neighbor extremely upset -- looking for solutions

[chickerdoodle]

As a behaviorist my professional advice is for her to get the dog used to the chickens and train the dog to respond to the "quiet" command. It will not only help in this situation but many others. She could find a local trainer to assist her in doing that. I teach that to all my dogs as I want them to bark if something strange is happening (why I do NOT recommend shock collars for this type of probelm) but also to let them know I am aware of the situation and they can now stop setting off the "alarm." Like many other posters mentioned it really is her problem but in order to live peacefully in a city or suburb we need to work together. Starting a positive dialog and asking her for suggestions as well as offering your own is a good way to start. I would also remind her gently that your chickens are as welcome as her dog in Seattle but her dog is the one disturbing her other neighbors. Do offer to help ease the situation so she doesn't get defensive (to keep the peace). Doing sneaky things such as using cayenne pepper can get you into trouble and some dogs as well as people are allergic to it--including myself. Fresh eggs once you get some is a good peace keeper as another poster mentioned as well.
Best of luck!!

 

[fowltemptress]

Tell her to buy one of those bark collars that spray citronella every time the dog barks. I put it on my dog every time someone is hitting targets with their gun because he wouldn't shut up otherwise. My dog is smart enough to realize he can bark safely when the spray collar isn't around his neck, so it doesn't train him not to bark, but it's not a problem as long as all you want is to keep a dog from barking at a certain something . . . like a few chickens roaming a yard for an hour or so. I also like it because the mosquitoes are pretty bad here, so any spray of citronella is going to help deter them from my dog.

That's my favorite solution, because I need my dog out there keeping the hawks from my birds, but if I didn't need the protection I could bring him inside. She could do the same, or tie her dog at the other end of her yard, or crate him, etc. Possible actions she could take to fix HER OWN problem are numerous, and her laziness in solving it is deplorable. If you offer her any of this advice . . . and this advice can be given in a neighborly fashion that she shouldn't be able to take offense at . . . and she says something along the lines of she shouldn't have to take a few minutes from her time to stop her dog's barking, I'd recommend buying the citronella spray collar and putting it around her lazy bummed neck to stop the complaining.

Oh, and try the cayenne pepper thing, of course. That's a neat little idea.

 

[PeepsInc]

I didn't read all 12 pages,but my suggestion would be to let her know that your releasing your chickens for an hour a day. during that hour she should put her dog inside. That's as close to a compromise as I'd get. Anything more makes you look like your at fault becouse your trying to fix the problem. Give Em an inch & they'll take a mile.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Renee' :

Quote:
These don't work. We have bought three of them (both battery type and plug in type). Absolutely WORTHLESS.

that is so odd, I love mine, works like a charm. They have to be pointed in the direction of the barking offender though.​

 

[fowltemptress]

Renee' :

Quote:
These don't work. We have bought three of them (both battery type and plug in type). Absolutely WORTHLESS.

Sometimes they work. It worked for the 5 yappy dogs that live next door to my uncle. The problem for me regarding those horrid things is that I can hear them . . . drives me up the wall! If you have sensitive hearing, those things will destroy your sanity. If I ever have a neighbor put one up, I couldn't promise it wouldn't cause me to commit my first act of trespassing and destruction of property . . .​

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Quote:
These don't work. We have bought three of them (both battery type and plug in type). Absolutely WORTHLESS.

Sometimes they work. It worked for the 5 yappy dogs that live next door to my uncle. The problem for me regarding those horrid things is that I can hear them . . . drives me up the wall! If you have sensitive hearing, those things will destroy your sanity. If I ever have a neighbor put one up, I couldn't promise it wouldn't cause me to commit my first act of trespassing and destruction of property . . .

oh wow, lol, not laughing at you, but can picture an angry neighbor hearing it. We use them so the baby can slee and so hubby (active duty Air Force) can sleep.

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

Terriers tend to bite. If that dog gets under or over the fence, it is possible you will get bit if it is aggressive. My 12 year old son was bit last week by a terrier who was running away from its owner. She apologized, but she also said the dog "is not her favorite, its always barking and running off". So please beware. If your neighbor's dog sounds like its trying to get you, it probably is.

 

[wombat]

This doesn't always work, but if you've got the time, you could try to befriend it.

Take a pocket full of treats (thinly sliced hot dog microwaved a bit crispy on a paper towel are great training aids!) and go to the fence and lean on it. Wait out the dog's barking a bit, completely ignoring him, and not retreating. When he slows a bit, make a soft funny noise periodically, and wait for his curiosity go get the better of him. When he stops backing and cocks his head, drop him a hotdog chip. Slowly get him to where he will learn that when you are talking and he is quiet, he gets a treat. When he barks, ignore him.

You may be able to get him down to just a greeting bark or two when he comes to your fence.

Clear the treat thing with the neighbor, of course.

Most terriers are just friendly, but very territorial little barkers. This should work with those. Some are just little beasts ... esp some unfixed males ...

 

[pringle]

I really dont think the woman who owns the dog should be held responsible,after all it was you who got the chickens in the first place,im not trying to point fingers but she shouldent just get a chock collar or take the time to train it.All im saying is is that you should do somthing with the chickens not the dog.

 

[MoodyChicken]

The novelty will wear off in a while and the dog will get bored. But she shouldn't be whining over her dog.

Kudos to you for being so nice though.