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Posted: Tuesday, 13 October 2009 9:19AM
How to tell your neighbors their dog is too loud
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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.
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Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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