Neighbours new Puppy Barking at night...

iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 10:37
Last edited 16/01/2022 - 06:59

Neighbour behind me got a new puppy it seems. (Looks like a smaller dog of some kind)

First couple of weeks it was crying and it seems they leave it outside. No issues because I could hear they did attend to it, but the last few nights at intervals of around 1am, 4am and this morning at 6am the puppy will just start barking and crying.

It's slowly finding its voice, and well its keeping me awake until I try and find a slot to fall back asleep.

The kicker is, our master bedroom backs onto the backside of there house where the dog is, which is why we are hearing it.

Dog owners, I understand puppies are handful at the beginning, and I've given it a couple of nights, but I am not the owner and its causing me to lose sleep on multiple nights now.

Do I let this slide and not mention it to the neighbour or should I have a kind word to them?
I don't want to sour my relations with neighbours because I know some can be temperamental and take it the wrong way.

I don't want them taking it out on the dog also.

I am just seeking some advice on what you would do and how you think I should handle this.

Thanks

Update 1:
Spoke to the owner at 6.30am.
Seriously, the puppy was barking at intervals all night ffs.
Their english is not very good, said the puppy stays outside (owner said he thinks the puppy is scared- no shit pal).
I relayed the information that the puppy needs to be inside. Said he was sorry for the noise.
Ive only spoken to them a couple of times but they do seem genuine. Noise probably won't stop but hey at least now they are aware.

Could be my father and just threaten them but that does not get anywhere 🤣.

Will see how it plays out. Needed my sleep today and I partially snapped.
Spoke in a nice tone to them as well, they probably realised with the bags under my eyes that I had it after 4 to 5 days of constsnt barking and weeks of crying

Poll Options

  • 59
    Let it slide for now
  • 177
    Have a word to Neighbour
  • 19
    Contact Council
Home & Garden

Comments

  • Hithere on 14/01/2022 - 10:42
    +14

    should I have a kind word to them?

    This.

    Otherwise, resentment will build up and what started as a fairly minor issue that can be fixed may end up being a full-blown Hatfield–McCoy type feud.

    • pegaxs on 14/01/2022 - 11:35
      +20

      lol. You haven't had to talk to many neighbors about their dogs making noise before. 9/10 neighbors will just tell you to piss off and/or mind your own business. (aka: feud seed)

      If you want to go from 0 to resentment as quickly as possible, start by asking someone to keep their dog quiet. They will either already be aware of the noise and are just as frustrated with it as you are and reminding them is like throwing fuel on a fire, OR, it would be just as easy to tell them to shut their kids up, as to them, their dog can do no wrong.

      Best way to deal with it is, take notes on times and for how long. Get video and/or audio recordings of these events and compile it all together and then contact your local council about the issues. The council will issue a dog noise nuisance order and if the dog continues to make noise, the owners can be fined for it. If they continue after being fined multiple times, you can seek a court to order a noise abatement order.

      • Hithere on 14/01/2022 - 11:42
        +14

        lol. I've had 2 neighbours over the years with barking dogs and both took steps to minimise the issue when I approached them.

        Maybe I have a good approach or have better neighbours than some people?

        • pegaxs on 14/01/2022 - 11:53
          +6

          I too have had neighbours that have been excellent and even come over to apologise about their new pets making a noise. You can get lucky if you have an already existing good rapport with great neighbours, but it can literally take an unknown quantity from a neighbour you dont know that well and turn them into your worst nightmare. Kids and pets are probably the worst to talk to neighbours about.

          If you know them really well, sure have a chat, maybe offer it as assistance (is there anything I could do to help?). If you only know them as "that guy from next door/across the back fence"… that's a council job.

          • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:56

            @pegaxs: Can it not become a council job after they give me bird?

            • pegaxs on 14/01/2022 - 12:04
              +9

              @iNeed2Pee:

              • You go over and talk to them.
              • They flip you off.
              • You go to council.
              • Council comes to their house to issue a noisy dog complaint…

              Who are the first people they are going to blame for council intervention? Next, they don't keep their dog quiet and cop a fine. Who do you think they are going to blame?

              Unless you know the neighbours really well, skip steps one and two and just go directly to the council.

              • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 12:07
                +5

                @pegaxs: Yeah I understand what you are saying.

                I might even give it some more time, I feel like I jump the gun with some of my decisions when usually shit settles down eventually. Thanks for your tips, I appreciate it:)

        • furyou on 16/01/2022 - 21:07

          You haven't watched enough horror movies to see how this could go…

      • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:49
        +4

        I feel like the council stance at this point seems a bit harsh, and would create more resentment towards the owners….

