Bark Dog Neighbor
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If you own a dog, it is inevitable that your
dog’s bark will annoy at least one neighbor. Experts have estimated that
one dog’s bark can affect up to two hundred households. This is because a
dog’s bark carries much further than you would think, and because often
one dog’s bark will have a chain reaction, causing other dogs to start
barking, causing a chain reaction. Worse, many dogs can bark for extended
periods of time, causing quite a bit of neighborhood havoc.
If you want your dog, your dog’s bark, and your neighbor to get along, you
need to take the initiative. If you are on good terms with your neighbor,
talk to them before you get your dog. If they are dog owners, they will
likely be enthusiastic about your new friend and willing to talk about
dogs, dog breeds, and dog training. This is a good time to ask them for
advice about training and ask them about their own dog’s barking habits.
This will not only give you some good tips as to how to curb your dog’s
bark, but it will also show your neighbor that you are willing to train
your dog properly.
Even if you do not know your neighbor well, you likely should speak to
them either just before or just after you get a dog. This is especially
true if you live in an apartment or in homes that are close together,
where your dog’s bark may affect your neighbor more. Mention that you will
train your dog not to bark but also mention that separation anxiety may
cause your dog to bark at first. Try to get your neighbor to express their
concerns - a new baby or someone in the household who works night shifts -
and try to resolve the problem before your dog so much as barks his or her
first bark in your home.
Of course, not all conflicts between neighbor and dog can be resolved that
easily. Your neighbor may simply be annoyed by your dog’s bark and may not
be placated no matter what you do. Keeping an open line of communication
with your neighbor - listening when your neighbor notes that the dog barks
while you are at work, for example - and doing your best to train your dog
not to bark excessively as quickly as you can are your best bet when
trying to balance your dog, your dog’s bark, and your neighbor.
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