Since you all are my neighbors, I thought I could ask this question somewhat anonymously and get honest answers -

What's the etiquette on dogs barking outside? We got a dog in September (my first since I lived with my parents) and and she really hasn't been out much in the winter because she's not too thrilled with the weather. Usually, we'd hear her bark and let her in.

In the past couple of days when I heard her bark, I opened the door only to find her eying a squirrel in a tree or otherwise occupied outside. She had no desire to come inside, she was just barking at something a bit. Once she barks - even if she doesn't want to come in - should I bring her inside? Or is a bit of barking tolerable for most neighbors? Does it matter whether it's noon or 8:30 p.m.?

I would never let her bark incessantly, of course, but I don't want to bother my neighbors at any level. I'm obviously sensitive to her barking because she's my dog and I know she's outside, but I wonder how much others pay attention.

This doesn't sound like a big issue.

My dog enjoys barking when needed or prompted or hears anything within 3 blocks of the house. Does not bark outside...and rarely shows interest in squirrels...which I find particularly odd.

The trouble occurs when you treat a dog like some former neighbors on Hawthorne did. They had a post and chain in the yard and would hook the dog up to it for hours on end. Dog got pissed and would bark the day away. When finally brought to the neighbor's attention that he was being a dick to both the dog and the neighborhood...he was truly astounded. They have since moved.

I don't think a dog playing in the yard and occasionally barking will offend anyone. Though Fan may think differently.

-EDIT- Fan does feel differently. But again...your situation does not sound like what he is putting up with.

The fact that you are asking the question speaks volumes. I believe the time of day is very important. Dogs bark. That is a fact. I believe it should be kept to a minimum and if your neighbors see that you are making a sincere effort it really means a lot. Talk to your neighbors so they know you do care about being a good neighbor. I have three dogs myself and four other dogs on either side of me. Dogs play off of each other and like to chime in with the rest. I do have citronella barking collars that do help if they are in a bad cycle and we do shoo them in quickly for barking. I have been told that it bothers me more than my neighbors. I hope that is right.

The guy across the street is constantly complaining about your dogs, ST. Just thought you needed to know.

As I recall there is a village ordinance on the subject, but I couldn't find it online. Maybe it's Township or County.

I remember “Ten Minutes” being the max. Whether that meant ten minutes or uninterrupted barking, or five barks consisting of one bark every two minutes, I do not know. I believe there is an A.M. / P.M. limit on it as well... but again, it seems to be either not available online or no longer in force.

In any case, the police rarely act on their own regarding such matters but wait for a complaint to be filed.

We also have a dog who, in theory, only goes out to do what he has to do and then returns... but he, too, can be distracted by other dogs, joggers, and squirrels. At those times I suspect we make more noise trying to call him back into the house than he does by barking. Anyway, he doesn't have a watch. (Doesn't need one. He knows when it's dinner time even without one.)

Thanks everyone. I've asked my neighbors and their response is: "Your dog was barking?" I have very nice neighbors and just don't trust them to be honest with me.

quote:

The guy across the street is constantly complaining about your dogs, ST. Just thought you needed to know.

Oh yea, him. No problem. Marshmallow.

I've been corrected... Cream puff.

Just want to relate a funny story. We used to have a Siberian Husky...she almost NEVER barked. She did howl occassionally, but not very often. Total strangers could come up to our front door and not a peep from her. Anyway about 3 or 4 years after we moved into our house I met a neighbor (about 3 houses down) that didn't come out much-so I had never really met him before. Upon being introduced to us and told what house we live in, he said "yes, I often hear your dog barking". Which was really interesting because at that point our dog had been dead for about two years. Ironically, one of the neighbors in between us had a Laborador ... but I guess he had decided it was our dog that was the culprit!

Anyway, I think if it is just the occasional barking at a squirrel, and if it is at a reasonable hour, you should be okay. If the dog continues to bark at the squirrel for an extended period of time you should probably bring him in. However, as my story illustrates-some people just like to complain!

-homegrown

I agree Ted, I believe the ordinance is either 5 or 10 minutes of nuissance barking. I try to curb my dogs as much as I can, that I pretty much look like a mean lady on the block. I had asked my neighbor too like mama and he too said... you have a dog - 2 dogs living here? So I guess my training with them worked. But remember, let them back for a little time, it is their only voice!

If your neighbors let their dogs bark, get even.

Buy a dog whistle (the kind only dogs can hear) When you see the offending neighbor turn the lights out for the night, wait 30 to 45 minutes then blow the whistle outside and listen for a response. Wait another 15-20 minutes and repeat as necessary.

Should train the neighbor to be more considerate about the barking.

Middlein87 & Perplexed - now is your chance ... any issues with Chloe and Lilly barking at squirrels? We do bring them in if it lasts more than a couple of minutes. What may be more annoying is me yelling at them to be quiet.

A dog barking at a squirrel for a minute or two is not a problem. Any dog owner/fan knows there is a huge difference between the engaged bark of a dog stimulated by a squirrel or a passerby, and the drone of a bored dog barking at nothing.

A problem is like the house in our neighborhood, where their dog stands in their yard, staring off at something only they can see or hear, and barking for 5-10-20 or more minutes at any time of the day or night. They will come home for a night out and let the dog out anytime from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and let it bark and bark for 10 minutes or more. I don't know what they are doing inside their house that they can't hear it, because their neighbors several houses in 3 directions surely can.

Inconsiderate ba$stards.

If our dogs bark more than a couple of times while in the back yard, we call to them to knock it off. If they don't, they come in.