        Shouldn't the kind word come before the council option?

        • pegaxs on 14/01/2022 - 11:58
          +2

          Depends. How well do you know them? Really well, sure, have a word, ask if there is anything you could help with. If you don't know them at all, start logging.

          Unless you are the only two in the street, they wont know who the report came from. Council are not allowed to pass your information to the dog owner (privacy laws and common sense)

          Give it a bit more time though. A new dog can take a few weeks, especially a puppy, to come to terms with their new environment and new family and their timetables of coming and going and expected behavior at what time of day. If, after a few weeks, there is no noticeable decrease in noise, start logging.

          No sure what state you are in, but here is some info from Service NSW and the EPA.

        • avoidfullprice on 14/01/2022 - 14:53
          +2

          Lower your expectation with your council. They will not entertain unless you have a log of when the dogs bark for an hour every night for a month.

      • ctg on 16/01/2022 - 16:04

        So you talk about minimising friction with the neighbours, but suggest a path that will make even a reasonable neighbour turn sour.

        Why can’t people actually broach topics, or if it comes to wrongdoing, confront?

        Someone reporting me to council instead of a having a word (especially without trying discussion first) is going to get me offside very quickly. Mostly for being a douchebag about it.

    • mattyman on 15/01/2022 - 17:25
      +1

      Also this is the best time to train a puppy so bring it to their attention now.

  • MS Paint on 14/01/2022 - 10:46
    +19

    Give it 2 more weeks then talk.

    • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 10:52
      +1

      That's what I was thinking.
      I dont want to jump the gun here because I know what some puppies are like.

      • Mokr on 14/01/2022 - 12:42
        +2

        Talk about how you love dogs.

        And just broach the topic

        But don't bring up any judgement.

        And buy a white noise machine

        • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 12:46
          +2

          It's a difficult decision, I'm just going to let it slide for now:)

          Woof, woof

        • Payne on 14/01/2022 - 13:38
          +2

          Yep, this.

          OP, is it the sort of fence that you can see over when they're out playing with their dog?

          If so, that's an easy intro. Saying hi over the fence and meeting the dog is much less confrontational than knocking on their door. Once you get to talking about how you've had dogs growing up and you understand puppies etc, the part about the barking will probably come up by itself. Then you can chat about it.

        • capslock janitor on 16/01/2022 - 12:07

          or just listen to brown noise on youtube

          why buy machine?

    • peterpaoliello on 16/01/2022 - 00:34

      I think saying something now very light might at least prep for the conversation which may need to take place in two weeks. Last thing you want really is to have the first chat in two weeks and them asking for another two weeks.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/01/2022 - 10:49
    +8

    Make a log of times/dates and take to council if this is going to be an on-going drama and neighbours dont want to do anything about it.

    • pegaxs on 14/01/2022 - 11:41
      +3

      This. Take notes. Timestamp video/audio. Compile list. Let council deal with it. (my local council has a minimum 2 week event logging requirement and they need at least 5+ events for them to even consider it. Other councils may vary)

    • TilacVIP on 15/01/2022 - 08:42
      +1

      Agreed. Stuff this give it 2 more weeks. It only gets worse & worse. Either talk to them now or go straight to council.

      It show's they either don't care it is huge annoyance to someone else, or they are extremely heavy sleepers.

      Had this problem with a neighbors dog about a month ago, where it started barking all of a sudden at all hours of the night & generally would last for 1 - 2 hours. Dropped a polite note in their letterbox & since has stopped, but I'd already spoken to them previously, where their dog use to have a habit of barking non-stop for as long as the neighbors were out day/night. If they were out for 5 hours, we got 5 hours of non-stop, screeching, piercing barking.

  • SF3 on 14/01/2022 - 10:56
    +7

    Use your pee to mark your turf?

    • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:01
      +2

      I am all out currently.

      • Caped Baldy on 14/01/2022 - 11:21
        +14

        Username doesn't check out

      • Tames71 on 14/01/2022 - 12:51

        Well then makes some more and get going.

  • wizzy on 14/01/2022 - 11:05
    +3

    Earplugs until the puppy settles. The silicone ones like this are excellent.

  • orangetrain on 14/01/2022 - 11:13
    +2

    Ask them to crate train and lock puppy up in doors in kitchen or somewhere to minimise noise to neighbours.

    I didn't realise some neighbours like you were that patient to wait a couple weeks. We had a couple flat tires from having the dog out one time.. if you want to never speak to them but want to send a message.

    • stewy on 16/01/2022 - 03:03
      +3

      ^This.

