About 4 months ago I received a letter from my local environmental services saying they had received complaints about my Dog Barking, who ever complained said my dogs ( I only have one ) barked continually from 7am untill late into the night!!!!Totally not true, I rang them and told them this! I'm not saying that she doesn't bark she does ( I would be worried if she didn't) But she barks as I would expect a dog to bark at the postman, when anyone comes to the door, at the next doors gardener, when I've got work men in etc. I got really parinoid about it at the time and made sure I stoped her barking every time. And as far as I was concrned it was over. Well its not I have now had another letter saying they have had more complaints, I dont know what to do or where I stand. They say that the complaints say she barks excessively, I dont think she does, the most she is left on her own is 3/4 hours while I am out work in the mornings, when I come home she has been asleep. My neibours dont talk to us anyway I think they think I am a single parent (Husbands in the forces and away alot) they are quite stuck up, peaple that live at the other end of the road say this is the snobby end of the street. Have they just got in for me or is barking 4/5 times a day to much for no more than 3 or 4 minutes a time, and she is not the only dog to bark could she be getting the blame for all of them? Forgot to say my dog is a GSD so when she does bark it is loud.
Hasanyone else had this problem? Thanks for any advice. And sorry for rambleing on.
k

Sorry to hear about your problem. Have you tried setting a tape recorder, or rigging up a video camera, on 'record' while you're out so that you have evidence to counter these accusations? If you have dated tapes available it would surely be to your advantage if it turns nasty.
Just an idea.
:)

Trouble is if someone decides that a particular dog is barking, it seems to become worse than it really is. Have you asked if the council have been to confirm the complaints, or have you asked them for the warden to come and advice you. You may find an Aboistop collar may help. It would seem that those who dislike the dog will find only one bark an irritant so if you can stop or nearly stop it, you can prove you have tried. Also think to make your own recordings will help.

Hi Kayl

First of all , the local Environment Agency will not simply take your neighbours word for it ...the send you a letter to ensure you are aware of the situation..but if the complaints have continued , firstly they will ask the neighbours to keep a noise diary , then they will come around and monitor the nise themselves. They also have the option of giving the neighbours a tape recorder with which to tape the dog barking.

Melody :)

Just wanted to let you know I sympathise - I had a similar problem after my elderly neighbour had a stroke - apparently it can make the hearing more accute, and 'normal' dog barking was distressing her. I pointed out to the ES how often and for how long my dog barked under what circumstances, and they were very understanding, I heard no more........... Also make sure it is YOUR dog they are complaining about - it may be another dog close by that they don't know about - but because they know you have a dog (and a large one) they are assuming it is your dog.....

you can get video surveillance cameras from aldi for £29.99 at the moment, you plug them into the back of your tv, not sure how good or if they record noise but if you videod your dog it would be obvious how long it was barking or not.good luck!!

Thanks for all your replys and good advice, I have been to work this afternoon for 3 and a half hours so I set up my video camera, as I thought she must be barking while I'm out the house because I know she doesn't bark that much while I'm here. I have just spent ages rewinding it stopping every few seconds to see if she was barking and guess what nothing so far, I am just listening to it now and she hasn't barked once yet!!
I will let you know if she has barked at all when the tape has finished.
K

I'm not sure what excessive barking is classed as, but I must say dog barking is something that can drive you insane, I had a neighbour who kept a Jack Russell he laft it in the house when he went to work and it barked almost continually from when he drove away to when he pulled back on the drive, and I must say it can drive you insane really. He wouldn't listen to any of us in the croft, in fact his next door neighbour had just retired and offered to take the dog for walks/keep him at his own home while the owner was at work, all refused. Eventually he moved.

Have another neighbour who has 3 GSD's and almost always has his daughters GSD cross, in the house they bark at everything and anything that passes, I don't think he notices anymore :D But no one really seems to mind, another neighbour told me they know there's someone about when "My Sal" barks or a lab the other side.

Karen

That's great - date and time it and keep it as evidence. Also may be a pain, but perhaps you could start keeping a log yourself of the times your dog barks and what you do about it? Also, have you noticed any other dogs barking excessively - maybe you tune it out because you're used to it? And it could be that they know you have a dog so assume it's your dog when really it's someone else's?

Wendy

I would be grateful if someone could say what is classed as excessive barking as well, my pup (GSD) barks as well- i'm wondering how to stop her and when we are going to get into trouble for it!!

