Ever had an owner tell you that his dear, sweet little doggie doesn't bark? Oh, no. Not ever.
Well, Mr. Dog Owner, what was that sound we heard when we were trying to sleep? Was that your dog, whispering outside our bedroom window?
Then there's that perennial classic: My dog barks because he's doing his job.
And what job might that be? Creating noise pollution? If so, your dog is doing fantastic work! Give him a raise!
Oh, here's another one: No one else has complained about the barking.
Well, maybe not to you, exalted dog owner. And there's a reason for that. It's called futility. We've learned (the hard way) that trying to talk to you about your dog's sacred utterances isn't worth our time.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. If those lying dog owners are getting on your nerves, head over to the QuietBarkingDogs store. Plenty of clothing and bumper stickers that quietly make our viewpoint known.
Showing posts with label why dogs bark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label why dogs bark. Show all posts
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Friday, July 26, 2013
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 07/26/13
Q: Barking Dog In Starbucks: What Would You Do?
A: I'd walk out of the store while saying "Your dog's BARKING isn't music to my ears!" And you can buy that tee shirt in my my QuietBarkingDogs store.
Morris: Barking dogs have neighbors on edge
Excerpt: They live in their backyard full time, rain or shine. They have a sheltered place to sleep plus food and water, but that's it. No human contact except for when the owner shouts "Shut up!" at them. No walks, no play time. Just an endless existence of long days in an enclosure.
What was once my nice backyard -- coffee and newspaper on the patio, playing with my dogs, gardening -- has become off limits. When we go outside the neighbor dogs rush the fence, barking and howling.
It should be noted that this person tried to talk to then dogs' owner. Fat lotta good that did. And Morris the columnist notes, "Your options are limited." Isn't that lovely? I think I'd be screaming "Shut up!" at the top of my lungs. Matter of fact, I've done that. In one case, it worked so well I had blessed peace and quiet for months.
Sussex County Council requests more time in addressing possible ‘excessive’ barking dog ordinance
Excerpt: “Say our constable is called out at 2 o’clock in the morning … a barking dog. Does he (constable) have to sit there for a half hour?”
And that, people, is the essence of a dog barking law that's designed to fail. No cop is going to sit there and witness barking. Only sleep-deprived citizens must do that.
A: I'd walk out of the store while saying "Your dog's BARKING isn't music to my ears!" And you can buy that tee shirt in my my QuietBarkingDogs store.
Morris: Barking dogs have neighbors on edge
Excerpt: They live in their backyard full time, rain or shine. They have a sheltered place to sleep plus food and water, but that's it. No human contact except for when the owner shouts "Shut up!" at them. No walks, no play time. Just an endless existence of long days in an enclosure.
What was once my nice backyard -- coffee and newspaper on the patio, playing with my dogs, gardening -- has become off limits. When we go outside the neighbor dogs rush the fence, barking and howling.
It should be noted that this person tried to talk to then dogs' owner. Fat lotta good that did. And Morris the columnist notes, "Your options are limited." Isn't that lovely? I think I'd be screaming "Shut up!" at the top of my lungs. Matter of fact, I've done that. In one case, it worked so well I had blessed peace and quiet for months.
Sussex County Council requests more time in addressing possible ‘excessive’ barking dog ordinance
Excerpt: “Say our constable is called out at 2 o’clock in the morning … a barking dog. Does he (constable) have to sit there for a half hour?”
And that, people, is the essence of a dog barking law that's designed to fail. No cop is going to sit there and witness barking. Only sleep-deprived citizens must do that.
Friday, July 12, 2013
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 07/12/13
Fourth of July sounds of freedom cause some dogs to bark and whine and others to bolt
Excerpt: Dogs have more sensitive ears than humans do and while some dogs don’t appear to mind the noise, others will bark, whine, howl, hide, cower or run into furniture and walls...
I'll never forget July 4th back in 2006, when I was forced to don earmuffs to blunt the noise assault launched by the neighbors' pug during Tucson's fireworks show.
Well, wouldn't you know it, the same neighbors left their robo-barker out for this year's Independence Day. So, I launched a hammering counter-assault. Dog barked? I hammered. Dog went yap-yap-yap? I went tap-tap-TAP!
I think the idiot neighbors got the point. By the time our city's 2013 fireworks started, that dog was back in the house, where it belonged all along.
Barking dogs could get costly
Excerpt: The residents complained that barking from five hunting dogs owned by Mr. Clueless makes it difficult to sleep at night and to enjoy their backyards. Clueless, who also attended the meeting, responded defensively at first, telling his neighbors, “If you have a problem come to me.” The neighbors said they had come to him, noting that he no longer regularly lives at the house with the kennels.
I can't IMAGINE why he no longer regularly lives at the house with the kennels.
Neighbor Assaulted Over Barking Dog Complaint
Excerpt: The victim was ambushed and repeatedly kicked in the head after he visited his neighbors a few doors down and asked they keep their noisy dog quiet.
WA laws aim to silence barking dogs
Excerpt: The Western Australian government has unleashed an ambitious plan to help councils stop dogs from barking. At least barking so much that they make a nuisance of themselves in populated areas.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. My QuietBarkingDogs store is where you can find the perfect bumper sticker for talking back to those who say you are too sensitive. Tell them how you feel with "Yes I Do Mind If Your Dog Barks." Don't have a car? Well, you still have a body. Put a "Curb Your Dog - And Its Barking" tee shirt on it.
Excerpt: Dogs have more sensitive ears than humans do and while some dogs don’t appear to mind the noise, others will bark, whine, howl, hide, cower or run into furniture and walls...
I'll never forget July 4th back in 2006, when I was forced to don earmuffs to blunt the noise assault launched by the neighbors' pug during Tucson's fireworks show.
Well, wouldn't you know it, the same neighbors left their robo-barker out for this year's Independence Day. So, I launched a hammering counter-assault. Dog barked? I hammered. Dog went yap-yap-yap? I went tap-tap-TAP!
I think the idiot neighbors got the point. By the time our city's 2013 fireworks started, that dog was back in the house, where it belonged all along.
Barking dogs could get costly
Excerpt: The residents complained that barking from five hunting dogs owned by Mr. Clueless makes it difficult to sleep at night and to enjoy their backyards. Clueless, who also attended the meeting, responded defensively at first, telling his neighbors, “If you have a problem come to me.” The neighbors said they had come to him, noting that he no longer regularly lives at the house with the kennels.
I can't IMAGINE why he no longer regularly lives at the house with the kennels.
Neighbor Assaulted Over Barking Dog Complaint
Excerpt: The victim was ambushed and repeatedly kicked in the head after he visited his neighbors a few doors down and asked they keep their noisy dog quiet.
WA laws aim to silence barking dogs
Excerpt: The Western Australian government has unleashed an ambitious plan to help councils stop dogs from barking. At least barking so much that they make a nuisance of themselves in populated areas.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. My QuietBarkingDogs store is where you can find the perfect bumper sticker for talking back to those who say you are too sensitive. Tell them how you feel with "Yes I Do Mind If Your Dog Barks." Don't have a car? Well, you still have a body. Put a "Curb Your Dog - And Its Barking" tee shirt on it.
Monday, March 18, 2013
A Police Department That Gets It
In many communities, calling the police to report chronic barking is an exercise in futility. It might even expose you to retaliation, not just by your neighbors, but by the police.
That happened to me a year ago today. It was a Sunday evening, and I called to report a nearby neighbor's robo-barking pit bull. When the police finally came out, that dog was as quiet as could be. Officers threatened me with arrest for false reporting if I made such a call in the future.
If any good came out of this situation, it was that the pit bull owners bailed out of this neighborhood the very next day. We haven't seen them or their vicious little noisemaker since then. And we don't miss them.
Here's what I think led these neighbors to flee: I'll admit that I made a lot of calls about this robo-barker. I figured that the calling route was safer than attempting to talk to the neighbors, who didn't appear to be the most law-abiding of people. And, in case you're wondering, ownership of pit bulls and other dangerous dogs has a close correlation with criminality.
Furthermore, if you're a crook, you don't want the cops to keep coming around to chat you up about the barking dog noise. Heck, you don't want the cops coming around at all.
