what are my right's?

[anagardens]

I have a neighbor who is very sensitive to any dog noise. My family lives in the country and we love dogs. Dogs bark! My dog only barks when she hears a strange noise, isn't that a dogs job? What are my right's? Now my neighbor has filed a court order against me. What is excess barking? I have tryed to talk to her but she refuses to talk respectfully. How do I defend myself, what are my right's? Can any one advise me? thanks

[Dark Shadows]

I think local regulations specify that if animal control gets 3 verified complaints of barking, you can't keep your dog on your property. I think what they consider excesssive, is if your neighbor complains and the animal control comes out and your dog is still barking, that's a verified complaint. Some dogs will bark non-stop, and the only way to prevent them from disturbing your neighbors when you're not at home to provide supervision and discipline is to keep them in the house with the doors and windows shut. I had a min-pin and two minature daschunds and we definately had a problem. Even leaving the bathroom window open during the day posed a problem. If you live in an apartment, good luck, there's no way you can leave your dog alone and assume he or she will stay quiet, especially if your dog has a high pitched or deep vibrating bark. Responsible pet ownership means you ensure that your dog does not disturb others, period. Your neighbors should not have to deal with your pet's noise, smell or destructive behavior, especially if they did not choose to be a pet owner to begin with.


I have a neighbor who is very sensitive to any dog noise. My family lives in the country and we love dogs. Dogs bark! My dog only barks when she hears a strange noise, isn't that a dogs job? What are my right's? Now my neighbor has filed a court order against me. What is excess barking? I have tryed to talk to her but she refuses to talk respectfully. How do I defend myself, what are my right's? Can any one advise me? thanks

[Lenny]

Dark Shadow has more experience in this matter than I, but I would DOCUMENT everything, every time, and keep records. You are right, it is a "dog's job" to bark at certain things, but not EVERYthing. And their bark can be annoying, but then so can a neighbor. You attempted to talk with the complainant, prior to this? Was she rude then? You say she declined to speak to you "respectfully", so did you try again? What did she SAY? When you say "respectfully", does that mean she had a chilling effect on your sincere approach to resolution? Did you EVER talk to her prior to? Characterize your relationship prior to you becoming aware of the dog issue with her. How long has she been a neighbor? Have other neighbor's complained prior to this? How long have you lived there? How old is the dog? Has the dog always barked or is s(he) going deaf in advancing years? You live in the country and dogs are expected to defend their territory, but some dogs, like their owners, can be neurotic and bothersome. Keep the dog outside and document how many barks per strange incident. Is a bird landing in the tree "strange" thus provoking a bark? Or just humans coming to the door?
As for your "rights", forget that. What are your responsibilities as a dog owner. If you've a court order, turn your attention to that, not your rights so much.:2cents:


I have a neighbor who is very sensitive to any dog noise. My family lives in the country and we love dogs. Dogs bark! My dog only barks when she hears a strange noise, isn't that a dogs job? What are my right's? Now my neighbor has filed a court order against me. What is excess barking? I have tryed to talk to her but she refuses to talk respectfully. How do I defend myself, what are my right's? Can any one advise me? thanks

[drumstori]

i would be interested in hearing the outcome. is she complaining about barking at night ?? or just the day time.. and when the dogs go off ,do you go out to stop them??
i have been living next to a barking dog for too long and i have called the animal control many times.. they just come out and warn him.. my next recourse is to get 3 neighbors to write a similar complaint ., but the dog is closest to me so the others dont care and wont help... i live in santa rosa.
i am curious about the court order.. is it for disturbing the peace??
barking dogs are very annoying day or night...

[ladybug5]

you have a right for peaceful enjoyment of your home.. you can file a small claims lawsuit.. you need documentation, keep a journal,, write letters to the dog owner asking for quiet... I did this when the grocery store behind my house had all night deliveries... good luck , jade




I have a neighbor who is very sensitive to any dog noise. My family lives in the country and we love dogs. Dogs bark! My dog only barks when she hears a strange noise, isn't that a dogs job? What are my right's? Now my neighbor has filed a court order against me. What is excess barking? I have tryed to talk to her but she refuses to talk respectfully. How do I defend myself, what are my right's? Can any one advise me? thanks