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Getting so stressed

928 views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  tabelmabel 
#1 ·
If it’s ok, I need a bit of advice.

The next door neighbours dog barks and barks at the fence bordering the garden EVERY TIME me, my husband or our dog (who ignores them) steps into our garden (no exaggeration) Today, my husband was picking some poo up and Tilly was just wandering around and it was non stop barking at the fence and they didn’t call it in. They used to, but they seem to not care as much anymore.

I want to speak to them, but I’m afraid of the reaction, as the last time we mentioned it they said “dogs bark, what can you do?!” My husband thinks it will do no good, as they don’t walk their dogs, so it’s incredibly unlikely they will try to train their dogs to stop barking or care.

I am getting SO stressed about this situation. I’m pregnant and I’m so afraid of how the baby will be when the dogs start barking at the fence. Tilly already reacts sometimes as she’s been barked at for YEARS. I am really upset.

My question is, should I speak to them with the most likely situation being that it won’t make a difference, should I write a letter to explain everything without the risk of getting emotional or having the door closed in my face? The option of a noise complaint is out of the question as it’s not bad enough (from research) to warrant that.

Any advice or even comfort would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
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#9 ·
Thank you. I have thought of that, but I don't want them to blame Tilly for being an aggressive dog. (Which she isn't. She would MUCH rather ignore, but being ultimately yelled at when she's quietly going for a wee or poo or sniffing around, would get on your nerves after 4 years!) I'm very nervous about confrontation especially when they live next door, and I'm afraid anything I say will come out sarcastic! Lol. But, hopefully if I do speak to them, being very very nice might help/diffuse any confrontation that may occur.
 
#3 ·
The option of a noise complaint is out of the question as it's not bad enough (from research) to warrant that.
Why do you think that? It sounds like an absolute nightmare. I would never tolerate it and would be calling dog control or the equivalent until something was done.
 
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#8 ·
Unfortunately, I've done some research and it really looks like unless the dog is barking non stop at unsociable hours there's nothing I can do. When they are in the garden and we're not in our garden, they are quiet, so it's only affecting us when we step into our garden :( I don't think the other people in the neighbourhood are bothered, as they are not directly affected by it.
 
#4 ·
Poor you to have to put up with this. I’d hate it if I couldn’t enjoy my own garden in peace.

As to what to do about it; Id probably speak to them but then I don’t have a problem with being a bit confrontational if necessary. I’m happy to start out with hints, but if they have no effect it’s a bit ‘three strikes....’
 
#7 ·
Poor you to have to put up with this. I'd hate it if I couldn't enjoy my own garden in peace.

As to what to do about it; Id probably speak to them but then I don't have a problem with being a bit confrontational if necessary. I'm happy to start out with hints, but if they have no effect it's a bit 'three strikes....'
Yeah, this is my thoughts. I want to be as nice as possible first, (kill them with kindness) but if that doesn't work and nothing changes, then i don't think I'd have a problem being quite angry about it. I've put up with it for 4 years!
 
#5 ·
What sort of fence is it. A bit mean but could you squirt the dog with water to try and shut it up. I would complain though, it is ridiculous of the owners to allow it to behave like that. Do they own their house or is it rented, if rented you could complain to the landlord. If it was in Scotland the landlord would have to respond but not sure if that is true in England.
 
#6 ·
Unfortunately they own the house :( They are responsible for the fence which is actually degrading/falling down so there are big gaps in it, which makes it worse as the dogs can see us and start attacking/lunging at the gap. We have had to take measures to block gaps on our side, so Tilly doesn't continue to get affected by it. Obviously that doesn't stop the sound. Thank you for your suggestions though :)
 
#10 ·
Thank you for all your replies. I think I have decided to speak to them the next time it happens. At least then i know I’ve done everything I can. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you for all your support. It’s just nice to rant on here sometimes with people who understand.
 
#11 ·
Personally I would use your pregnancy as a weapon & say how you know you are emotionally vulnerable at present due to the baby coming but could they manage to do something about their dog barking as your finding it very upsetting. Apart from that when the baby comes you want to be able to get him/her out in the fresh air as much as possible and if the dog is continually barking whilst the little one is out in the garden and waking the baby up you would hate the little one to be completing with the dog, on a noise level,' as God knows babies can scream louder than dogs can bark when they've a mind to' & its not nice for the baby to be screaming its lungs off continually. (Speak with which ever one, husband or wife, you think you would be able to get thru to as you have a perfect excuse right now)
 
#13 ·
I would erect a fence of some kind (or plant a hedge) to give a solid and secure barrier for starters.

At least then you know the dogs can’t get through.

It might be worth speaking to Environmental Health/Dog Warden as any dog that makes you fearful should be under control. If you fear the dogs are trying to (and could) get through the fence, the owners should have to do something to stop it imo.

A member is having problems with neighbours’ sonic devices outside their property, affecting her dog and pet rodents.

Maybe if you put one facing their fence it might drive the dogs away? You can turn it off/cover it before Tilly goes outside.
 
#14 ·
Maybe if you put one facing their fence it might drive the dogs away? You can turn it off/cover it before Tilly goes outside.
ouch!:Wideyed Your tougher then me.....I was going to suggest chucking handfuls of kibble over the fence so the dog associates you with nice things!:D
 
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