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Barking at neighbours

Posted January 12th, 2009 by Helenp

Hi Aidan,

I have problems with a neighbour more than I think with my dog. My dog tends to bark around the twilight hours, at this time of year between 7.00 & 9.00PM in winter between 5.00-7.00PM. When she barks I bring her in she settles I let her out & she starts barking. It seems to be worse when my neighbour is in his backyard ! He has threatened me with going to council .... He has confirmed that she rarely barks during the day and I don't think he has much to complain about because I am pretty much on top on it and make sure I am home during these times. It has started to effect my life in general !!! I walk her every day between 30-50mins, I have play toys which I would spend around 20-30mins with her each day, I have even started laying out food for her to track, which she finds, eats some and then doesn't bother looking for the rest. She doesn't seem to be barking at anything in particular except the sound of voices, she does get a bit growly when the kids a few houses away are squealing as kids do. I am at a loss to what to do, I have thought about recording voices at different levels and playing these continually to see if this makes any difference to her reactions but not sure if this would help. Generally she is good, barks little, very sociable with people and other dogs. Any advice would be welcomed. Helenp

Comments

re: Barking at neighbours

Aidan's picture
On January 17th, 2009 Aidan says:

The evening twilight hours are the worst for this sort of barking, so from that perspective it's pretty normal. Also, if you've been out all day it's also quite likely that she wants to come inside to be with you.

Something I'd be interested in testing is bringing her inside only when she is quiet, and completely ignoring her when she is barking (the opposite of what you have been doing). I suspect that will bring a reduction in the barking fairly quickly if you are consistent, but you would have to be able to work WITH your neighbour during the trial because there would be a temporary increase in barking for the first couple of weeks (if I am right).

There are all sorts of things you can do in this sort of situation, but what I have suggested is likely to work. Try it for a couple of weeks and report back, I have tons of other ideas.

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

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