Okay, so that's how things work with the police in this municipality. Not all police departments are like ours. Take, for example, Canby, Oregon. The local police department has an entire web page devoted to barking dog noise. Here's an excerpt:
[W]hen a dog engages in excessive barking it stands a greater chance of being ignored if there really is an intruder. Instead of the neighbors calling the police because their neighbor’s dog is clearly upset about something they just think “that *%&^# dog is barking again!”
It gets better, and I encourage you to read the entire page. Better yet, share it with your local officials.
That happened to me a year ago today. It was a Sunday evening, and I called to report a nearby neighbor's robo-barking pit bull. When the police finally came out, that dog was as quiet as could be. Officers threatened me with arrest for false reporting if I made such a call in the future.
If any good came out of this situation, it was that the pit bull owners bailed out of this neighborhood the very next day. We haven't seen them or their vicious little noisemaker since then. And we don't miss them.
Here's what I think led these neighbors to flee: I'll admit that I made a lot of calls about this robo-barker. I figured that the calling route was safer than attempting to talk to the neighbors, who didn't appear to be the most law-abiding of people. And, in case you're wondering, ownership of pit bulls and other dangerous dogs has a close correlation with criminality.
Furthermore, if you're a crook, you don't want the cops to keep coming around to chat you up about the barking dog noise. Heck, you don't want the cops coming around at all.
Okay, so that's how things work with the police in this municipality. Not all police departments are like ours. Take, for example, Canby, Oregon. The local police department has an entire web page devoted to barking dog noise. Here's an excerpt:
[W]hen a dog engages in excessive barking it stands a greater chance of being ignored if there really is an intruder. Instead of the neighbors calling the police because their neighbor’s dog is clearly upset about something they just think “that *%&^# dog is barking again!”
It gets better, and I encourage you to read the entire page. Better yet, share it with your local officials.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 01/24/13
Speak up for barking dog
Excerpt: The dog is crying out in its language. "Why am I not treated as a companion? Why am I not part of your pack? I'm lonely and bored. What is my crime that you keep me in solitary confinement?"
Tip: This letter to the editor is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
From the TWBNR Advice Column Department, we have this question:
What to do about a neigbors barking dog
Excerpt: The dog was also left outside for 10-12 hrs yesterday with no shelter and if there was water it had to be frozen(it was only 20 degrees or less out). This is not a northern breed either. It has a pretty thin coat. It barked the entire 10-12 hrs it was out there with maybe a 10 min break every hr between the barking. I called the police and they called back saying no one was home so they couldn't do anything.
Tip: This discussion is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Bonus Tip: A guide to taking the owners of barking dogs to small claims court. And winning your lawsuit.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Yet another week of neglectful dog owners and law enforcement passing the buck. Had enough of this malarkey? Silently express your feelings with the clothing and bumper stickers at the QuietBarkingDogs store.
Excerpt: The dog is crying out in its language. "Why am I not treated as a companion? Why am I not part of your pack? I'm lonely and bored. What is my crime that you keep me in solitary confinement?"
Tip: This letter to the editor is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
From the TWBNR Advice Column Department, we have this question:
What to do about a neigbors barking dog
Excerpt: The dog was also left outside for 10-12 hrs yesterday with no shelter and if there was water it had to be frozen(it was only 20 degrees or less out). This is not a northern breed either. It has a pretty thin coat. It barked the entire 10-12 hrs it was out there with maybe a 10 min break every hr between the barking. I called the police and they called back saying no one was home so they couldn't do anything.
Tip: This discussion is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Bonus Tip: A guide to taking the owners of barking dogs to small claims court. And winning your lawsuit.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Yet another week of neglectful dog owners and law enforcement passing the buck. Had enough of this malarkey? Silently express your feelings with the clothing and bumper stickers at the QuietBarkingDogs store.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 11/29/12
Dear Abby: Barking dog is keeping couple apart
Excerpt: "Princess" is a 2-year-old rat terrier/mini-pinscher mix. She weighs nine pounds and is spoiled. She barks at anyone and anything she sees. Her barks are shrill and can be annoying. But I live alone and feel she is protecting me.
Richard can no longer tolerate Princess' barking and has curbed his visits considerably. Except for this issue, he is my dream guy, and I feel lucky to have found him. I feel Richard should understand my attachment to Princess, especially when he’s not around.
Your Quiet Neighbor's personal to Richard: Get out of this relationship while you still can. Don't walk away from this drama queen and her spoiled Princess. Run, Richard, run!
Dog Owners Turn To ‘Debarking’ Surgery To Keep Their Dogs
Excerpt: Most cities have a noise ordinance and [the owner] had already received complaints, fines and even a court summons about her barking dog. She doesn’t care who thinks she’s cruel; she simply didn’t want her dog taken away from her.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking law shuts up humans
Excerpt: The City of Cape Town says it has received fewer complaints about barking dogs since a controversial bylaw came into effect last year.
But dog trainers say the bylaw, which fines owners if their dogs bark for more than six minutes in an hour, is difficult, if not impossible, to police.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Well, the Roundup is back after taking a week off for Thanksgiving. Would you like to give thanks for peace and quiet in your locale? Me too! So, check out the tee shirts and bumper stickers from the QuietBarkingDogs store. They quietly make our viewpoint known.
Excerpt: "Princess" is a 2-year-old rat terrier/mini-pinscher mix. She weighs nine pounds and is spoiled. She barks at anyone and anything she sees. Her barks are shrill and can be annoying. But I live alone and feel she is protecting me.
Richard can no longer tolerate Princess' barking and has curbed his visits considerably. Except for this issue, he is my dream guy, and I feel lucky to have found him. I feel Richard should understand my attachment to Princess, especially when he’s not around.
Your Quiet Neighbor's personal to Richard: Get out of this relationship while you still can. Don't walk away from this drama queen and her spoiled Princess. Run, Richard, run!
Dog Owners Turn To ‘Debarking’ Surgery To Keep Their Dogs
Excerpt: Most cities have a noise ordinance and [the owner] had already received complaints, fines and even a court summons about her barking dog. She doesn’t care who thinks she’s cruel; she simply didn’t want her dog taken away from her.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking law shuts up humans
Excerpt: The City of Cape Town says it has received fewer complaints about barking dogs since a controversial bylaw came into effect last year.
But dog trainers say the bylaw, which fines owners if their dogs bark for more than six minutes in an hour, is difficult, if not impossible, to police.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Well, the Roundup is back after taking a week off for Thanksgiving. Would you like to give thanks for peace and quiet in your locale? Me too! So, check out the tee shirts and bumper stickers from the QuietBarkingDogs store. They quietly make our viewpoint known.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Leaving Money on the Table
If you've been wondering why it's so hard to get nuisance barking under control, wonder no more. The inaction of tax-supported officialdom isn't just a bug, it's a feature.
And it's not just us, the barking-beleagured, who are trying to enjoy quiet evenings at home or hoping that tonight may be the night when we finally get a restful sleep. Think about the victims of dog attacks.
Many have heard animal control authorities say that what has happened to them was just an unfortunate accident. Too bad that you're seriously injured and facing medical bills that you can't possibly pay. Sorry, case closed. We're not even going to bother with an investigation. Matter of fact, we're giving the poor doggie that mauled you back to its owner.
In a recent post, the Occupy Maul Street blog questions the usefulness of animal control agencies. Quoting from the post:
"In an example of the current trend in Animal Control Departments across the country, San Diego County Animal Services recently launched the controversial 'Dare to Bull-ieve' free Pit Bull Adoption program. San Diego just experienced one of the bloodiest years for any Animal Control District in memory, yet they seem to feel adopting out Pit Bulls to those who can't afford the $69 adoption fee is good policy."
Mind you, this is the very type of dog that kills, maims, and causes serious injury at much higher rates than any other dog. So, why is a tax-supported agency giving them out for free?
Can you get a free gun over at the San Diego Police Department? I don't think so. How about a free loaner car provided by the bar where you've been drinking the night away? I doubt it.
