How to Reduce a Neighbor's Dog from Barking

You love your home. You fell in love with it the day you saw it. You moved in, you hung the pictures with love and now you’re enjoying a hot cup of coffee on your first perfect morning when you hear the dreaded sound: the incessant barking of your neighbor’s dog.

At first, you think, “No big deal, just a few yaps.” But minutes later, the dog is back at it—and now it lasts longer. And longer. And longer. Until all you can hear is the sound of a dog barking even when the dog isn’t barking. You rationalize with yourself—“Maybe the pooch is having an off day. Everyone deserves a second chance.” But one month in and it’s all the same. Non-reducing barking.

Sure, your first thought is to pull a Seinfeld and kidnap the dog and take it out of the country where it can yap all it wants in a free and wonderful environment. But then you realize dognapping is a felony. Bad idea. 

So, what’s left to do? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled five easy steps to get your neighbor’s dog to reduces barking so you can go back to your morning cup of joe in peace and get that Yap Yap mantra out of your head for good.  

Understand the Cause of Barking

 In order to take the appropriate steps to curb a neighbor’s dog from barking, it’s important to understand what’s triggering the barking to begin with. Dogs bark for multiple reasons including boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior, or communication. Take a few minutes each day to observe and take note as to when and why the dog barks. Once you find the source—loneliness, another aggressive dog walking nearby, the sound of cars, etc.—you can move on to step 2 and discuss the issue with your neighbor in an informative and polite manner. 

Talk to Your Neighbor About Their Dog

Communication is key when it comes to resolving any issue with your neighbors—including excessive dog barking. In this day and age, we’re used to airing out our complaints on NextDoor or other social media platforms instead of going directly to the source—the result: no results. In fact, taking a passive-aggressive approach can cause more conflict than necessary. When it comes to a loud dog, a simple door knock or phone call is best.

Approach your neighbor with respect and kindness, express your concerns about the problem, and tell them what you’ve observed. Make sure to point out why the dog’s barking is affecting you and ask if there’s anything you can do to help alleviate the situation. Oftentimes, dog owners aren’t even aware their dog’s barking is a problem, especially if they work all day or travel extensively. More times than not, your neighbor will be receptive to your concerns and work with you to find a solution that works for everyone in the community.

Mention Dog Training or Professional Help

 You talked to your neighbor and…the dog’s barking is still persistent and problematic. Now, it’s time to open up yet another line of communication, this time with a friendly suggestion: seek professional help or enroll the dog in training classes. Professional dog trainers (and whisperers) can address specific behavioral issues and provide guidance on how to control excessive barking so that owners and neighbors alike can delight in the joy of having a four-legged companion around. But remember—not everyone has the means and/or the time to invest in personal dog training courses. If that option isn’t viable, don’t worry—there’s still hope.  

Offer Barking Solutions

 By now (hopefully) you have a relatively friendly relationship with your neighbor—or at the very least, you’ve opened up the lines of communication. If your neighbor is open to suggestions, propose potential solutions. If you’re not a dog owner yourself, some ideas to help curb barking include investing in toys or puzzle feeders to keep the dog mentally stimulated, or arranging for a dog walker or pet sitter to visit during the day. A proactive approach will take the pressure off your neighbor and will alleviate stress through collaboration.

Solve the Problem Yourself

 You’ve been patient, kind, loving. You’ve offered suggestions, pleaded, even sent the names of a few highly rated Yelp dog walkers over. But still—the dog keeps on barking. Now, you have a couple of options:

1. Soundproof Your Home: That’s extremely expensive.

2. Find a Device: Here’s the deal: Good Life Inc. is in the game of helping dogs control their barking humanely. Our Dog Silencer MAX emits a high-pitched tone only dogs can hear when barking is detected and is completely safe and effective. And if you’re worried about taking away that natural vocal response each dog deserves to emit when threatened (aka “the guard dog response), don’t be. The Dog Silencer MAX doesn’t work for territorial barking so your neighbor’s pooch can still chase away would-be burglars and malfeasance in peace.  

Let Ultimate Bark Control Bring You Peace and Quiet

You didn’t go with the Dog Silencer MAX. Your neighbor won’t listen. Your neighbor’s pooch still sounds like Cujo. While almost no one enjoys getting tangled up in legal issues, it may be your last line of defense before completely losing your mind. Familiarize yourself with local noise ordinances and regulations related to dog ownership and responsibilities. If you find excessive barking can be solved through a legal approach and your neighbor is still uncooperative, contact local authorities or animal control to address the problem and remove yourself from the situation with as much respect and kindness as possible.

And now go enjoy that morning cup of coffee in peace. And eat lunch in peace. And let your toddler nap in peace. And sleep, watch Sunday football, host guests, and relax—in peace.

Visit the Ultimate Bark Control blog for more expert advice on barking.