Oh what comfort! I had a visit from the Animal Welfare Warden from the local council. She left a card on my mat on Friday and I called her as soon as I got in. I certainly don't get on with my neighbours who are considered to be unreasonable by the entire close - they have two collies who are their substitute children and are treated as such. My dogs are working dogs and sleep in a kennel but also share the house with us when we are in. Next doors dogs are neurotic and aggressive and bark frantically whenever we are in the garden without reprimand by their owners and have been responsible for several attacks on local dogs. They bark at rubbish bags, lawnmowers, vaccuum cleaners, cars, visitors, etc. etc and are the subject of much disattisfaction amongst the neighbours. It has been made clear to me on several occasions in very graphic terms that they do not approve of my dogs, their training methods, diet, sleeping arrangements, and although I certainly don't expect everyone to enjoy shooting I do expect to be able to enjoy a hobby without reprimand from others - each to their own.

My dogs are well trained, well behaved, brilliant company and don't feel the need ever to bark whilst in our company. I am not naieve enough to think that when we are out they remain totally silent and I have heard them "whinge" when we have separated them on weeks like this one when the female is in season. They also object for a short amount of time if one goes out shooting and we leave one behind, but we wait in the car until noise subsides and this is barely a few moments. Can you imagine my shock when the warden tells me there has been a complaint that they bark day and night?!!!! We are surrounded by dogs, two in the house at the end of my garden, terrier next door, 4 next door but one, 2 collies next door other side, etc and yes, there is barking but to single mine out is amazing! Although the warden would not tell me where the compaint came from, I know in my heart of hearts it was them next door. I have spoken to other neighbours who say there isn't a problem and are amazed that the complainants have got away this long without someone complaining about their dogs!

It makes you feel totally miserable. I don't for a moment want my dogs disturbing anyone and certainly wouldn't approve of them being left to bark. They are in the kennel when we are out but that is only for one day a week. They are very well exercised, well fed and have a lovely warm kennel and run. Whatever can I do? I explained all this to the warden and told her she was welcome to come and see them anytime. She did admit that she had visited 3 times and never heard any noise but would recommend they kept a diary if the inconvenience kept up.

I sympathise and wish I had the answer for you.

I'd be issuing a complaint and keeping a diary about their dogs then. This is just silly!!

Wendy

I have read this post with interest as I work with someone who has a Springer . The dog is about 10 months old and left in the garden with a kennel while they are out (approx 4 hours) and they have had a neighbour complain about barking . He lives a few doors away and yet his next door neighbour has said he has not noticed any barking from my friends dog so either the first neighbour isnt as tolerable of barking dogs or he is just assuming it is my friends dog doing the barking .
I have made the suggestion to take the dog inside for a while and see if it blows over but he says the dog is quite destructive in the house when let alone even though it has plenty of toys . Also with it being the summer holidays recently , hearing the children playing etc could be getting his dog excited .
He has now recieved a letter to say this neighbour is now keeping a diary of the barking instances.
Does anyone know the period of time they are kept over ? I will suggest the video and recording options to him also .
I also agree with Karen that a barking dog can drive you barmy - one that barks constantly!

Lesley

Our rescue kennel has had lots of complaints from two neighbours that the dogs bark 24/7 We enlisted the help of Justice for Dogs because the actions of the environmental health officer was in fact harassment-weekly(at one stage daily)visits & forcing a £15,000.00 + rebuild of the rescue kennels + wanting to see the books for the rescue dogs(they thought the dogs were being sold for profit)!

The neighbours baiscally wanted(& still want)the boarding/rescue kennels closing down. They failed because the dogs were not barking, in fact the only dogs on the tapes the EHO had made were the Labradors(four)& the greyhounds(6)owned by the two neighbours. The greyhounds were howling on & off all day at one stage when one of the bitches(greyhound) was in season.

The case went to court & was thrown out & the EHO warned as to their future conduct

Keeping video etc evidence is very important to counter the claims & also the times etc that the dogs are not on the property-amazing what noise dogs can make when they are not even on the property

Thats a very good point Moonmaiden about making a note of when the dog is not there . I will mention that .
I also mentoned to John that he should make a note of the time postman called etc as it might show that the dog is only barking when people approach the property . The difficult thing is that now the neihbour has gone down the avenue of keeping a diary he will be listening out for every little noise . :(
Lesley

edited to ask whether it is worth recommending a trial run with an anti-barking collar ? Do they work and are they ok to the dog ?