Here in Pima County, Arizona, the animal noise complaint process starts with letters. Yes, that's right. Letters. You've had barking blasted into your living space without your consent and your irresponsible dog owner neighbor gets a letter from the Pima Animal Care Center.
Quoting from this letter:
"Animals make noise for a variety of reasons, including protection of their owner's property, response to new or unusual stimulus or from being left alone. However, animals that make noise routinely over periods of time, or at disruptive times can create hard feelings among neighbors and cause them undue stress and irritability."
Undue stress and irritability. That's the understatement of the year, Animal Care. And hard feelings among neighbors. Talk about sugar-coating the reality.
If you've lived in Pima County for any length of time, you're probably aware that Animal Care loves to cry poor about its funding. Seems that they just don't have enough money.
Well, I'm of the mind that they're leaving money on the table. If they were really serious about abating nuisance barking, they could make a fortune. Tucson Police Department, I'm looking at you too. If you issued barking tickets the way you issue traffic tickets, this city's budget problems would evaporate.
Useful (and fun) reference: Dr. Craig Mixon's BarkingDogs.net site includes an essay, "A Cash Cow, Waiting to be Milked." And, for your reading pleasure, here's Dr. Mixon's money quote:
"Try this for yourself. Go out your front door and walk in any direction. Within ten minutes you will walk by at least four dogs that bark at every pedestrian that passes. (If you take a dog with you on your walk you will find that three times that number of canines bark as you pass by.) In twenty minutes on the job a noise enforcement officer could write a one-hundred-dollar ticket to each of those irresponsible dog owners. That's four hundred dollars he could bring in in twenty minutes. In a single day he could easily generate thousands of dollars for the city coffers.
"Now, in addition to citing irresponsible dog owners, imagine that your town also assigned officers to write tickets for motorized skateboards, car alarms, insanely loud car engines, blaring music systems and motorcycles that can be heard from blocks away. That could add up to a considerable sum for the city. It should easily be enough to hire back some of the teachers that have been laid off, or open some of the parks, playgrounds and clinics that have been closed in these times of budget cuts."
Do I hear the mooing of a herd of cash cows?
And it's not just us, the barking-beleagured, who are trying to enjoy quiet evenings at home or hoping that tonight may be the night when we finally get a restful sleep. Think about the victims of dog attacks.
Many have heard animal control authorities say that what has happened to them was just an unfortunate accident. Too bad that you're seriously injured and facing medical bills that you can't possibly pay. Sorry, case closed. We're not even going to bother with an investigation. Matter of fact, we're giving the poor doggie that mauled you back to its owner.
In a recent post, the Occupy Maul Street blog questions the usefulness of animal control agencies. Quoting from the post:
"In an example of the current trend in Animal Control Departments across the country, San Diego County Animal Services recently launched the controversial 'Dare to Bull-ieve' free Pit Bull Adoption program. San Diego just experienced one of the bloodiest years for any Animal Control District in memory, yet they seem to feel adopting out Pit Bulls to those who can't afford the $69 adoption fee is good policy."
Mind you, this is the very type of dog that kills, maims, and causes serious injury at much higher rates than any other dog. So, why is a tax-supported agency giving them out for free?
Can you get a free gun over at the San Diego Police Department? I don't think so. How about a free loaner car provided by the bar where you've been drinking the night away? I doubt it.
Here in Pima County, Arizona, the animal noise complaint process starts with letters. Yes, that's right. Letters. You've had barking blasted into your living space without your consent and your irresponsible dog owner neighbor gets a letter from the Pima Animal Care Center.
Quoting from this letter:
"Animals make noise for a variety of reasons, including protection of their owner's property, response to new or unusual stimulus or from being left alone. However, animals that make noise routinely over periods of time, or at disruptive times can create hard feelings among neighbors and cause them undue stress and irritability."
Undue stress and irritability. That's the understatement of the year, Animal Care. And hard feelings among neighbors. Talk about sugar-coating the reality.
If you've lived in Pima County for any length of time, you're probably aware that Animal Care loves to cry poor about its funding. Seems that they just don't have enough money.
Well, I'm of the mind that they're leaving money on the table. If they were really serious about abating nuisance barking, they could make a fortune. Tucson Police Department, I'm looking at you too. If you issued barking tickets the way you issue traffic tickets, this city's budget problems would evaporate.
Useful (and fun) reference: Dr. Craig Mixon's BarkingDogs.net site includes an essay, "A Cash Cow, Waiting to be Milked." And, for your reading pleasure, here's Dr. Mixon's money quote:
"Try this for yourself. Go out your front door and walk in any direction. Within ten minutes you will walk by at least four dogs that bark at every pedestrian that passes. (If you take a dog with you on your walk you will find that three times that number of canines bark as you pass by.) In twenty minutes on the job a noise enforcement officer could write a one-hundred-dollar ticket to each of those irresponsible dog owners. That's four hundred dollars he could bring in in twenty minutes. In a single day he could easily generate thousands of dollars for the city coffers.
"Now, in addition to citing irresponsible dog owners, imagine that your town also assigned officers to write tickets for motorized skateboards, car alarms, insanely loud car engines, blaring music systems and motorcycles that can be heard from blocks away. That could add up to a considerable sum for the city. It should easily be enough to hire back some of the teachers that have been laid off, or open some of the parks, playgrounds and clinics that have been closed in these times of budget cuts."
Do I hear the mooing of a herd of cash cows?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 10/18/12
Attleboro man gets 35 years in barking dog murder
Excerpt: A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading no contest to fatally stabbing a man last year in a dispute over a barking dog.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Police Dispatch: The Pool is the Victim
Excerpt: A trailer-park couple's "kiddie pool" was stabbed into nonfunctionality, according to a Pima County Sheriff's Department report.
A woman told deputies that she'd recently received a handwritten note—tacked to her trailer's door—from the people occupying the neighboring trailer. The note had reportedly complained about the woman's dogs, which "barked too much," and about a small plastic wading pool that the woman and her husband kept filled with water to let their dogs "cool off."
According to the note, the neighbors believed the pool had been attracting mosquitoes, the woman said. However, the woman claimed she and her husband dumped out the water and filled it with new water every other day or so.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking dogs a nuisance to the neighbors
Excerpt: The other dogs in the neighborhood don’t bark. I am retired and love my Westies dearly, but even I cannot stand the barking.
Tip: This advice column is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Animals in the House: A good watch dog
Excerpt: You may THINK he's "being a watch dog," but if he barks frequently, no one who hears him thinks, "I had better go see what Sparky is barking at!" Instead, they are likely thinking, "There goes that stupid dog again!
Tip: This opinion piece is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Just when we thought the owners of barking dogs were oblivious to the noise, we have this week's story about the Westies that just won't be quiet. Will wonders never cease. If you'd like to further the cause of peace and quiet, head over to the QuietBarkingDogs store. Plenty of tee shirts and bumper stickers that let people know where you stand.
Excerpt: A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading no contest to fatally stabbing a man last year in a dispute over a barking dog.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Police Dispatch: The Pool is the Victim
Excerpt: A trailer-park couple's "kiddie pool" was stabbed into nonfunctionality, according to a Pima County Sheriff's Department report.
A woman told deputies that she'd recently received a handwritten note—tacked to her trailer's door—from the people occupying the neighboring trailer. The note had reportedly complained about the woman's dogs, which "barked too much," and about a small plastic wading pool that the woman and her husband kept filled with water to let their dogs "cool off."
According to the note, the neighbors believed the pool had been attracting mosquitoes, the woman said. However, the woman claimed she and her husband dumped out the water and filled it with new water every other day or so.
Tip: This story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking dogs a nuisance to the neighbors
Excerpt: The other dogs in the neighborhood don’t bark. I am retired and love my Westies dearly, but even I cannot stand the barking.
Tip: This advice column is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Animals in the House: A good watch dog
Excerpt: You may THINK he's "being a watch dog," but if he barks frequently, no one who hears him thinks, "I had better go see what Sparky is barking at!" Instead, they are likely thinking, "There goes that stupid dog again!
