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Nobody wants to miss any sleep at night, because of a barking dog. Even the owners of the pet, often get frustrated because the dog won't quit barking. Still it is the responsibility of the owner to quiet their pet, when it is necessary. Most individuals are easy to work with. However, from time to time, you will find an owner that is hard to work with. It is during these times that you need to take action.
1. Look for support. Check with your local neighbors. If you can get next door neighbors to go with you, that will help your cause. Police Chief Wayne Emshousen of Bunker Hill, Illinois recommends going as a small group. This helps to validate your concern about the barking dog. It then becomes more than a one to one encounter, of the problem.
2. Be tactful in your approach. Chief Emshousen says to be friendly, in your approach. Explain your concerns to the owner and ask, if there is anything that you can do to help the situation. You might be the reason the dog is barking. If you have cats in your backyard, strange sounds or even moving shadows, that could be the cause for the barking dog. Work together to solve the problem.
3. The second return. Give it a few days, to see if you get results. At the end of that time, return again to your neighbor. This time, use a little more stern approach. You can't let this continue. Let your neighbors from the first group know that you are going and when. Try to get them to follow up with a visit or a phone call. Person to person visits are still the best for results. On this visit, try to get the owner to contact a specialist for help. They can go to a Vet or an animal shelter for advice. You might also supply the owner with phone numbers for assistance. Doing this, shows your sense of cooperation with the owner. It reinforces your concern about the problem, to them.
4. Recommend a web site. BarkingDogs.net offers some other suggestions for quieting a barking dog. They offer advice on everything, from collars, muzzles, training, surgery and medication.
5. The final visit. If you have tried everything above and nothing works, it is time for the law to be called in. Chief Emshousen says that many municipalities have ordinances on dogs and disturbing the peace. Samples, of barking dog ordinances, can be found at www.generalcode.com. Secure a copy from your local city hall. You can either hand deliver it or mail it to them. Again, try to stay friendly and upbeat with your neighbor. Try to avoid having a police officer intervene. These are your neighbors and you should try to assist them in stopping the problem.
6. When all else fails. The law is being broke and you need rest. It is time for a visit, from your local law enforcement official. If possible, have them come to your home first. You are the one filing the complaint. Explain the previous action that you have taken. Be truthful and don't over react by adding other complaints. You have one goal in mind. That is to get the dog to stop barking. If you have a supportive neighbor available, have them on hand to verify your actions and complaint.
When you have tried everything by yourself, it is time to call in the law. You have been a workable and understanding neighbor. This is why they have ordinances and police. Do not be afraid to apply them.
sources; Wayne Enshousen; Chief of Police, Bunker Hill, Illinois
Barking Dogs. net, General Code.com
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