Don't you have to see the dog barking to operate an anti-barking collar? This isn't much good when they only bark when nobody is there.

No Jacky, they operate automatically.
:)

I had a complaint this week about my dogs barking. I have 6. My neighbour has 3 and there are various other dogs in the heighbour hood. I have become paranoid about this now. Everytime a dog makes a noise I bring mine inside. They have the free run of the garden (well 3 of them do) and when I go out they are put into their kennels with runs. However in the days since this lady complained (she admitted she is not a dog lover) I have taken particular note of when and if my dogs bark. One the last three days they have been outside in the garden for 4, 5 and six hours and in all that time have only barked three or four times. They do not all bark at once , if they do then yues it is alot of noise but it is only for a matter of seconds. I tried explaining to this lady that my dogs were my early warning system if anyone was around. I have lived here for 16 years with dogs and have never had a complaint and have never been broken in to. This lady moved in at the beginning of April. I dont know how the law stands on noise nuisance but I really dont think that my dogs are causing anyone a problem.

Thanks again for your continuing advice, I have now had the chance to watch the vidioing I did yesterday while I was at work and she did not bark once!!!! also so far today she has only barked once and that was only for about 30 seconds, I would not call that excessive would you?
I have noticed today that there has been alot of other barking from other dogs in the area so now I'm wondering if mine is getting the blame for all of the barking around here. tomorrow i am going to take the video camera down to the enviromental offices and get them to take a look for them selfs!!
When I got the first letter 4 months ago I did start to make a dairy of when and how long she barked for but I only done it for about ten days because she only barked about 4 or 5 times a day and I thought as I had heard no more that was the end of it, I will start doing it again though.
All this has really upset me I cant even explain how I feel apart from very very protective over my dog, I just feel like peaple (or one person) in the street are against us and our dog, I dont understand how anyone can dislike a dog then dont even know so much, she has a lovely nature and is quite well behaved, I say quite well as she is only 13 months old so does still have the odd moments.
she has just barked for the second time today and again only for seconds.
What is the Justice for Dogs?
I will let you know how I get on tomorrow.
K

By the way you have the right under the Data Protection Act to see anything the council holds anout you both on computers & in writing so they have to divulge who has made the complaint-no matter what they might tell you

data protection

justice for dogs

Also keep hold of that tape for the future .
The complainer may note in their noise diary that your dog barked on such a day at a particular time and if you have the video of that day and time it will be very useful.
Lel

You have been so helpful, I had no idea about the Data protection act, do you know if I have to just ask them when I go in or if I have to apply somewhere to see the info they have got?
I really cant thank you enough.
K

I would ask to see details of the complaint then if they refuse make a written application to see all the information held on you by the EHO-thats what you are entitled to see written & computer records

The Environment Dept at the local authjority will have to monitor it themselves together evidence to prove the nusiance claimed is real. If it isn't the case then try not to worry. My thought are with you though - all these noise and environmental rules seem to merely equip toffee nosed bullies with a reason to complain whether or not it is justified. One of our neighbours has so far written to environment about practically every aspect of our lifestyle - I'm waiting for the one about the dog - as when we got our dog they came round to say they didn't like dogs - as if on thsi basis we could get rid of the dog !! They then removed their boundary fence - to stop us being able to let our dog out into the garden - there garden has not fence between the house and the main road - so letting them suffer with the dog in their garden was not an option! After a year (yes a year) they built a huge brick wall - which took over 4 months to build and involved workman walking in an out every day - freaking out my dog ! Of course it is us that are being made to seem like neighbours from hell - as no one beleives us - except out other neighbours who all know they are fruitloops.
Nikki

Just wanted to offer some support.

I too have had neighbour problems, thankfully some years ago now in another house. I feel that some people are really sensitive and cannot cope with barking dogs, but expect dog owners to put up with DIY, children playing all hours (and no i'm not against children playing, but constant screaming/arguing/yelling is annoying), and so on.

My neighbours used to live in the country and even convinced a poor farmer to sedate some of his dogs :( And they hated "alsatians" (not realising mine were in fact BSDs).

AT one time they complained about my dogs barking, and on that particular weekend, i had in fact actually been away with my dogs!!! So they either got the wrong dogs, or were making up stories.