Tip: This opinion piece is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Just when we thought the owners of barking dogs were oblivious to the noise, we have this week's story about the Westies that just won't be quiet. Will wonders never cease. If you'd like to further the cause of peace and quiet, head over to the QuietBarkingDogs store. Plenty of tee shirts and bumper stickers that let people know where you stand.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
News Flash! Barking is found to be pointless
Although I usually limit the media stories to the weekly Barking News Roundup, this one couldn't wait...
It seems that researchers have figured out what we have long suspected. And that is the utter and total uselessness of barking.
Hampshire College researchers Raymond Coppinger and Mark Feinstein just spoke at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. And, guess what, these distinguished scientists said that the racket we're subjected to is pointless.
“It is repetitious, meaningless and functionless,” Feinstein said.
So, there you have it. Scientific confirmation. Of course, more research is needed. And I would suggest starting with the harm that uncontrolled barking causes to those who are subjected to it.
It seems that researchers have figured out what we have long suspected. And that is the utter and total uselessness of barking.
Hampshire College researchers Raymond Coppinger and Mark Feinstein just spoke at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. And, guess what, these distinguished scientists said that the racket we're subjected to is pointless.
“It is repetitious, meaningless and functionless,” Feinstein said.
So, there you have it. Scientific confirmation. Of course, more research is needed. And I would suggest starting with the harm that uncontrolled barking causes to those who are subjected to it.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Today's Traffic Adventure
I was bicycling home from a meeting when I stopped at one of Tucson's busiest intersections. What should pull up to me but an SUV with a dog in the back seat.
The dog saw me and started barking. I guess it associated bicyclists with its list of Things That Must Be Barked At.
I wasn't in the mood to be barked at.
So, I yelled "Shut up!" at the dog. Several times, in fact.
Owner rolled down the passenger side and I was getting ready for a barrage of bad language from him when the light changed. Whew.
I didn't see driver or dog again. Thank goodness for that.
But this dog owner did nothing to stop his dog from barking. Nothing at all.
Another FIDO.
Let's just say that the final three letters of that acronym stand for "Ignorant Dog Owner." I'll leave you to guess what the first letter stands for.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Had enough of the FIDOs? Give them a silent, but effective piece of your mind via the tee shirts and bumper stickers in the QuietBarkingDogs store.
The dog saw me and started barking. I guess it associated bicyclists with its list of Things That Must Be Barked At.
I wasn't in the mood to be barked at.
So, I yelled "Shut up!" at the dog. Several times, in fact.
Owner rolled down the passenger side and I was getting ready for a barrage of bad language from him when the light changed. Whew.
I didn't see driver or dog again. Thank goodness for that.
But this dog owner did nothing to stop his dog from barking. Nothing at all.
Another FIDO.
Let's just say that the final three letters of that acronym stand for "Ignorant Dog Owner." I'll leave you to guess what the first letter stands for.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Had enough of the FIDOs? Give them a silent, but effective piece of your mind via the tee shirts and bumper stickers in the QuietBarkingDogs store.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Protection From What?
Quite often, you'll hear the owners of barking dogs say that the dogs are there for protection. To which I say: Protection from what?
Around here, there are barking dogs that go ballistic at:
So, again, why all the noise? Is it a way of intimidating the rest of the neighborhood? Offering public proof of what a jerk you are?
To the dogs, I say that you're doing a great job. And the great job you're doing is preventing peace and quiet in the neighborhood.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. If you yearn to walk through your neighborhood without the non-stop barking assault, have I got a store for you! Check out the tee shirts and bumper stickers in my QuietBarkingDogs store.
Around here, there are barking dogs that go ballistic at:
- Joggers
- Walkers
- Bicyclists
- Children heading to or from the school bus stop
- Dogs being walked on leashes, and no, those dogs aren't barking
- People in wheelchairs and motorized scooters
- Families out for a stroll
So, again, why all the noise? Is it a way of intimidating the rest of the neighborhood? Offering public proof of what a jerk you are?
To the dogs, I say that you're doing a great job. And the great job you're doing is preventing peace and quiet in the neighborhood.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. If you yearn to walk through your neighborhood without the non-stop barking assault, have I got a store for you! Check out the tee shirts and bumper stickers in my QuietBarkingDogs store.
Friday, August 31, 2012
The Futility of Mediation
Introduction: In many areas, mediation is offered to people who are dealing with chronic barking. This means that you're supposed to take time out of your busy, barking-interrupted existence to sit down with the dog owner and work out some sort of agreement.
Or, maybe-just-maybe, the mediation session will uncover the real issue that underlies your problem with that barking dog. Perhaps the neighbor is of a different ethnic group. A different religion. A follower of different sports teams. Or something like that.
The following story recounts my one and only experience with mediation in the city of Tucson. The mediation took place on July 14, 2005. At that time, mediation was a mandatory step in the animal noise complaint process. There was no personal safety exemption. Which meant that if your neighbor was a gang-banger, a drug trafficker, a motorcycle gang member, or some other form of lowlife, you had to show your face in a mediation with him or her.
The animal noise complaint process was changed in 2010. These days, mediation is no longer mandatory. As you can see from this page, mediation is now optional. But I doubt that barking noise mediation is any more effective than it was when I experienced it.
Here's my morning-after-mediation story:
Among other things, my neighbor tried to suggest that it wasn't his dog that was engaging in the multi-hour barkathons that I find so annoying.
The most recent barkathon took place this past Sunday evening between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the barking was so loud and persistent that I had to resort to wearing earmuffs and earplugs in my house -- with all the doors and windows closed -- in order to fall asleep.
Every time he offered that "not my dog" argument, I took him and the mediators on a quick verbal tour of the houses around me, pointing out which ones had dogs and which ones didn't, and describing the behavior of the other dogs in the area. The other dogs are not chronic barkers, and, therefore, whose dog could it possibly be?
He had no answer to that question.
He also tried to paint me as a newcomer who wasn't used to the ways of this neighborhood, and hey, he and his parents had lived here for more than a decade and had never had anyone complain about their dogs. (They have two, a female pug, which is the chronic barker, and a male puppy of this dog.)
Furthermore, he insisted that the dogs are kept inside the house from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. But that still did not explain why the barking was so loud that I have to resort to wearing earmuffs and earplugs inside my house -- with all the doors and windows closed.
In addition, he implied that my making a barking dog complaint had to do with racial discrimination. One of the mediators was very quick to point out that she had observed nothing in my demeanor or manner of speaking that would indicate such a thing.
If anything, I tried very hard to keep my presentation focused on the use of facts and logic, rather than on the use of emotion.
Solutions:
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. To my lovely, pug-neglecting neighbors, I have this to say: You have provided me with inspiration. Which I am now sharing with the world through this blog and the QuietBarkingDogs store. Thanks again, neighbor-jerks. I couldn't have done it without you.
Or, maybe-just-maybe, the mediation session will uncover the real issue that underlies your problem with that barking dog. Perhaps the neighbor is of a different ethnic group. A different religion. A follower of different sports teams. Or something like that.
The following story recounts my one and only experience with mediation in the city of Tucson. The mediation took place on July 14, 2005. At that time, mediation was a mandatory step in the animal noise complaint process. There was no personal safety exemption. Which meant that if your neighbor was a gang-banger, a drug trafficker, a motorcycle gang member, or some other form of lowlife, you had to show your face in a mediation with him or her.
The animal noise complaint process was changed in 2010. These days, mediation is no longer mandatory. As you can see from this page, mediation is now optional. But I doubt that barking noise mediation is any more effective than it was when I experienced it.
Here's my morning-after-mediation story:
Among other things, my neighbor tried to suggest that it wasn't his dog that was engaging in the multi-hour barkathons that I find so annoying.
The most recent barkathon took place this past Sunday evening between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the barking was so loud and persistent that I had to resort to wearing earmuffs and earplugs in my house -- with all the doors and windows closed -- in order to fall asleep.
Every time he offered that "not my dog" argument, I took him and the mediators on a quick verbal tour of the houses around me, pointing out which ones had dogs and which ones didn't, and describing the behavior of the other dogs in the area. The other dogs are not chronic barkers, and, therefore, whose dog could it possibly be?
He had no answer to that question.
