that have been affected and are willing, sign the document.

File a Complaint

Most residential areas have general rules and regulations about excessive noise. And, a neighbors dog barking all night is probably not within those rules. Reporting the barking to the proper authorities will likely get the neighbors attention, and could end up rectifying the problem, but it should be kept as a last resort. Involving the authorities in any way, shape, or form is likely to make you a neighborhood enemy, even opening you up to possible retaliation. Also, if the noise is not kept to a minimum, they could end up involving the local animal control. If the incessant barking continues, removal of the dog is a very real possibility. Before taking a huge step like this, consider exhausting all of your other alternatives.

With everything going on in the world, the added nuisance of constant noise, particularly at night, is admittedly very frustrating. However, there has never been a more appropriate time to put ourselves in others’ shoes – so to speak. There is a reason for the constant barking. To the majority of pet parents, their little dogs are quite literally a part of the family. When we show compassion to others, it tends to result in a domino effect. Compassion breeds compassion. Try to find a compromise and don’t punish the dog for doing exactly what he feels he is supposed to be doing.