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Putting the Bite on Backyard Barkers
Education is the answer when complaints turn ugly
I understand that the constant barking of a neighbor’s dog can put some fairly nasty thoughts into a person’s mind. I’ve been on the receiving end of the steady woof-woof-woof of an anxious and bored pup. But I never blamed the dog. When I read the recent report in The Arizona Daily Star about the frustrations of a barked-out Pima County women, I was sympathetic. Her attempts to find her rightful quiet have utterly failed. The county’s “intervention”—in the form of suggesting mediation and fining the dogs’ guardians $200—have, reportedly, done nothing to quiet the voluble pack. But my sympathy faded fast when I visited the blog of the anti-barking organization she started, Quiet Pima County. There among the limited posts is a list of “How to Kill Your Neighbors (sic) Dogs,” which includes: The old standby - antifreeze meatballs. It's a total gut punch, even if indulging dog-killing fantasies is just a way of blowing off steam. So, I'd like to offer a more constructive strategy that brings barkers in from the cold--safely. Why not help people solve their own barking challenges? I contacted a go-to trainer in my neck of the woods, Amanda Brothers of Sidekick Dog Training, with a few questions about how to help backyard barkers. Why do they bark? Some barking is meant to communicate, ‘I’m all alone, come find me!’ Plainly said, barking is something to DO all day while the owner is gone and it is a self-reinforcing behavior, meaning dogs get something from it whether or not the owner is there to reward it. And when dogs bark at pedestrians and trucks to protect territory, it works. The person, car or dog moves on, and the dogs thinks their strategy (barking) worked and are more likely to bark again when faced with the same situation. Can you train a dog out of barking when left alone? It’s tough to train a dog not to bark when the owner is absent without using something nasty and not recommended, such as a shock or citronella collar. The best way to eliminate barking is to provide other outlets for your dog including "work for food" toys, such as a Kong or Busy Buddy. Exercise is always going to help. Tired dogs aren’t barking, digging, chewing, etc. Mental exercise will help as well, including basic training, tricks, agility and other dog sports. If you have a big barking problem, I would vote for leaving the dog indoors when alone, in a crate with a busy toy and the radio on. If the dog needs a mid-day potty break, come home at lunch or hire a dog walker. Oh, and don’t ever reward barking by giving attention (even yelling “NO!” is attention). Ignore the barking until it ceases for at least five seconds before letting your dog indoors or going out to interact with him. If the barking doesn’t stop, make a noise by stomping your feet or knocking on a window. Then, you’ll get your few seconds of quiet, which you can reward. |
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All our barking dog problems have come from owners who have little or no buy-in to the neighborhood, regard for neighbors or interact much with their animals. Not one owner I've dealt with has assumed any responsibility in these matters but sees it as someone else's problem, not theirs. And we've never blamed the animals. They've all been normal dogs that are simply not cared for in a loving manner. All the owners only came around after they were forced by a judge and the accompanying sanctions, to take action. We now have a new renter next door to us and in only four days the barking has gotten to the point where we are going to contact Animal Control based on a conversation we just had with the owner. Her attitude was the same, not her problem, wasn't going to deal with it, and in general blew us off. Again, a person with no buy-in to the neighborhood or concern for her neighbors.
Lisa,
Thank you for posting the disturbing "dark side" of the Quiet Pima County Organization. It is very scary that this was posted at their blog. I'm afraid that they will encourage animal abuse. Are they a fringe group? What other extremist behavior/ideas do they suggest?!
Thank you too for posting the excellent advice to help dog owners reduce barking. Responsible pet ownership is what should be promoted, not violence against animals that are not to blame for a lack of training or interaction.
You are to be commended for not leaving your dogs in the yard unattended for any amount of time and not liking to see others doing this.
We, the members of Quiet Pima County, deal with dog owners who are far less responsible than you are. And, right now, they're allowed to get away with being irresponsible and inconsiderate of our right to peace and quiet in our homes. That's why we're working to change the laws so that these dog owners can be held to account
Im sorry your sympathy faded fast after reading the "darker side" of the barking dog problem. Many folks dont understand that there are more than two sides to the problem. Besides the obvious problem of the barking dog and the debilitating effects it has on the barking dog victim, the problem with the barking dog owner is far greater. There is a sickness of entitlement. They believe in some delusional manner that they have every right to neglect thier dogs incessant barking.
Another problem that permiates the barking dog issue is the reluctance of victims to report it because of the fear of retaliation. To many victims have been harassed, libeled, property vandalized, stalked, physically assaulted and killed.
Another problem is the lack of law enforcement and community involvement.
Another problem is the advise that is given to victims that complain. If you were to have read the follow-up comment on the blog to that specific post you will see and possibly understand that the "dark side' needs to be brought out into the open too. "It illustrates the ineffectiveness of the system that is in place. People are willing to take matters into their own hands. This is the real deal. Its reality. You'll read about these kinds of retalitory actions taking place MORE than you'll EVER read about a small group of citzens joining together to stop it. You'll read more about a dog owner who has had a complaint filed against them, retaliating against a person who filed the complaint BEFORE you read about the person filing the complaint."
I proved my point with your story. YOU, Ms.Wogan decided to focus on the 'dark side." We thank you for bringing this to YOUR readers attention.
If we are going to change the laws, the "dark" sides we dont want to hear about or read about must be exposed.
We at Quiet Pima County do not condone taking matters in one owns hands.
It's not the dogs fault. It is the fault of the irresponsible and uncaring owner of the dog that is neglected.