He also tried to paint me as a newcomer who wasn't used to the ways of this neighborhood, and hey, he and his parents had lived here for more than a decade and had never had anyone complain about their dogs. (They have two, a female pug, which is the chronic barker, and a male puppy of this dog.)
Furthermore, he insisted that the dogs are kept inside the house from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. But that still did not explain why the barking was so loud that I have to resort to wearing earmuffs and earplugs inside my house -- with all the doors and windows closed.
In addition, he implied that my making a barking dog complaint had to do with racial discrimination. One of the mediators was very quick to point out that she had observed nothing in my demeanor or manner of speaking that would indicate such a thing.
If anything, I tried very hard to keep my presentation focused on the use of facts and logic, rather than on the use of emotion.
Solutions:
- He gave me his land and cell numbers and advised me to call whenever I'm bothered by the barking. I fully intend to do that.
- There are quite a few feral cats in this area, and none of the local dogs are happy about that. I've found that using Shake Away cat repellant has been quite effective in keeping cats off my property. I suggested that he also start using this product, in hopes that it will repel feline visitors from his place, and give his dogs one less thing to bark about.
- Since the dog seems to go into these barkathons when no one is home over there, I suggested that they provide some human sounds for the dogs. I told him and the mediators that I used to house-sit for a lady who told me to put the radio on whenever I left the house. She said that having music playing soothed the dog when all of his humans were gone.
- In the three years after the mediation, I called this man's land and cell phone numbers many times. During the day. During the evening. At midnight when the dog was left outside in the freezing cold. And during the wee hours of the morning. I'll never forget being rousted out of a sound sleep at 4:45 a.m. on an Easter Sunday. More than one call turned into a shouting match. Finally, on April 13, 2008, my call was met with a curt "I don't live there anymore!" response. So much for trying the telephone route.
- This neighborhood still has feral cats. I've tried all sorts of ways to keep them off this property, including Shake Away. Nothing has worked. And the cats are but one of many things that causes that pug to launch into a yapping frenzy.
- Music for the dog? I don't think they ever tried that. I've never been convinced that they have this dog for any other reason than making money from its puppies.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. To my lovely, pug-neglecting neighbors, I have this to say: You have provided me with inspiration. Which I am now sharing with the world through this blog and the QuietBarkingDogs store. Thanks again, neighbor-jerks. I couldn't have done it without you.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Why the Double Standard?
A few months ago, I called our local animal control agency to report an aggressively barking, unattended, and unmuzzled pit bull. The dog was kept in a neighbor's back yard. That yard had such flimsy fencing that it wouldn't have stopped this dog if it really wanted to escape.
The animal control dispatcher told me that as long as the aggressively barking (and possibly unlicensed) pit bull hasn't broken out and attacked anyone, it's not illegal.
So much for getting animal control to do anything. You'd think that they might be a tad interested in the licensing status of the dog. Last I checked, having an unlicensed dog was illegal around here.
Now, let's do a little thought experiment. Let's say that you're a human being, and you're in the habit of going out in your back yard and hollering threats at passersby. Doesn't matter if they're walking by themselves, walking with friends or family, or not walking at all. Maybe they're using wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Or, perhaps, they're walking their dog on a leash.
And there you are, shouting your head off. To make sure that everyone notices what you're doing, you're not just standing in your yard. You're rushing up to the fence that separates your yard from a heavily used sidewalk and street. What's worse, you're looking like you could jump that fence at any time. Hey, there's nothing like getting up close and personal with passersby, now is there?
I'll bet that, before too long, someone is going to pick up the phone and dial the magic three numbers. You know, 9-1-1.
I'd also venture to guess that when the police arrive, they're going to be more than a little interested in your ongoing habit of threatening anyone and everyone. At the very least, you'll probably be cited for disturbing the peace. You might also be warned that you'll be facing arrest if you don't stop the ranting and raving.
Seems to me that there's a bit of a double standard here. The dogs are given a pass, but similar behavior in humans causes all kinds of concern.
In an excellent essay on his BarkingDogs.net website, Dr. Craig Mixon writes, "It is a great scandal that those entrusted with the oversight of the public safety have made the decision to tolerate belligerent barking, because allowing a dog to hurl verbal threats at passersby greatly increases the chances that the animal will eventually bite someone. Beyond a doubt, the decision of those in authority to ignore threatening barkers contributes greatly to the epidemic of dog bites."
Right on, Dr. Mixon.
As for the uber-aggressive pit bull, I found that animal control was useless. And the police were more interested in intimidating me, that neighbor who kept calling about the barking, than actually doing anything to enforce the disturbing the peace laws that our city has on its books.
One cop even threatened me with arrest for making a false report. That's because he and a fellow officer finally showed up several hours after I called to report the barking. Nothing like having plans for a quiet Sunday evening shattered by non-stop noise. There was no place in my house where I could go to escape the barkathon. And what was I supposed to do? Spend money on a motel room because some idiot neighbors couldn't control their dog?
Well, wouldn't you know it, by the time the cops arrived, the dog had barked itself out. Since the officers didn't hear a peep out of it, the problem had to be with me.
A few hours after that police call, the pit bull and its owners vanished from this neighborhood. And, guess what, nobody misses them.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Are your local animal control and law enforcement blowing off their responsibility to ensure peace and quiet in your community? When they start hearing from those who pay their salaries, believe me, they'll start paying attention. In addition to telling officialdom how you feel, tell the public too. I have a whole line of bumper stickers and tee shirts for peace and quiet activists in the QuietBarkingDogs store.
The animal control dispatcher told me that as long as the aggressively barking (and possibly unlicensed) pit bull hasn't broken out and attacked anyone, it's not illegal.
So much for getting animal control to do anything. You'd think that they might be a tad interested in the licensing status of the dog. Last I checked, having an unlicensed dog was illegal around here.
Now, let's do a little thought experiment. Let's say that you're a human being, and you're in the habit of going out in your back yard and hollering threats at passersby. Doesn't matter if they're walking by themselves, walking with friends or family, or not walking at all. Maybe they're using wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Or, perhaps, they're walking their dog on a leash.
And there you are, shouting your head off. To make sure that everyone notices what you're doing, you're not just standing in your yard. You're rushing up to the fence that separates your yard from a heavily used sidewalk and street. What's worse, you're looking like you could jump that fence at any time. Hey, there's nothing like getting up close and personal with passersby, now is there?
I'll bet that, before too long, someone is going to pick up the phone and dial the magic three numbers. You know, 9-1-1.
I'd also venture to guess that when the police arrive, they're going to be more than a little interested in your ongoing habit of threatening anyone and everyone. At the very least, you'll probably be cited for disturbing the peace. You might also be warned that you'll be facing arrest if you don't stop the ranting and raving.
Seems to me that there's a bit of a double standard here. The dogs are given a pass, but similar behavior in humans causes all kinds of concern.
In an excellent essay on his BarkingDogs.net website, Dr. Craig Mixon writes, "It is a great scandal that those entrusted with the oversight of the public safety have made the decision to tolerate belligerent barking, because allowing a dog to hurl verbal threats at passersby greatly increases the chances that the animal will eventually bite someone. Beyond a doubt, the decision of those in authority to ignore threatening barkers contributes greatly to the epidemic of dog bites."
Right on, Dr. Mixon.
As for the uber-aggressive pit bull, I found that animal control was useless. And the police were more interested in intimidating me, that neighbor who kept calling about the barking, than actually doing anything to enforce the disturbing the peace laws that our city has on its books.
One cop even threatened me with arrest for making a false report. That's because he and a fellow officer finally showed up several hours after I called to report the barking. Nothing like having plans for a quiet Sunday evening shattered by non-stop noise. There was no place in my house where I could go to escape the barkathon. And what was I supposed to do? Spend money on a motel room because some idiot neighbors couldn't control their dog?
Well, wouldn't you know it, by the time the cops arrived, the dog had barked itself out. Since the officers didn't hear a peep out of it, the problem had to be with me.
