Trouble causing neighbor, what to do.

[sliverslinger]

We have this neighbor across the street. He comes outside and stands there until he gets the dogs barking, then he calls the cops and makes a complaint. I have built a cedar fence so the dogs cant see him, but I guess he stinks because they can smell him and continue to bark. I have told him to leave my dogs alone and he just laughs.

What can I do guys? Legally.

[dre5063]

Get a copy of your city ordinance. My experience with this problem was as a police officer. People would complain about dogs constantly. The rodinance stated prolonged and unprovoked barking. Video tape the guy provoking them.

My guess is the dogs have had some experiences with him you may not be aware of. Do they bark if some other "stranger" stands across the street? Or do they sense something from this guy that don't in others?

Maybe try an experiment to prove your point. Have some random stranger stand accross the street and tape your dogs not responding.

Trust me, the last thing an officer wants to do is respond to a dog call. Get them on your side first!

[Artwo]

Video tape his actions..........................

Originally Posted by Artwo

Video tape his actions..........................

Do this and with the correct date/time stamp on the tape get the police report with the same date/time stamp. Document it all. Let him see the recorder set up on the bi-pod.....bad guys hate video recorders. It is possible to harass someone from your own backyard.

[Phil Layer]

As a homeowner surrounded by neighbors with barking dogs, I may be able to shed some light on the other side of the fence. BTW, I am a dog owner and my dog does not bark unless provoked which is rarely.

If the guy gets barked at whenever he stands in his yard, he may have a legitimate complaint. Standing in his yard across the street could hardly be considered provoking your dogs.

Calling the police is another issue, however. Has he discussed the problem with you? If so, did you do anything about it? If he tried to work out a solution with you but the dogs continue to bark, he may be justified in calling the police. Yes, dogs are supposed to bark when something is not right. But, masters are supposed to respond when they do. When your dogs are barking, do you go to see what they are barking at or do you let them bark?

Obviously, I know very little about your circumstances. My comments are only suggestions to help resolve this dilemma by playing the role of devil's advocate and imagining what the other guy is going through.

Good luck in finding a resolution.

[ommedia]

lord please for give me....but it might modify the behavior of the neighbor...

video tape, definitely. I am currently video taping and trail cam'ing my neighbor's dog who keeps exercising his bowels in my yard.

[CombinationLicense]

If you've already tried being nice then fight fire with fire.

Most likely the area you live in has ordinances governing more than just barking dogs. Does your neighbor have any broken down vehicles parked in plain sight? Lawn too long? Garbage or junk in the front yard? Unlicensed pets? Sheds/tarp shelters out of setback mandates? Etc...

If so, all it takes to make your neighbor's life miserable is a few phone calls to the appropriate city/county regulatory agencies - Parking patrol, nuisance department, city code enforcement and the like. The process is totally complaint driven and anonymous

This is, of course, pouring gasoline on the fire but might be the only way to get his attention. Most people are unaware that their city/county in has so much authority over what they do in their own yard so are out of compliance on SOMETHING. The best part is that even if they're not they will still have to prove it to some inspector.

The saying "people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" comes to mind

"CL"

[StickFish]

Originally Posted by CombinationLicense

If you've already tried being nice then fight fire with fire.

Most likely the area you live in has ordinances governing more than just barking dogs. Does your neighbor have any broken down vehicles parked in plain sight? Lawn too long? Garbage or junk in the front yard? Unlicensed pets? Sheds/tarp shelters out of setback mandates? Etc...

If so, all it takes to make your neighbor's life miserable is a few phone calls to the appropriate city/county regulatory agencies - Parking patrol, nuisance department, city code enforcement and the like. The process is totally complaint driven and anonymous

This is, of course, pouring gasoline on the fire but might be the only way to get his attention. Most people are unaware that their city/county in has so much authority over what they do in their own yard so are out of compliance on SOMETHING. The best part is that even if they're not they will still have to prove it to some inspector.

The saying "people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" comes to mind

"CL"

I would strongly urge you not to follow that advice. You have to live with your neighbors - it will endlessly escalate if you follow that advice. Take Phil's advice and document what is going on - then go to the Police Department and talk with them about it.