It is very distressing though. I think dogs should be able to bark for a few seconds, just not literally ALL day and yours very obviously doesn't!

Good luck, let us know how things go :)

Lindsay

Hi just got back from being down the council, They wont let me see the letters of complaint or the logs that they have got ! They say they cant as it has the names of the peaple who complained!! But they will send me copys of the logs in a few days, the person I saw said he had been monitoring the situation and has only heard my dog bark alot on one day and that was the day the bin man were around he said it took her a while to be quiet again but that was only one day and he was only here for 25 minutes, I've got to keep a log myself and he is going to compare them, he also told me that there is 2 peaple complaining one saying it is a problem and the other saying she barks all day and night every day!!!!What a load of rubbish!!!
So I got the video out and showed him, couldn't really say much to that apart from he thinks it has got all out of proportion and he knows that they are making it sound worse than it really is.
I am looking forward to seeing the logs these peaple have sent him, and I would like to see copies of the letters to see what they have said. So really I am no father forward apart from knowing that he wants to get it sorted out in the next few weeks, I am going to carry on with videoing her while I am out of the house, so's I have the proof if these peaple say shes been barking all day etc.
Thankyou all for your help and support, I will keep you inforned of any new developments and of the outcome. Thanks again
K

They always say you can't see them & if pushed will sent you edited copies so at least you can see when the complaints started etc

Friend of mine was having neighbour problems (she has newfies-well one now)it got so bad she went to her daughters in Australia & we moved the dogs out(4)over four nights a month after she had been in Australia the EHO rang her & her call was diverted to my mobile

He alleged he had heard the dogs barking non stop over the previous week I told him would be a b miracle as the lady was away & the dogs were 60 miles away & I could provide evidence as they were staying with a barrister friend-odd she never had another complaint lol

Keep us updated

Little bit more news! the man from the EHO dropped a copy of the log the peaple who are complaining did but only 1 months worth I would like to see more than that!!!! two weeks are missing in the middle of the month it was July and I seem to remember that next door were away for 2 weeks about then so looks like its them!!! or one of them anyway. They have written down 2 or 3 times daliy and have not written for how long she was barking, apart from on 2 dates, one was 8.30 pm on a thursday night, I never go out during the week so would have been in at that time and they said she was barking for 3 hours!!!! funny I never heard her! ( I would never let her bark for that amount of time I wouldn't be able to stand it myself, I always tell her to be quiet as soon as she barks) so I know that is a lie, they also said she was barking for 2 hours on a Sat morning about 9 am not true either! The comments they wrote were quite anoying dont want to bore you but must tell you what thay said
"The barking also intimidated my friends and family who vist me. the dog barks at any car or person that comes to my house, this is when the dog sits at the owners front gate, In my opinion, although the noise has improved slightly, the owners have no control over the dog. Unless it suits them."
WHats all that about??? We do have control over her, we have had problems in the past with puppy biting but thats stopped now and thats nothing whatsoever to do with barking! also she does still pull quite a bit when walking her, again nothing to do with barking! So I wonder what they are on about.
I am going to ask to see the rest of it tomorrow and I am going to get the man from EHO to find out what they mean by that.
They obviously dont like us for some reason but thats their problem not mine but they shouldn't take it out on my dog, who I might add has barked twice today for no more than 30 seconds each time!
Thanks again
K
PS I must just say my front gate is at the side of my house (not on the road) we have a large front garden and a long drive long enough for 3 cars so she is sat quite a way back from the road also we boarded it up about 5 weeks ago as it was too see though.

How do you think you'll feel when you find out who these pple are? i dont think i would be able to keep a civil tongue in my head (think thats a saying, not sure) :). These type of pple are busy bodies with sad life's, theyv'e got nothing better to do with themselves than moan about the way others live. When you find out who they are get a shovel full of dog poo and chuck it in their garden, it'll keep them occupied for a while :D DOGS do BARK think its the only noise they can make, unlike humans!

yes they can also whine and grunt and growl and snore but its not as loud, thought i'd add that b4 anyone else did :)

Theres a lot of spiteful neighbour syndrome about these days isnt there? When I worked for the council we used to get noise/kids behaviour complaints whenever a homeless family was rehoused or someone new who didnt "fit in" moved into a street. A few complaints were racist in disguise. It amazes me these EHOs are actualy out and about as I could never get one when needed. A friend of mine is going through a vicious rumour campaign orchestrated by her next door neighbour who just hates her dog - and Mrs Neighbourhood Watch has 3 dogs of her own. Ive had people repeat these rumours to me about him being out of control, behaviour problems a child substitute and so spoiled etc, so at least you can fight back against the EHO. Awful for you though, its so draining.