A few hours after that police call, the pit bull and its owners vanished from this neighborhood. And, guess what, nobody misses them.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Are your local animal control and law enforcement blowing off their responsibility to ensure peace and quiet in your community? When they start hearing from those who pay their salaries, believe me, they'll start paying attention. In addition to telling officialdom how you feel, tell the public too. I have a whole line of bumper stickers and tee shirts for peace and quiet activists in the QuietBarkingDogs store.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
To the Idiots with the Yard Dogs
Yes, I'm talking to you. The people who leave dogs out in the heat, the cold, and every other type of weather.
What do you gain by having such a neglected dog? Is it something that compensates for your failure to develop sound relationships with people? We've seen the dog, jumping for joy and wagging its tail when it sees you, even though you hardly give it the time of day. You don't deserve such adulation.
And lucky us. We get to listen to the incessant barking of your lonely dog. It's crying out for companionship. Which you don't seem capable of providing.
Let me ask you a question: Since you don't want to do anything more than just set dishes of food and water out in the yard, why do you even bother having a dog? It's okay not to have a dog. Really, it is.
Matter of fact, if you didn't have any dogs, our neighborhood would be much quieter and more peaceful.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Do you have clueless neighbors with neglected yard dogs? Have you tried to report the situation to animal control, only to be told that there's nothing they can do? I understand your frustration. And here's a place to show how you feel. Head over to my QuietBarkingDogs store, where you'll find tee shirts and bumper stickers that will express your displeasure to the world.
What do you gain by having such a neglected dog? Is it something that compensates for your failure to develop sound relationships with people? We've seen the dog, jumping for joy and wagging its tail when it sees you, even though you hardly give it the time of day. You don't deserve such adulation.
And lucky us. We get to listen to the incessant barking of your lonely dog. It's crying out for companionship. Which you don't seem capable of providing.
Let me ask you a question: Since you don't want to do anything more than just set dishes of food and water out in the yard, why do you even bother having a dog? It's okay not to have a dog. Really, it is.
Matter of fact, if you didn't have any dogs, our neighborhood would be much quieter and more peaceful.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Do you have clueless neighbors with neglected yard dogs? Have you tried to report the situation to animal control, only to be told that there's nothing they can do? I understand your frustration. And here's a place to show how you feel. Head over to my QuietBarkingDogs store, where you'll find tee shirts and bumper stickers that will express your displeasure to the world.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 06/28/12
Document Barking Dogs for Court Chesterfield Police Say
Excerpt: The main thing to do if you find a neighbor, for example, has persistent barking dogs, is to take it upon yourself to document the times and duration of the disturbance. This could be as simple as writing it down. Video with sound, and photos are helpful, yet still log the time of day, and how long the barking goes on. Don't trespass to get evidence.
Tip: This news story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Dog barking complaints silenced for the summer
Excerpt: They may be all bark and no bite, but it is their yapping that has landed them in trouble with selectmen.
Tip: This news story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking dog? Try psychiatry
Excerpt: ''We are seeing more and more behaviour problems in our companion animals,'' she added. ''We all have busy lifestyles, so quite often cats and dogs are spending less time with their owners and less time being socialised.
From the Advice Department, we have this question...
Dear Prudie: My boyfriend hates dogs. Should I postpone our marriage until mine dies?
Excerpt: I have a 9-year-old cocker spaniel. I've raised him since he was a puppy and I think of him as my four-legged son. However, my boyfriend of 10 months is allergic to dogs. He also dislikes them. He was attacked by one as a child and now won't go near dogs at all. As such, he almost never comes to my place. We are very committed to each other and wish to get married soon. [Yada-yada. Yada-yada.] Am I really nuts for putting my furry baby ahead of human babies?
My Answer: Yes you are nuts. Your cocker spaniel is a dog, not a human son. Nor is it a baby. When it was very young, it was a puppy. Since you're already a chronological adult, work on becoming an emotional adult.
Tip: This question awaits your answer. Follow the above link and offer it.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Are your neighbor's yappy dogs driving you bonkers. Instead of spending your money on a psychiatrist, why not do something much more fun? Head over to my QuietBarkingDogs store, where you'll find tee shirts like this one -- "Your Dog's Yapping Isn't Cute - It's Annoying."
Excerpt: The main thing to do if you find a neighbor, for example, has persistent barking dogs, is to take it upon yourself to document the times and duration of the disturbance. This could be as simple as writing it down. Video with sound, and photos are helpful, yet still log the time of day, and how long the barking goes on. Don't trespass to get evidence.
Tip: This news story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Dog barking complaints silenced for the summer
Excerpt: They may be all bark and no bite, but it is their yapping that has landed them in trouble with selectmen.
Tip: This news story is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
Barking dog? Try psychiatry
Excerpt: ''We are seeing more and more behaviour problems in our companion animals,'' she added. ''We all have busy lifestyles, so quite often cats and dogs are spending less time with their owners and less time being socialised.
From the Advice Department, we have this question...
Dear Prudie: My boyfriend hates dogs. Should I postpone our marriage until mine dies?
Excerpt: I have a 9-year-old cocker spaniel. I've raised him since he was a puppy and I think of him as my four-legged son. However, my boyfriend of 10 months is allergic to dogs. He also dislikes them. He was attacked by one as a child and now won't go near dogs at all. As such, he almost never comes to my place. We are very committed to each other and wish to get married soon. [Yada-yada. Yada-yada.] Am I really nuts for putting my furry baby ahead of human babies?
My Answer: Yes you are nuts. Your cocker spaniel is a dog, not a human son. Nor is it a baby. When it was very young, it was a puppy. Since you're already a chronological adult, work on becoming an emotional adult.
Tip: This question awaits your answer. Follow the above link and offer it.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Are your neighbor's yappy dogs driving you bonkers. Instead of spending your money on a psychiatrist, why not do something much more fun? Head over to my QuietBarkingDogs store, where you'll find tee shirts like this one -- "Your Dog's Yapping Isn't Cute - It's Annoying."
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Early Morning Anguish
It's an everyday occurrence around here. In the hours before dawn, the air is filled with the sound of barking. In some cases, endless barking. After the sun rises, the noise gets even worse. And, at this time of the year, the sun rises shortly after 5 a.m.
What are these dogs so upset about? Who knows.
But does the sleep of the rest of us need to be disturbed by it? I think not.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. If your neighborhood sounds like a kennel during the hours that you're trying to sleep, you have my sympathy. From my QuietBarkingDogs store, here's a tee shirt that might get the message across to your clueless neighbors -- "In the wee hours of the morning, I don't need to hear your barking dog." And here's a clue that you can add to your car's bumper -- "Yes I Do Mind If Your Dog Barks."
What are these dogs so upset about? Who knows.
But does the sleep of the rest of us need to be disturbed by it? I think not.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. If your neighborhood sounds like a kennel during the hours that you're trying to sleep, you have my sympathy. From my QuietBarkingDogs store, here's a tee shirt that might get the message across to your clueless neighbors -- "In the wee hours of the morning, I don't need to hear your barking dog." And here's a clue that you can add to your car's bumper -- "Yes I Do Mind If Your Dog Barks."
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Rescue Braggarts
A while back, I read a news story about some neighbors. Story said that they were involved in animal rescue. They were doing all they could to save 'em from euthanasia.
Oops, excuse me. Another neighbor's rescue dog just went ballistic. Let me crack the blinds and see what the problem is.
Can't see a darn thing moving outside. Must be the wind rustling in the trees. Again.
Anyway, back to those other rescuers.
Before they moved in, they dropped the dogs off at their rental house down the street. Where the dog pack proceeded to bark at every living thing. I think they even barked at coyotes howling down along the Mexican border.
Things didn't improve after the owners moved in. Our block turned into a veritable kennel.
I reported the barking dogs to animal control, which sent the owners a Sternly Worded Letter. Yeah, that'll fix things.
Wasn't but a few days later when I saw an animal control officer down at the Rescue Haven. The man of the house was standing outside the wall around the property, and he was m-a-d. Shaking his fist, hollering at the animal control officer. I kept an eye on the proceedings -- you never know when you might have to call 911 to report an assault in progress.
Then came the calls from the Community Mediation Service. I ignored the first one, but picked up the second one. Guy on the other end said that the dog owners really wanted to mediate with me. Oh, did they ever.