      My dog used to bark at people in the street from 7am-ish every morning when he was a pup. Had to crate him inside at night when he got de-sexed and thought he would hate being crated. Turned out he loved it and has been crated at night ever since then. He now stays as quiet as a mouse in his crate.

      • Gumster on 16/01/2022 - 14:37
        +1

        Amen to this,

        I can crate my dogs from 830pm to around 6am and he is whisper quiet.
        I thought it was cruel at first and it took him a little while to adjust but after 5 years his so conditioned its 2nd nature to him.

        Unfortunately OP said it was a smaller dog and in general smaller dogs are worst trained, and owners are more complacent with their misbehaviour.

  • jv on 14/01/2022 - 11:21

    Neighbours new Puppy Barking at night…

    How cute…

    please post pics…

  • jv on 14/01/2022 - 11:24
    +6

    puppy will just start barking and crying.

    The dog is anxious.

    Many breeds need human company.

    The neighbours are obviously not the type of people who should own a dog.

    Feel free to show them my post to educate them.

    • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:26

      Yeah 100% I know and feel this is the case, hence why I am worried about telling them because they will probably get mad at the dog, and not their own actions.

      • jv on 14/01/2022 - 11:31

        What breed is it?

        • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:32
          +1

          It looks like a fox terrier..I love my dogs, just not the barking type in the middle of the night.

          • jv on 14/01/2022 - 11:35
            +1

            @iNeed2Pee:

            It looks like a fox terrier..

            They are very yappy…

            Maybe find a local facebook group for the breed, and ask other owners what they do about it.

            You might then be in a better position to recommend something to the owners.

            • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:38
              +1

              @jv: I had jack Russells growing up, so definitely know they are vocal.
              Probably did not help that the last few nights have been humid as well, so falling asleep has been harder.

    • orangetrain on 14/01/2022 - 12:07
      +2

      It's considered normal to break in dogs by leaving them alone which neighbours and even OP has done. Especially if it's only one dog.

      The reason for this is to train the future separation anxiety issues out of them. Look up dog seperation anxiety for more on this topic.

      • jv on 14/01/2022 - 12:20
        +8

        The reason for this is to train the future separation anxiety issues out of them.

        You can do that during the day, not for the entire night and it does certainly not give you the right to disturb your neighbours.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 14/01/2022 - 15:34
        +2

        It's considered normal to break in dogs by leaving them alone which neighbours and even OP has done.

        Except the OP has said that they tended to the animal when it was crying/barking, which breaks that cycle.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2022 - 11:45
    +2

    Pupper will need some time to acclimate to their new home.

    You can then let the cat have a "word" & the pupper should pipe down after that ;)

    • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 11:46
      +1

      Cat lives inside:)

      • jv on 14/01/2022 - 11:47
        +1

        Is that how you got your username?

      • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2022 - 11:48
        -1

        Carry cat to the fence … a mere glance at the pupper should suffice ;)

  • orangetrain on 14/01/2022 - 12:08

    Another suggestion albeit counter-intuitive, ask your neighbours to get a second dog.

  • Donaldhump on 14/01/2022 - 12:08
    +5

    surely a puppy should be kept indoors the thing is petrified.
    I would be having a word to them, they seem pretty ignorant tbh.

  • Gordon61B on 14/01/2022 - 12:19
    +1

    I've had some experience with this, and not much success. These days I'm inclined to go straight to council, with at least a log of times and dates, as others have suggested. Good luck, it's maddening to be disturbed by a noise you didn't ask for.

  • athuntershill on 14/01/2022 - 12:26

    offer your neighbor some chew toys (for the puppy) and hopefully they get the hint.

  • iNeed2Pee on 14/01/2022 - 12:27
    +1

    Poll Added.

  • Fredfloresjr on 14/01/2022 - 12:59

    share a Cadbury.

  • bobbified on 14/01/2022 - 13:54
    +1

    I just wondered what options I would have if I was in that situation and I thought that I could probably scare them by threatening to eat their puppy!
    And they would probably believe me too because I'm asian. (It ain't going to work if they're asian too! lol)

    • jv on 14/01/2022 - 14:07
      +1

      It ain't going to work if they're asian too!

      Are you suggesting they are fattening it up for Easter?

