neighbor extremely upset -- looking for solutions

[msjones]

Well, we just talked on the phone.

My accommodation is putting up the netting. I know some of you think that's a bit lame of me, but I'm trying to demonstrate my willingness to consider her feelings. (Believe me, I was tempted to let them out all day today. I may have if it weren't for our roving neighborhood coons and my baby lettuce in the garden.) It's really a very small, out-of-the-way spot in my yard -- so I'm willing to do that. I can't see it from my deck or any of my widows, so it won't even be an eyesore.

Here's what she's willing to do. She wants to know the approximate time of day when they'll be out so she can bring the dog in the house during those times. She pushed for a specific time, but I told her there wouldn't be a specific time. I said, "usually around dinner time, when we're usually home."

I told her that I heard that cayenne pepper may help in that area and told her I would dump some there. She was fine with that. So, thanks to the BYC-ers who suggested that. I'll be up near a costco tomorrow and plan to buy a jumbo container.

She hopes they won't be out so much when it gets rainy, but I told her they still would be, and that hopefully the dog would be used the them by then -- like he's used to the multitude of neighborhood cats. She doesn't think he will be.

"He's a terrier -- that's how they are," she said.

I tell ya' I feel better just having that conversation over with. I'm sure there'll be more.

 

[WildBurroShirts.com]

Quote:
...and a muzzle on the neighbor!

I agree with all of the people who said you shouldn't tear up your yard for HER problem. Or spend time/money putting up additonal fencing.

I 'might' wait until I could speak to her without giggling in her face, but I'd for sure be telling her that while you're concerned she's not happy with the barking dog...it's her dog.

As the dog's owner, its behavior is her responsiblity, not yours.

As someone pointed out, if you had children in the backyard, the dog would bark at them. What if you had guests at a bbq? And elderly relative in a wheelchair enjoying a book?

Are those all now prohibited on...YOUR property? Makes no sense.

"So in conclusion, while I'm trying to be a good neighbor and have spent extra money ordering pullets so you don't have to listen to a rooster...there's really nothing I can do to stop your dog from barking. Perhaps you can find a way to train him to stop. With most dogs, habituation/boredom will eventually stop him. It's really up to you."

 

[fasbendera]

Quote:
This has worked for me twice on two different dogs and two different yards. I am still using it. DO NOT TELL THE NEIGHBOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

I use Cayenne Pepper at the base of the fence. This is "sniff" high for most dogs. It does not hurt the dog...but the little buggers will not go near the fence anymore. If they are not near the fence, they get bored and so there is nothing to bark at.

This method has kept two dogs from hitting and barking at the fences. I am happy. You will need to renew the Cayenne on occasion and this will not hurt the chickens.

Love It!

to your neighbor. What else does she blame on you? Seriously it is her problem as long as it is legal for you to have chickens. If it wasn't the chickens it would be something else the dog would bark at.

 

[undonegirl]

Oh goodness gracious. Her barking dog is her problem. You're allowed to have chickens on your side of the fence. She is being ridiculous.

We have 3 dogs and in the beginning, they barked like crazy...I mean CRAZY and I thought I would go insane. But now they're used to them. No doubt they'd taste them if they could get to them but they at least they stopped barking.

 

[goldielocks]

It could even be more simple than that...the minute i hear my little shihtzu barking at my neighbors her yippy little butt is in the house. I would never have the nerve to go to my neighbors and ask them to stop making my dog bark. I really just dont get it...i really dont.

 

[HenPen]

Quote:
Sounds reasonable hopefully it goes well....is her dog and outdoor dog??

 

[lalaland]

good for you for not giving her a specific time. I sure hope you feel you can let them out whenever the heck you want. I'm worried you might take a day off and let them out early, and then she will complain that it isn't what you agreed to do!

Next time she complains, and I'm sorry, I feel pretty positive that there WILL be a next time, I hope you are able to push back a little, as in pointing out the accommodations you have made for her, and asking her what accommodations she can make herself for her dog and her work.

You could be ready with some suggestions, some already made here by other posters. She might also need to invest in some dog time (training, spending time with the dog so it isn't so bored, etc).

good luck!

 

[kagedgoddess]

her saying that its a terrier its gonna bark is a LAZY dog owners answer. YES dogs bark, but you TRAIN them NOT to. we used to live in a townhouse and had a stupid floor to ceiling window next to the door, my dog would bark everytime someone walked by, we trained him to cut it out. it was annoying when school let out ya know?
i do not expect that this was settled. I think she was accomadating at all bc YOU are so nice about it, she would really look like an a** if she was any other way!

 

[AK Michelle]

Good luck to you. Remember the cayenne will wash away when it rains or if the sprinkler is on so you will need to repeat the application.

I do, however, know terriers that have manners and can be told to stop barking.

And, remember that even though the wood fence is a barrier, keep an eye on it to be sure the dog is not finding a way through or under...

On the other hand a barking dog can be a nice deterent to coons and other pests...

Again, good luck.
Michelle

 

[msjones]

Quote:
Yup, this is my strategy. I've already done FAR MORE than necessary, so now I can put it on her if she complains. My feeling is that the dog should go in the house whenever the chickens are out, if she doesn't want him to bark. And really, she's lucky. I can't let them out all day around here, so I probably never will.