Well, having been through the barking dog mediation process once before and finding it a complete waste of time and energy, I wasn't too eager to repeat the experience. And, wouldn't you know it, after the animal control officer paid them a call, they did quiet the dogs down.
So, I told our intrepid mediation guy that the people had quieted their barking dogs, so there was nothing to mediate. What I didn't tell him was that I didn't feel comfortable facing people who were so insistent on finding out who I was. Sounded like they were more interested in intimidation than mediation.
Things stayed relatively quiet for a few months. Then, total bark-cophony.
I hired a lawyer to write a letter to the property owner and the rescuer-tenants.
That prompted the landlord to make a personal visit to my attorney. Where he regaled my attorney with all the tales of troubles he'd had with these tenants. Why, he even tried to get them to move out, but that didn't work.
My lawyer clued him in on Arizona landlord-tenant law. In this state, landlords have many rights, including the right to evict problem tenants.
Oh, there goes that other rescue dog from across the street. Again. This time, it's taking umbrage at a jogger. Who's jogging down this side of this street. I guess the oh-so-hip, environmentally conscious owners are too busy saving the earth to let their dog back into the house.
Back to the landlord-tenant situation.
The tenants were so irate that I'd hired a lawyer to chastise their behavior that the lady of the house penned a lengthy diatribe that she personally delivered to my attorney's office. Let's just say that she had an arm's length relationship with the proper use of English grammar. And spelling. That was another class she missed.
But she did say that the dogs were there to protect them from all the criminals in the neighborhood. That passage resonated with me when I saw the lowlifes coming around to that place during the following summer.
It was easy to know when the lowlifes were visiting because the dogs never failed to announce their arrival. Nothing like being greeted with a chorus of barking.
What those people didn't know is that there are people around here who are quite concerned about criminal activity. So, when we see lowlifes frequenting a rental, we sense trouble and alert the police. Who paid the doggie rescue heroes a call.
Wouldn't you know it, a few days afterward, the lowlifes disappeared. And they didn't come back until right before these lovely neighbors moved.
After they moved out, they left the dogs behind. One of the lowlifes came around to feed them and do who-knows-what-else on the empty property. Sure didn't look to me like he was cleaning the house and the yard.
What really rang my alarm bells was the time he came by at midnight. Another neighbor's dog woke me up, and I cracked the blinds to see what the problem was.
Down the street, it was Mr. Lowlife leading some of the neighborhood kids off the street, through a gate, and I don't know if they went into the vacant house. There's a tall wall around this property, and you can't see who's going on unless you're right next to one of the gates.
What in the hell were the children doing with that guy at that hour? Were they being molested? Sure would have been easy for Mr. Lowlife to do that. No witnesses, after all.
Well, once again, the authorities were alerted, dogs were removed a few days later, and Mr. Lowlife stopped coming around.
The rescue people now live up a few blocks away. Last I heard, they were running some sort of pit bull rescue in their back yard. One of my friends went over there to check it out, and he said that one of the wigglebutts playfully nipped him.
If it had been me getting nipped, the owner of that property would be dealing with my attorney. And this time, there'd be a lawsuit.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Do you have neighbors who still haven't gotten the memo about chronic barking? Are you less than impressed by their doggie rescue heroism? Well, click on over to my QuietBarkingDogs store. Share your viewpoint with a "Responsible Owners Keep Their Dogs Quiet" bumper sticker. Or how about a "Barking Dogs Don't Reduce Crime - People Do" hooded sweatshirt for your lovely evening walks.
Oops, excuse me. Another neighbor's rescue dog just went ballistic. Let me crack the blinds and see what the problem is.
Can't see a darn thing moving outside. Must be the wind rustling in the trees. Again.
Anyway, back to those other rescuers.
Before they moved in, they dropped the dogs off at their rental house down the street. Where the dog pack proceeded to bark at every living thing. I think they even barked at coyotes howling down along the Mexican border.
Things didn't improve after the owners moved in. Our block turned into a veritable kennel.
I reported the barking dogs to animal control, which sent the owners a Sternly Worded Letter. Yeah, that'll fix things.
Wasn't but a few days later when I saw an animal control officer down at the Rescue Haven. The man of the house was standing outside the wall around the property, and he was m-a-d. Shaking his fist, hollering at the animal control officer. I kept an eye on the proceedings -- you never know when you might have to call 911 to report an assault in progress.
Then came the calls from the Community Mediation Service. I ignored the first one, but picked up the second one. Guy on the other end said that the dog owners really wanted to mediate with me. Oh, did they ever.
Well, having been through the barking dog mediation process once before and finding it a complete waste of time and energy, I wasn't too eager to repeat the experience. And, wouldn't you know it, after the animal control officer paid them a call, they did quiet the dogs down.
So, I told our intrepid mediation guy that the people had quieted their barking dogs, so there was nothing to mediate. What I didn't tell him was that I didn't feel comfortable facing people who were so insistent on finding out who I was. Sounded like they were more interested in intimidation than mediation.
Things stayed relatively quiet for a few months. Then, total bark-cophony.
I hired a lawyer to write a letter to the property owner and the rescuer-tenants.
That prompted the landlord to make a personal visit to my attorney. Where he regaled my attorney with all the tales of troubles he'd had with these tenants. Why, he even tried to get them to move out, but that didn't work.
My lawyer clued him in on Arizona landlord-tenant law. In this state, landlords have many rights, including the right to evict problem tenants.
Oh, there goes that other rescue dog from across the street. Again. This time, it's taking umbrage at a jogger. Who's jogging down this side of this street. I guess the oh-so-hip, environmentally conscious owners are too busy saving the earth to let their dog back into the house.
Back to the landlord-tenant situation.
The tenants were so irate that I'd hired a lawyer to chastise their behavior that the lady of the house penned a lengthy diatribe that she personally delivered to my attorney's office. Let's just say that she had an arm's length relationship with the proper use of English grammar. And spelling. That was another class she missed.
But she did say that the dogs were there to protect them from all the criminals in the neighborhood. That passage resonated with me when I saw the lowlifes coming around to that place during the following summer.
It was easy to know when the lowlifes were visiting because the dogs never failed to announce their arrival. Nothing like being greeted with a chorus of barking.
What those people didn't know is that there are people around here who are quite concerned about criminal activity. So, when we see lowlifes frequenting a rental, we sense trouble and alert the police. Who paid the doggie rescue heroes a call.
Wouldn't you know it, a few days afterward, the lowlifes disappeared. And they didn't come back until right before these lovely neighbors moved.
After they moved out, they left the dogs behind. One of the lowlifes came around to feed them and do who-knows-what-else on the empty property. Sure didn't look to me like he was cleaning the house and the yard.
What really rang my alarm bells was the time he came by at midnight. Another neighbor's dog woke me up, and I cracked the blinds to see what the problem was.
Down the street, it was Mr. Lowlife leading some of the neighborhood kids off the street, through a gate, and I don't know if they went into the vacant house. There's a tall wall around this property, and you can't see who's going on unless you're right next to one of the gates.
What in the hell were the children doing with that guy at that hour? Were they being molested? Sure would have been easy for Mr. Lowlife to do that. No witnesses, after all.
Well, once again, the authorities were alerted, dogs were removed a few days later, and Mr. Lowlife stopped coming around.
The rescue people now live up a few blocks away. Last I heard, they were running some sort of pit bull rescue in their back yard. One of my friends went over there to check it out, and he said that one of the wigglebutts playfully nipped him.
If it had been me getting nipped, the owner of that property would be dealing with my attorney. And this time, there'd be a lawsuit.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Do you have neighbors who still haven't gotten the memo about chronic barking? Are you less than impressed by their doggie rescue heroism? Well, click on over to my QuietBarkingDogs store. Share your viewpoint with a "Responsible Owners Keep Their Dogs Quiet" bumper sticker. Or how about a "Barking Dogs Don't Reduce Crime - People Do" hooded sweatshirt for your lovely evening walks.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Rescuing a Word
One of the more annoying excuses for a barking dog is the rescue excuse. As in, the dog is a "rescue," so how dare you criticize its behavior?
