CHICAGO (STNG) - Two wars in the Middle East. A global recession. The neighbor's yippy, annoying dog. OK, perhaps the neighbor's barking dog doesn't quite make the list of global concerns, but a peaceful neighborhood ranks high as a day-to-day quality-of-life issue.
And a barking dog that wakes a sleeping baby or barks so consistently conversation becomes impossible crosses a line from a nuisance to an aggravation.
The Chicago City Council last week authorized a crackdown that would slap hefty fines - ranging from $50 to $250 for each offense - against the owners of constant yappers.
While Orland Park, Chicago Heights, Frankfort and other communities have ordinances in place to curb noisy dogs - including fining the owner - most officers say they work to resolve dog complaints before the problem escalates to tickets and court dates.
Southland officers say issues with barking dogs can become so touchy, most residents prefer to have an officer confront a neighbor rather than start a conversation themselves.
"With today's society, it's not like people are out on their front porches and really know their neighbors. They may not know them or they may be very apprehensive and don't want a problem over it," Orland Park Police Cmdr. Chuck Doll said. "Most people want it handled without getting involved, so they'll call us."
A new Web site launched this week seeks to anonymously bridge the divide by informing a dog owner of a problem via e-mail at www.stopmyneighborsdog.com.
The program "allows victimized neighbors to subtly point out dog barking annoyances by sending anonymous letters to the offending pet parent."
Bark victims will have the option of sending e-mail or traditional mail to the barking offender's owner with an enlightening message "-- your annoyed neighbors can now find relief and you won't be the goat of the neighborhood!"
Users can select from various messages, from a kind notification to a stern rebuke, and include other information such as "bark control tips" or a list of products designed to control barking. A test of the program shows the sender's e-mail appears as stop@stopmyneigbborsdog.com.
"Most police department budgets are really tight right now. If we can avoid getting involved with a barking dog issue, we do," Homewood Deputy Chief Dale Gustafson said. "We're going to do our job, but a barking dog is really a minor offense. It's not like the 10 most wanted list."
Sometimes a simple conversation with a dog owner can avoid future problems without involving the police. Repeat offenders can get tickets and court dates, said Cmdr. John Burica, of the Frankfort Police Department
"We always prefer neighbors handling things themselves and a lot of times that's more effective than having an officer involved," Burica said. "That's how you get things done."
But if a discussion with a dog owner doesn't "get things done," a polite yet to-the-point e-mail might do the trick. And the neighbor might prefer that to a not-so-polite visit from a local police officer.
Our dogs bark as a natural part of their communication system. It's appropriate for them to alert us when strangers approach our homes or when they hear an odd noise. But dogs can also bark inappropriately, and excessive barking can be disruptive to your household or neighbors.
If we want to control barking, we need to understand our dogs a bit Our dogs bark for a reason. It could be a reasonable one that should be responded to such as hunger or thirst. It's important to look at the reasons your pet may be barking and work on responding effectively to these reasons. For example, if your pet is barking out of boredom, you may need to make more toys or exercise available to your pet; while letting your pet know that barking for boredom is not acceptable.
Saying "no" to a barking dog doesn't stop barking - your dog may see this as you barking too, and this is not an incentive for him to stop.
You want to communicate with your dog, letting him know your expectations. This includes letting him know when barking is appropriate. You can use a command such as "silent," when your dog barks and follow with praise when your dog ceases barking. Use gentle tones.
Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
10/13/2009 9:35AM
If you had a beef with a neighbor, would you till him in person or anonymously through a Web site?
What do you think?
10/13/2009 10:55AM
thoughts
Tell them in person! Sending an email is cowardly. And what do you do when you see your nieghbor after sending the email? Nervously smile and wave? Ignore them? Diplomatically confronting the issue will cause less awkwardness. If the neighbor gets pissed....too bad then! That's THEIR problem!
10/13/2009 12:11PM
dog trainer
stick a business card of a dog training center/instructor in their mailbox or in the jam of their front door. Put a note on the back saying your barking dog and you need to go to obedience school.
10/13/2009 1:14PM
Tell them in person
You would be surprised how people listen, especially if you have a possible solution to the problem. Wait until you are calm, and approach in a friendly way. This works a lot better than anger.
10/13/2009 1:25PM
Noise Polllution
And what do we do about crying babies in restaurants or public places that are annoying? A screaming child gives me a pounding headache, and the parents won't do a thing about it, saying it's a child and that's ok. A dog barking is doing so becuase it's alone or wants attention. Let's also fine the parents who let their child scream in stores and restaurants. If they feel it's ok for the kid to scream, then they should be forced to leave the store/restuarant/public area and enjoy it themselves, not force others to endure it. The same for those driving cars with blasting stereos, who pull up along side of a car at a stop light and their music so so loud the car next to it vibrates. I don't care to listen to that crap, and shouldn't have to - neither should I be forced to listen to a screaming child. Now, let's hear from all those who think I'm terrible because I want some quite in my life.
10/13/2009 1:42PM
Agree!!
I totally agree with the comment Noise Pollution. I also like to enjoy a quiet meal in a retaurant with out having kids and babies scream while their idiot parents just ignore them. Stay at home and enjoy the screaming. Dogs are meant to bark, so all of you who don' like it tooooo bad!
10/13/2009 2:59PM
agree too
i agree with noise pollution! And i have 3 (now grown) kids! First of all, i didn't take my kids out to restaurants that much when they were babies. Unless it was meant for kids. And when i did, if they cried, i got them out of there! And people should be more considerate of their neighbors when it comes to dogs. I have a terrior who likes to bark at times. When that happens, it's inside for him! It's just plain common courtesy.
10/13/2009 5:45PM
blackshepherd
First I investigate why they are barking. If theres nothing I can see.Normally my neighbors dog who runs un leased through every one's yard save mine which is fenced in.My dogs would get him if they could. I dont tolerate excessive barking.and late at night is a no no. I am considerate of my neighbors but also I cant STand to hear excessive barking and will shut them up! Usually a couple of threatening toned "SHUT UP" does the trick. if that dosent work I show them a bucket of water which will be doused on them should barking continue. That really works..as dogs like people, perfer to drink water not have it throwed on them. Hey, I you do what you got to do. even a glass or cup of water cause mine to sit down and behave themselves and quiet down.
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