Kayl - keep your chin up through it all and hold your head high! I completely understand how you feel. I was able to enlist the support of another neighbour who was apalled that there had been a complaint against my dogs. She is phoning the council herself to "stick up for me" tomorrow. Is there anyone who could support you if needs be? I agree with 'spiteful neighbour syndrome' as I feel that is what I am the victim of too. My neighbours are from a 'minority group' (being two women) and therefore use that as protection in a very negative way.

I understand the disturbance this causes. I have slept with all the windows open for the past few nights and leap out of bed at the slightest noise, only to find my dogs are sleeping peacefully! My nice neighbour was home on holiday all last week, relaxing and reading and tells me he didn't hear a squeak! I am anxious at work and have to keep texting various people who might have walked past my house to be on the look out for me - as yet there has been nothing to report. I get the feeling I am losing my sanity quite rapidly here.

There isn't enough live and let live these days, people complain about anything.

This is just a thought for people who have others complaining about their dogs barking. A last resort idea really, book the dogs into a kennel and then when the neighbours who have complained have kept a jounal. They show it to the EHO you then show them, the receipt from the kennels saying your dog had been in kennels that weekend what ever.

Just a thought especially if you think they are mixing your dog up with someone elses?

Karen

Thanks for your continuing support! I don't know if I have already mentioned this but There is 2 peaple complaining which makes it worse I think!! I have managed to find out who one of them is for definate and thats next door I think the others live across the road (and are very friendly with next door). I have also found out the other things they have been saying "We let the dog run free in the street letting her run riot over everyones front gardens (she got out once on bankholiday monday and did run across next doors front garden and around there cars) I remember when this was as we had all my husbands family around and his 4 year old nephew opened the front door at the wrong time!!! also we never walk her!!!!
which of course is yet another lie!!! but luckerly the bloke from the EHO told me he know this wasn't the case as I had walked past him while he was sat in his car monitering my house and the dog had stuck her nose in his car window he also said she seemed very friendly. He is going to see them on thursday so hopfully this will be sorted out this week! I hope so anyway because I am getting sick of it now. How can peaple lie like that to say we dont walk her and let her run free in the street how stupid is that not to mention the 24/7 barking. I really dont see why I should have to prove myself. I cant ask any of the other neibours as I dont know who the other peaple are, and they have all lived here years and all know each other, we have only been here nearly 3 years so to them we still the new peaple!!!!!! Plus we keep our selfs to our selfs maybe they dont like it cos they dont know all our business, who knows. I have got friends and family who could vouch for us if need be, but I cant understand how people can get away with telling all these lies.
Jackyjat hope all goes ok with your problem let me know how you get on?
I will keep you imformed.
k

UPDATE
I just want to thank you all again for your support and good advice! and to let you all know the good news.
I have just spoken to the man from the EHO and he has been to see the people who complained and told them he does not think my dog barking is excessive!!! and he is not going to spend any more time on this complaint, he has been monitering my house and does not see a problem so as far as he is concerned its over!!!!!!
So as you can imagen I am over the moon!! and can now get on with my life without worrying about whats going to happen. I have obviously got very sad people living nextdoor I wonder what they will find to complain about next! Ha Ha
Thanks again
K

Result K! Brace yourself they WILL find something else so keep records of this one and the result. Did the EHO give you a letter - ask for a copy of the one hes sending your neighbours if not.

Oh great news - common sense from the man from the EHO :)

Lindsay

Echo those sentiments but they might just go on complaining so be aware. Your EHO sounds like a sensible one-you are lucky keep him on your side :)

Brilliant news, Kay!
As the others say, hang onto any paperwork just in case .....
:)

I am so pleased for you, you must be very relieved.

I am still playing the waiting game.

Yes I couldn't be happier!!!
I hope all turns out ok for you Jackyjat let me know how it goes!
Funny thing was the day after I found out it was all ok, someone that lives a few doors away asked if we still had the dog as he hadn't heard her bark for so long!!!! so I too would have had one neibour on my side.
Good luck
k