I used to get music complaints from a neighbor who lived on the other side of a 4 lane busy street (live band). Turned out he was in everyone's business and was thinking I was bothering the older lady who lived next door. She often played along with us on her Organ - I asked many times if it bothered here - always no its fun to play along. Anyhow, by the time the police arrived we were usually taking a set break. Finally one of the officers tired of not hearing how loud we were asked us to start playing. Five minutes later he came back and said they would never be back. He couldn't hear us at the callers house and the older lady next door confirmed to the policeman that it wasn't bothering her.

Find a peaceful solution.

[fishkisser]

Originally Posted by sliverslinger

What can I do guys? Legally.

Not a whole lot really , unless you catch him provoking your dogs and get it on video He is entirely within his rights to voice a complaint ...

[pdxkevin]

Originally Posted by CombinationLicense

If you've already tried being nice then fight fire with fire...
(clip)
...The saying "people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" comes to mind

"CL"

I strongly agree. Too many people try to always play nice - even when they are playing with those who won't. There is a time you need to stand up to a bully. This sounds like that time.

** Read your ordinances (city/county/state/ and CC&R's of your neighborhood).
** Tape your neighbor harrassing your dogs - the more times the better

In the rules you will find a couple things that the neighbor is breaking. I wouldn't stop at just one. I wouldn't warn him about your intents either. File several complaints.

You tried playing nice and only encouraged the behavior. He will keep it up until you loose your dogs or you come up with something that seriously makes him reconsider his actions. Keep it legal and unload on him with as many legal complaints as you can!

I would consider his actions (especially when videoed) as harraasment. You might (depending on the tape) get it considered threatening.. you'd have to read the codes for the exact wording.

I will go out of my way to help darn near anyone... but I won't lay down to be a door mat for their abuse. Neither should you.

[Chrome Bumper]

Originally Posted by sliverslinger

We have this neighbor across the street. He comes outside and stands there until he gets the dogs barking, then he calls the cops and makes a complaint. I have built a cedar fence so the dogs cant see him, but I guess he stinks because they can smell him and continue to bark. I have told him to leave my dogs alone and he just laughs.

What can I do guys? Legally.

We're neighbors!?


Read the regs, does he park on the street over 24 hours? More than 12 inches from the curb? Have a trailer in the drive? CCRs too. Call the cops. If he is whiny I'm sure the cops would want him to play nice just like you.


http://www.theneighborsfromhell.com/ourstory.htm

[nunyet]

Buy bark collars for the dogs .... Done deal.

nunyet

[maniacmikey]

I in no way really want you to do anything bad to the neighbor- This is a joke disclaimer.

[StrikeFighter]

Invite him over for a BBQ in the back yard so he meets your dogs..so you all can get along.

A bad neighbor is as great a calamity as a good one is a great advantage

[Peanut]

Get a really bright light that comes on at night and aim it in his window. Claim that it has it's days and nights mixed up. LOL! Just kidding!

That really is too bad. I used to have a neighbor like that. Dang dog would bark ALL day!

[Hooked up]

Some sound advice already given, but I would second the bark collars.

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Hooked up

Some sound advice already given, but I would second the bark collars.

Do they come in your neighbor's size?

[steelhead22]

I lived for 5 years behind a couple of Blue Heelers, so I can empathize with your neighbor. I vote for the bark collar.

There were no calls made from our house, but other neighbors called and the police came MANY times. Last I heard, the owner of the dogs was wrapped up in a couple of law suits and had lost literally THOUSANDS due to his barking dogs.

Get a collar. Get the voice chords cut. Something. This could end up bad for you if you don't.

[RustySocket]

Annoying barking dogs and cats that **** on my truck. Get your dog a bark collar and give your neighbor a break, the life you save may be your mutts.

What kills me about this forum is because someone is a "ifisher" everyone jumps on the bandwagon and supports garbage they would not otherwise tolerate. Dogs are pets. They don't pay mortgages, taxes nor do they have "rights". You may think your neigbor is a jerk... My guess is he thinks the same of you.

[Don Becker]

'Closing this one. Legal alternatives have been offered and "we" can't seem to stay away from suggesting illegal activity. Ifish Staff