In this context, the word "rescue" means that the dog was adopted from a shelter and, therefore, saved from euthanasia. Since behavior problems like barking are among the most common reasons why dogs are taken to shelters by their previous owners, it's no surprise that adopted dogs continue to have issues in their new homes.
But that's no excuse for failing to train the dog. Or to keep it inside the house where its barking will not disturb the neighbors.
I also think that it's time to restore the word "rescue" to its proper context. To me, it implies heroism. Like Newark Mayor Cory Booker bringing his neighbor out of her burning house. Or the Coast Guard pulling New Orleans residents off the roofs of their flooded houses after Hurricane Katrina.
Sorry, but adopting a dog doesn't rise to that level of heroism. It's a business transaction -- money changes hands.
There also is a responsibility that comes along with this transaction. I'd like to see more dog owners live up to that responsibility.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Need to be rescued from all the barking dog noise in your neighborhood? Take heart, barking is becoming as unfashionable as secondhand smoke. You can help spread the word via the tee shirts and other clothing in my QuietBarkingDogs store. Or adorn your car with a bumper sticker like this one -- " Yes I Do Mind If Your DogBarks."
In this context, the word "rescue" means that the dog was adopted from a shelter and, therefore, saved from euthanasia. Since behavior problems like barking are among the most common reasons why dogs are taken to shelters by their previous owners, it's no surprise that adopted dogs continue to have issues in their new homes.
But that's no excuse for failing to train the dog. Or to keep it inside the house where its barking will not disturb the neighbors.
I also think that it's time to restore the word "rescue" to its proper context. To me, it implies heroism. Like Newark Mayor Cory Booker bringing his neighbor out of her burning house. Or the Coast Guard pulling New Orleans residents off the roofs of their flooded houses after Hurricane Katrina.
Sorry, but adopting a dog doesn't rise to that level of heroism. It's a business transaction -- money changes hands.
There also is a responsibility that comes along with this transaction. I'd like to see more dog owners live up to that responsibility.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Need to be rescued from all the barking dog noise in your neighborhood? Take heart, barking is becoming as unfashionable as secondhand smoke. You can help spread the word via the tee shirts and other clothing in my QuietBarkingDogs store. Or adorn your car with a bumper sticker like this one -- " Yes I Do Mind If Your DogBarks."
Thursday, May 31, 2012
This Week's Barking News Roundup - 05/31/12
69yo throws 64yo off balcony in dog bark dispute
Excerpt: Police say the older man had been complaining for some time about a barking dog.
Taking His Doctor’s Advice Could Cost a Combat Veteran His Apartment
Excerpt: [The veteran] is facing eviction from his three-bedroom co-op at Trump Village in Coney Island, Brooklyn, because the housing complex has a no-dogs policy.
Bayport: Off-leash dog park proposed for Barker's Alps Park
Excerpt: But some Bayport residents have raised concerns about adequate parking at Barker's Alps; maintenance of the dog park; and dogs fighting, biting and barking, according to correspondence received at City Hall.
Do You Let Your Dog Bark at Strangers?
Excerpt: Some people unknowingly train their dogs to be aggressive by allowing or encouraging their dog to bark at strangers. People believe this is acceptable behavior because the dog is supposed to guard and protect the family. All too often, acceptance of this behavior by the owner leads to an attack against the neighbor or the postal carrier.
Tip: This blog post is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
From the Advice Department, we have the following questions...
How to quiet a neighbors barking dog?
My favorite answer (because I've done this): "Call the neighbor at 3 AM when the dog is barking and say, 'Your dog is barking' and hang up."
Believe it or not, the neighbors were sleeping soundly through their dog's ear-shattering yap-a-thon. Wish I could have had whatever they'd been using before they went to bed.
Sleepless night - barking dog. Advice needed
Question: Yesterday, tenants moved into the house over the fence (bottom of garden, not next door) and I was kept awake most of the night by their dog which they left in the garden to bark and, at various points howl. Started at 10pm, finally stopped at about 6am. I don't actually understand the mentality of that, even though I'm not a dog owner; I just found it a disgrace. Obviously it was a warm night so I had to have windows open. If it happens again tonight, what should I do?
Tip: This question awaits your answer. Follow the above link and offer it.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Want to offer some advice to the inconsiderate dog owners in your life? Well, that could be risky. To the point where you could be the one thrown off a balcony. Instead, get your point across quietly with the tee shirts and other clothing in my QuietBarkingDogs store. Or give your car something cool to wear -- the QuietBarkingDogs store has plenty of bumper stickers.
Excerpt: Police say the older man had been complaining for some time about a barking dog.
Taking His Doctor’s Advice Could Cost a Combat Veteran His Apartment
Excerpt: [The veteran] is facing eviction from his three-bedroom co-op at Trump Village in Coney Island, Brooklyn, because the housing complex has a no-dogs policy.
Bayport: Off-leash dog park proposed for Barker's Alps Park
Excerpt: But some Bayport residents have raised concerns about adequate parking at Barker's Alps; maintenance of the dog park; and dogs fighting, biting and barking, according to correspondence received at City Hall.
Do You Let Your Dog Bark at Strangers?
Excerpt: Some people unknowingly train their dogs to be aggressive by allowing or encouraging their dog to bark at strangers. People believe this is acceptable behavior because the dog is supposed to guard and protect the family. All too often, acceptance of this behavior by the owner leads to an attack against the neighbor or the postal carrier.
Tip: This blog post is open for comments. Follow the above link to add yours.
From the Advice Department, we have the following questions...
How to quiet a neighbors barking dog?
My favorite answer (because I've done this): "Call the neighbor at 3 AM when the dog is barking and say, 'Your dog is barking' and hang up."
Believe it or not, the neighbors were sleeping soundly through their dog's ear-shattering yap-a-thon. Wish I could have had whatever they'd been using before they went to bed.
Sleepless night - barking dog. Advice needed
Question: Yesterday, tenants moved into the house over the fence (bottom of garden, not next door) and I was kept awake most of the night by their dog which they left in the garden to bark and, at various points howl. Started at 10pm, finally stopped at about 6am. I don't actually understand the mentality of that, even though I'm not a dog owner; I just found it a disgrace. Obviously it was a warm night so I had to have windows open. If it happens again tonight, what should I do?
Tip: This question awaits your answer. Follow the above link and offer it.
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. Want to offer some advice to the inconsiderate dog owners in your life? Well, that could be risky. To the point where you could be the one thrown off a balcony. Instead, get your point across quietly with the tee shirts and other clothing in my QuietBarkingDogs store. Or give your car something cool to wear -- the QuietBarkingDogs store has plenty of bumper stickers.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Barking Dogs as Protection
One of the most frequently used excuses for a barking dog is that it's needed for protection.
Well, I'm here to tell you that if those dogs were alarm systems, they would have been recalled as a defective product. I've seen and heard far too many barking dogs that go off at e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Here's a brief list of barking dog triggers from my block:
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. For those who are fed up with all the noise, I've created an online store full of shirts and stickers that you can use for getting your point across. Here are a couple of items that talk back to the barking dog protection racket:
If the owners of these canine loudmouths are really interested in reducing crime, ask them to aid you in forming a neighborhood watch. I'll bet you money that they won't lift a finger to help.
Well, I'm here to tell you that if those dogs were alarm systems, they would have been recalled as a defective product. I've seen and heard far too many barking dogs that go off at e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Here's a brief list of barking dog triggers from my block:
- People walking their leashed (and quiet) dogs past the house where the barking dog is.
- Users of wheelchairs and motorized scooters
- Children walking to the school bus stop
- A young couple with a baby in a stroller
- Postal workers delivering the mail
- Runners and joggers
- Bicyclists
- People getting out of their cars and going into their houses
The Department of Shameless Self-Promotion. For those who are fed up with all the noise, I've created an online store full of shirts and stickers that you can use for getting your point across. Here are a couple of items that talk back to the barking dog protection racket:
If the owners of these canine loudmouths are really interested in reducing crime, ask them to aid you in forming a neighborhood watch. I'll bet you money that they won't lift a finger to help.
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