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AIBU

To want my neighbours to move out?

(125 Posts)
jamsandwich Thu 07-Feb-19 16:32:57

My neighbours moved in 2 years ago and ever since we have been plagued by drama. On the surface they seem like decent enough people, say hello when we bump into them etc. But they have 2 very noisy dogs that bark incessantly whenever they go out. As I'm in most of the day while they're at work this drives me mad. Their relationship is also...a bit rocky. They drink a fair bit - this is their perogative I know but it does make them louder - and fight often, you can hear them through the walls (terraced house). She's dumped all his clothes on the front lawn before when she was supposedly chucking him out. It's all a bit much really. I've tried to keep myself to myself but it's just so hard to avoid. I've spoken to them about the dog noise before and they were very nice and promised to keep it down but there's been no real change. Any advice?

Tangerine Fri 08-Feb-19 14:50:48

Another thing - if you sell a residence, you have to fill in a form which asks if you've had trouble with neighbours. Woe betide you if you get caught out telling a lie. If you make things official, it could bite back.

Anja Fri 08-Feb-19 15:06:53

Circumstances change. People may well have dogs before it becomes necessary for both of them to work all day. You see it all the time, people looking to rehome their animals because of a change of circumstances.

Pets are part of the family. It’s not that easy to decide to give them up and rehome them.

As far as the every delightful GG’s approach goes (just ring the council they will sort ‘em out) that shouldn’t be the first approach. I’ve always had dogs, I’ve always worked, and I’ve always had good relationships with my neighbours.

It behoves us to look for a peaceable and mature solution before we go destroying good will or thinking of ourselves as ‘victims’ ??

Susiewakie Fri 08-Feb-19 15:10:35

Hi on the dog thing report the nuisance to the council keep records for 3 months then they can take action .We had similar neighbours eventually moved house wasn't the only reason but I am relieved new neighborhood very quiet

Anja Fri 08-Feb-19 15:14:28

Seriously? Before looking for alternative solutions? ?

Hollydoilly10 Fri 08-Feb-19 15:17:57

What does AIBU mean please

breeze Fri 08-Feb-19 15:19:35

Am I being unreasonable Hollydoilly10

breeze Fri 08-Feb-19 15:24:12

Agree Anja I suggested earlier they have another chat before going the official route.

Having said that, many years ago my cousin took my beloved dog after my marriage broke up and I would've had to leave him all day. It crucified me and I still think of it to this day but it was best for him. I've since had a lot of dogs and train/gundog train them but who knows what's around the corner. I would, at least, now, be able to afford to have help should something happen.

In OP's situ though, I would chat to them again and see if there is anything that can be resolved. It sounds like they're a volatile couple anyway, so the dogs could well end up in a rescue centre and the couple going their separate ways.

Tillybelle Fri 08-Feb-19 15:30:50

Telly It's not always boredom. My barker tells me people are at the door so is also a burglar alarm. My other liable to bark dog is rescued and was treated cruelly so is a bit unpredictable. However I am at home with them all the time. I couldn't agree more about leaving them alone all day. Terrible. Good idea about dog-walker. I did mention the thing that emits a noise too high for human hearing when the dogs bark in my first response above. It is not harmful to dogs. I have used it by my front room window when I wanted to put the dogs in there while I did some painting in the back room. They tend to bark at people on the street as it's a small front drive.
As for the noisy humans, I wish I could help jamsandwich but I'm a bit stuck. I tried when in the same predicament having a joking conversation about realising how easily one can hear through the walls and "I do hope we aren't disturbing you..." conversations but the hint was never taken! They were drunk when noisy and that is beyond reason as one knows.
You certainly are not being unreasonable wanting them to move! I have the same sentiment for my neighbour and we are detached by about two feet... She is a dangerous lying psychopath but that's for another thread....

Anja Fri 08-Feb-19 15:31:49

breeze I’m with you. It’s always wise to try mediation and look for a solution if possible. A little tact, imagination, give and take.

Leave heavy tactics until all else has failed.

PopMaster34 Fri 08-Feb-19 15:45:42

Lucky girl
WTF? How can you even suggest that?

PenelopePopcorn Fri 08-Feb-19 17:33:01

They might not know that their dogs are barking all day. I was talking to someone on Skype one day and he went across the road to the shop for something, leaving his Skype on. His dog howled and howled the whole time he was gone and when I told him he said 'but he never does that' - he had no idea how upset his dog was, probably until he heard his footsteps getting closer to the house then he stopped.

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 17:42:26

Barmyoldbat
Where I live (under the auspecies of Waverley Borough Council) it does work like that and they are extremely quick to respond in person and by sending updates via emails and phone calls to the person who logs the complaint. Less than a week, at most.
They're a super efficient BC and utterly reliable.
I feel for anyone whose council has a sluggish EV department.

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 17:43:36

auspecies auspices blush

Lewie Fri 08-Feb-19 17:44:12

You could always volunteer to have the dogs during the day whilst they're at work smile

Gillip Fri 08-Feb-19 17:44:29

I have had similar neighbours in the past so I sympathise. Now I am in a detached bungalow with fairly considerate neighbours but have been plagued by pile driving from local housing developments for the last two years. I had some noise cancelling headphones for Christmas. They work a treat :-)

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 17:47:08

Anja
The OP clearly wrote that she had mentioned the problem to her neighbours but nothing changed. How many times do you gave to ask and how much stress are you supposed to put up with, before neighbours take notice.
IMO, only when it's official.

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 17:47:31

gave have.

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 17:48:49

Lewie
As an unpaid dog sitter/ walker?
Insane.

Lewie Fri 08-Feb-19 17:54:25

Anja Hahahahahaha!

Lewie Fri 08-Feb-19 17:57:45

GabriellaG54 Why not? Not everything is about money and it would give the OP some company during the day, and I'm sure the dogs would love the companionship.

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 18:04:11

Lewie
If the OP wanted a dog, surely she would have had one. Why would anyone want to dog sit and not be able to go out as the dogs would then start in her house, maybe even soiling it through stress as it is not their natural home.
Maybe she wouldn't want to walk them in poor weather, pick up poop and control two dogs on leads.
Not everyone loves dogs you know.
Why do people think that the complainer should be the mediator and the solution finder???

Lewie Fri 08-Feb-19 18:10:43

GabriellaG54
"Why do people think that the complainer should be the mediator and the solution finder???"
Because it is she who has the problem, and who is looking for a solution!

GabriellaG54 Fri 08-Feb-19 18:48:54

Lewie
Nah...I don't buy that.
Go to the people who have clout if a first approach does not bring results.
If someone throws bricks at your car, you don't go to their home and try to find out what their problem is and think of ways to remedy it.
We don't all want a 'relationship' with our neighbours.

craftergran Fri 08-Feb-19 19:26:39

My neighbour has a little dog which barks when the postman is doing the round and so forth. Other than that it's not a nuisance.

Must be awful if the dog is barking all day every day and probably the dog is bored. Perhaps they keep it shut in one room which would make it very bored.

nanny2507 Fri 08-Feb-19 20:56:36

urmstongran. I am not selfish i work part time. my dogs have access to the garden 24/7 toys for fun, water and beds for comfort. I do not have to be with them 24.7. They have never mentioned my dogs barking but i am here when they kick off and i stop them. But if they complained i would stop the older one by asking my dog walker to have him the whole time i work. Sadly my old boy is having issues as he gets older and before you say anything else incorrect, yes he has been to the vets and health wise he is fine