  • Traveller107 on 14/01/2022 - 14:57
    +15

    We once had a neighbour whose divorce resulted in their poor dog getting separation anxiety. A few neighbours got very annoyed with the big dog barking all day and night when the lady wasn't home and wanted to call the council. I felt terrible for the poor dog. I went and spoke with the lady about it and she herself was suffering from depression and trying to work through things. So I offered to leave my side gate open for her to drop the dog off whenever she was away. She dropped him off a few days every week and the dog was happy just to be around us and our fosters, the lady could sort out her things and the neighbours were happy. The dog ended up becoming a more friendly and outgoing version of himself too.
    Best to talk to the neighbours and find out if everything at home is ok first. Then next chat speak about the dog if suitable. No point involving council before all that. Cheers

  • coffeeinmyveins on 14/01/2022 - 15:32

    First couple of weeks it was crying and it seems they leave it outside. No issues because I could hear they did attend to it, but the last few nights at intervals of around 1am, 4am and this morning at 6am the puppy will just start barking and crying.

    If it's a smaller breed, I don't see why it's outside. Smaller breeds (if it's something like a moodle then definitely) need companionship and to be with their human. Especially when it's cold/dark.

    If it's barking/whinging and they're attending to it, that's their first mistake. That's literally teaching the dog "If I cry, I get attention".

    SOunds like they are bad owners and this won't get better. Speak to them.

    • Nametab on 15/01/2022 - 07:37
      +3

      SOunds like they are bad owners and this won't get better. Speak to them.

      I mean, they're making a mistake.. Sure..

      But plenty of new dog owners learn as they go, or pick up more knowledge in obedience school etc. Doesn't make them inherently 'bad' owners.

  • shaybisc on 14/01/2022 - 19:08
    +2

    I feel for you. All it takes to change your suburban life from blissful to hellish is one yappy dog.

  • El cheepo on 14/01/2022 - 20:00
    +1

    Give it time, if you get the chance try and build a little rapport with your neighbor if you don’t already know them. (Hear them in the backyard playing with the dog, pop your head over the fence, say gday, nice dog etc)

    Then when it comes to D day, you may have an idea if it’s worth talking with them first or just going straight to the council about it.

    In any case, keep note of times and recordings of noises if possible.

  • Iluvfreebies on 14/01/2022 - 22:48
    +1

    Dinner sorted

  • Sunshines bright on 15/01/2022 - 07:33

    My counsel only notifies you about noise complaint and being its a dog 🐕 they will not fine you, only tell you to try to stop the barking. They seem to understand it is not always possible to stop the barking.

  • suzley on 15/01/2022 - 09:16

    Get a book or printout on how to ease a new dog into your home (or similar) and give it to them. Plenty available.

  • elgrande on 15/01/2022 - 09:32
    +3

    I'd speak to the neighbor with the overhanging tree, and ask them to convince the neighbor who lifts weights at 4am to have a chat with them..

  • RecklessMonkeys on 15/01/2022 - 09:33
    +2

    Welcome to the Number 1 complaint received by councils.

    I was in your situation, did nothing, and now yell at the dog to shut up at 5AM.

    The problem likely won't stop.
    Dogs need to be socialised, otherwise it's going to bark at everything that goes past.
    This is a great way to have a crap rapport with neighbours - it should be compulsory to have dogs trained.

    By all mean be friendly, but don't wait to at least start a conversation.

  • jrvb42 on 15/01/2022 - 10:10
    +1

    Get evidence and go str8 to council with noise complaint, anonymously.
    They already know about the noise, as they are closer than you!
    Many have already said they will not take kindly to a kind word, and if you speak to them, they'll know who complained to council, and y'all got yerself a feud.
    Chances are it's annoying others, so just get evidence, present to council and let them do their job.

  • OzHunterNSW on 15/01/2022 - 13:09

    Possibly only a few weeks old and first time away from the comfort of its mother. Should only last a week or two. They should be sleeping with it set up in their room.

  • bbinc on 15/01/2022 - 13:30

    Sounds like you live right near me! Except this puppy is a Groodle, and the owners are visiting parents. They don’t seem to care how distressed this dog gets left outside all night.

    • iNeed2Pee on 15/01/2022 - 14:00
      +1

      Blows my mind.
      Ill happily take the dogs if people don't know how to care!

  • try2bhelpful on 15/01/2022 - 14:09

    Maybe have a quiet word indicating you wouldn’t go to the council but someone else might. It sounds like they need to go to a good puppy school to learn how to settle the dog. I have no idea how people can leave animals out all night. Why get an animal if it is not part of the pack? Our kitties have run of the house.

  • Drewbo on 15/01/2022 - 19:54
    +5

    Pity it isn't a $1500 Cavoodle - they are absolutely silent.

    • iNeed2Pee on 15/01/2022 - 20:12
      -1

      $1500?

