Question:Okay, first of all, I have no problem with people that have outside dogs that are well cared for, BUT I have a neighbor whose outside dog BARKS ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT!!! Obviously, if it is barking so much, it's needs aren't being met.
My question is, do you think it is better for this dog to stay where it is, or for someone to call animal control and have the dog taken to the shelter where it may or may not find a new home? I am torn because I don't like the idea of a dog being lonely and suffering, but I also hate the thought of it being sent to a shelter and possibly not finding a better home. Any thoughts on the matter?
Answers:
My dog is totally an outside dude! But as you say, all his needs are met, he barks ONLY when is needed, he's an awesome guardian dog... (sometimes i even think, I can rent my house and live with him in the back yard!), anyway, it seems like this is an old on going problem, and I understand how annoying can be, you have every right to call the cops, explain the situation because there no quiet time ever,day or night, coming to an annoying level or perhaps,something is wrong with this animal. They will take it from there, they 'll go and check this out for you. You don't need to tell the neighbors what you did. People are weird and you can be pointed by neighbors.Ask the cops you want anonymous. But if you have a close friendly neighbor that want to complain, tell to make a call , more compalins are better. But if it's only you, don't worry, they'll listen. They're there to protect. If the problem continues in the future, call again, and again, trust me, action will take sooner or later.
animal control will not take the dog just because it barks all day.. they have to be starving the dog or abusing the dog... if you want to help offer to take the dog for a walk once or twice a day... you can say you would like a companion on your walks and thought the dog would enjoy it... this will help the dog calm down and give it some stimulation during the day... you could also get a few dog toys and throw them over the fence... .this may keep the dog busy and help it to not bark so much.
If the dog is in some sort of danger like starving, or sick then I would call animal control. but maybe there is something bugging the dog. or your right some of it's needs aren't being met. talk to your neighbor or leave a note saying what your worried about for the dog. and that it's possibly bugging you that the dog wont stop barking. but be sure to do it in the kindest way possible.
Throw some food, treats, or toys over the fence to keep it busy while also making it happy. :]
If you call animal control they won't take the dog to the shelter if this is the first time that someone has complained. They will give the owners a warning ( as long as the dog is not be mistreated or neglected) Perhaps if the owners are warned they will make other arrangements or even hopefully look for a new home for it.
Another possibility is that you talk with your neighbors yourself if you think they will listen and explain to them about the barking. Sometimes people are unaware that their dogs are barking all day if they are away at work. If no one brings it to their attention~~ they won't realize they're bothering anyone.
Good luck
Maybe you should do some investigating as to why the dog is barking so much. When we first got our puppy she was always barking because she didn't like being on a lead. She just wasn't used to the collar and stuff. It got better over time and now she doesn't bark as much. People probably thought we were not providing for our dog as well even though we played with her and took her for walks along with feeding her and giving her treats.
Talk with your neighbors and tell them that the barking is bothering you. This way they might give you a reason for why the dog is barking. If you know that the dog is being abused or starved then you can call animal control or a humane society.
There should be no such thing as outside dogs. Dogs are social beings and want to be with people. Dogs should be part of your family -- NOT OUTSIDE! UGH! That is disgusting.
Please, please go to this link, read up on chained dogs and what you can do to help them
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/...
That's really a tough one.
I love dogs to bits, and I personally do not like the idea of "outdoor dogs". I fully agree with ulcm. Dogs are pack animals. They want to be where their family (their pack) is. There is nothing quite as lonely as a lonely dog in a back yard.
It seems to be a very Australian and American thing though. I originally come from Europe. I have never known ANYBODY there leaving a dog outside. We get them because they are companion animals. A companion keeps you company, those two words are related. Who keeps the dog company in the back yard? If you want something in your back yard or in your garden, get some garden gnomes. They are usually quite happy out there. Dogs should be where their family is.
Having said that, if you complain, there is a good chance the dog may be taken away and heaven knows what his fate may be then. I would try to talk to the neighbours. I am a great believer in "negotiated solutions".
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