      Try like $4000 for that type of breed. haha

    • carboncider on 16/01/2022 - 00:53

      Came here for a comment about this, wasnt disappointed

    • iNeed2Pee on 16/01/2022 - 10:34

      oh wow. My bad, did not even see the forum post!

      😂

  • Herbse on 15/01/2022 - 20:58
    +1

    Their dog, their problem.

    Make recordings, send a report to the council.

    You shouldn't have to deal with it.

  • Thenarrator on 15/01/2022 - 22:49

    I think the owner themself would also find it annyoing. I would like to think they've tried to fix it but dont know how and dont want to spend more efforts/money in fixing it and they've given up. So when you approach them, they would probably see it comming and just do a shrug*, which will then piss you off and then spiral etc etc. sad.

  • AustriaBargain on 15/01/2022 - 23:03

    Leave the radio on just loud enough to cover the sound of the barking.

  • Cookiescream on 16/01/2022 - 01:13

    Hi, please get the puppy and give to the person on the other topic which was scammed for a puppy. Problem solved.

  • iNeed2Pee on 16/01/2022 - 06:57
    +2

    Spoke to the owner at 6.30am.
    Seriously, the puppy was barking at intervals all night ffs.
    Their english is not very good, said the puppy stays outside (owner said he thinks the puppy is scared- no shit pal).
    I relayed the information that the puppy needs to be inside. Said he was sorry for the noise.
    Ive only spoken to them a couple of times but they do seem genuine. Noise probably won't stop but hey at least now they are aware.

    Could be my father and just threaten them but that does not get anywhere 🤣.

    Will see how it plays out. Needed my sleep today and I partially snapped.
    Spoke in a nice tone to them as well, they probably realised with the bags under my eyes that I had it after 4 to 5 days of constsnt barking and weeks of crying.

  • htc on 16/01/2022 - 07:36

    One post yesterday showed one got scam from buying a puppy and now another got annoyed from puppy noise. I wondered if there will be a third post on puppy.

    • THICKnSLOW on 16/01/2022 - 10:30
      +1

      'What toys do you let your puppy play with WFH?'

      • htc on 16/01/2022 - 10:36

        I almost thought 2022 will be the year of dog. It reminded me of the red dog movie, I remembered the promotion on tv "the most feel good movie of 2011".

  • Ace26 on 16/01/2022 - 10:10
    +1

    Recent experience with immediate neighbours (who we spoke to a few times and seemed nice. Also wave at each other etc). They got a new dog to accompany their old one. Younger guy is super anxious everytime they go out. Barks all day (one instance he baked for full 9-10 hours during day). This starts happening at night and one day I politely text him around midnight asking to take them inside. I got a response saying not home and coming soon (explains why the pup was barking).

    Since this they don't want to wave at us or talk to us. Lol

  • jtc13 on 16/01/2022 - 10:14
    +1

    Maybe give them some friendly help in the form of info on Crate training for puppies. At night puppies prefer to be in a "Den" To sleep is the theory. So when it's bed time the puppy goes into the crate and door is locked. Put a light towel or blanket over the top to block out most of the light but ensure there is still enough air flow. Puppy may bark a little first few nights but will quickly adjust as feels more comfortable / safe in their Den for sleeping. We did this first 3 months with our puppy and it worked really well.

    • iNeed2Pee on 16/01/2022 - 10:29

      Should these owners not educate themselves in a decision they are making?
      Before we adopted a cat from a shelter, we did our research and made sure we were planned.

      Yes its a cat so different ball game, but still some onus needed to be on us to ensure we knew what we were doing!

      • htc on 16/01/2022 - 10:44

        From the update, great to see your neighbour listened to your concern. Hope it will work out in the end.

        • iNeed2Pee on 16/01/2022 - 11:14

          He listened, but his wife was not home. So she might take it differently. I hope not 😂

      • jtc13 on 17/01/2022 - 16:06

        They should as a responsible pet owner but if they haven't already then a nudge in the right direction may help.

  • JesseN9 on 16/01/2022 - 13:21

    Try some elephant ears….. yummy

  • upended on 16/01/2022 - 13:42

    iNeed2PeeSleep

  • Oofy Doofy on 16/01/2022 - 17:49

    I've always put muzzles on my dog/s and told them to be quiet regularly, if they were barking (and I knew about it)

  • tessel on 16/01/2022 - 17:55

    Bring on dog free suburbs.

  • mdavant on 16/01/2022 - 18:15

    Well played, I hope it works out for you.

  • furyou on 16/01/2022 - 21:08

    btw as a dog owner you probably hear it more than them

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