Dog barking when I go past, neighbour does nothing

Dogs bark, cats meow, humans moan!

The dog is doing what dogs do.

The owner of the dog is not being irresponsible!
There is no requirement for them to stop their dog barking, in its own garden.

I do not think the owner is being irresponsible.
That is what dogs do; bark at people to alert the owner that someone or something is close by.😁

There is something very irritating about being barked at when I'm in my own garden (1/3 acre in the country I might add) hanging out the washing, or talking quietly with friends or just gardening.

Contrary to other comments there are some legal protections against this sort of behaviour. Not an expert but think it’s in the environment act somewhere. I would approach the council and explain that it is noisy intimidating and frightening. Much depends on the council’s attitude but it’s worth a try. Sorry dog lovers but other people really don’t have to put up with your dogs even if they are doing their job or can’t help it.

Blimey - Pretty amazing if dog owners think it's ok for a dog to bark regularly because 'it is in its own garden'. Many barking dog owners gardens are pretty near other people's gardens and homes. What an anti social thing to have to put up with. A dog can be trained not to do that and it should be.

Just walk on by, it ll take all of 30 secs to pass it or better still walk on the other side of the road
If it’s continually barking it’s up to its neighbours to complain but for you personally it’s a few seconds so I wouldn’t let it worry you as long as it’s not getting out and coming at you

Also if a dog suddenly rushes at the fence barking madly it can frighten little kids so the jump fall over or even run on to the road. It’s not up to people to change their routes walk fast or make friends because of badly behaved dogs or irresponsible owners.

I understand your frustration! Fair enough a dog guarding its own property eg someone comes into the garden or walks up the driveway but to be barked at for just passing by is extremely annoying and that makes me cross when it happens to me too!

Cat09

Contrary to other comments there are some legal protections against this sort of behaviour. Not an expert but think it’s in the environment act somewhere. I would approach the council and explain that it is noisy intimidating and frightening. Much depends on the council’s attitude but it’s worth a try. Sorry dog lovers but other people really don’t have to put up with your dogs even if they are doing their job or can’t help it.

Councils can act if it is proven to constitute a noise nuisance, but in practice, they rarely do. We made repeated complaints to our local authority about a neighbour's dog which barked incessantly and would rush up to people walking past, and nothing was done about it.
It obviously varies from one council to another, but even if they do take up the complaint, it can be a long drawn-out process.
We've always had dogs (Labs) and none were excessive barkers. Our old boy never barked in almost 14 years, except if he was dreaming!

As you’ve had a bad experience it’s understandable that you dread walking by this dog. An option is trying to walk calmly (fake it, reminding yourself it can’t get you) , saying “hello, good dog”and as you walk by consistently chuck a dog treat/biscuit over the fence. If the owner objects you could explain why you’re doing it, and compliment them on their beautiful dog. Some dogs can be won over that way but others won’t change. If the owners are unfriendly they may be part of the problem, in which case all you can do is to keep reminding yourself there’s a fence so you are safe. If you’re really scared try visualising yourself as someone like Caesar Milan or another person who isn’t scared of dogs and walk by as confidently as they would.

As others have suggested, (but then again I am a dog lover) I would speak to the owner and ask if the dog is friendly, and if so, you could ask to be introduced to the dog - dog biscuits (with permission) might be a good idea too! Once the dog realises you are a friend, it will probably start wagging its tail instead of barking when it sees you.

My dog does this to everyone who walks past, a quick 20 second barking session then it’s over, what would you expect the neighbour to do exactly

Please don't chuck dog biscuits or treats over a fence without asking the owner's permission first! Some dogs are on special diets or may not be allowed treats for any number of reasons.

I would agree about the asking permission for dog biscuits. I should have said that, sorry.

We had this with our next door neighbours dog for over a year. Gives you an awful fright and didn't do much for my anxiety. The neighbour knew I didn't like it but didn't bother. I did ask if it were possible to let the dog out the back, she said she couldn't possibly do that as the dog didn't like the back garden. I kid you not.

ViceVersa

Please don't chuck dog biscuits or treats over a fence without asking the owner's permission first! Some dogs are on special diets or may not be allowed treats for any number of reasons.

And someone jokingly mentioned throwing some steak over the fence. I did know of a dog ( it was a spaniel and they are obsessed with food) that died after choking on a piece of meat that it had stolen

Coincidentally I often need to pass a corner house with 2 little “ “yappers” in the front garden, and whether I am with or without our dog they go berserk! But they have a very posh modern fence set-up.

It does make you jump. The woman opposite this house also has two little dogs and they react especially in the summer months but as she’s often doing stuff in the garden, she does give them a “telling off” …whether in the long run it makes any difference ….🤗

My daughter has a Miniature Schnauzer. They are the sweetest little dogs but are terrible yappers. Thankfully my grand dog isn’t as bad as some but there’s no stopping them.

It's the dog's home and it's in an enclosed garden I assume. You cannot stop a dog barking... I would walk on other side of road.

yelling at dogs answers because the human is barking too
i talk to the ones here one took a awhile even that stooped
its human was actaully ,she asked how made her dogs stopped brking i told her the dogs are answering the yelling
my girl only if its someone she feels bad feels
in ten years she has barked maybe 10times
when youplay tug she growls just a very good girl

Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment. The railings aren't high, 4ft maybe which doesn't help. The dog is often alone in the garden too.

The Dad if there will tell the dog to shut up. The mum doesn't do anything, but she allows her kids to scream when playing so she doesn't care/had enough. They are the only neighbours on the street I've never spoken to, they don't give a friendly vibe!

mabon2

Walk on the other side of the road?

Read the thread - OP has said why they can't.

StoneofDestiny

Blimey - Pretty amazing if dog owners think it's ok for a dog to bark regularly because 'it is in its own garden'. Many barking dog owners gardens are pretty near other people's gardens and homes. What an anti social thing to have to put up with. A dog can be trained not to do that and it should be.

Agree....and speaking as someone whose father had a dog and he trained her all round.

I can sympathise - a. because I know dogs can be trained - and so do wonder why some owners don't do that. b. I've moved from a part of the country where dogs are pretty rare actually and can count on one hand where there was a "dog incident" of any description near my last house (which I had for over 20 years) - and so I do wonder what-the-** is going on when there's so many many dogs here (not a bother per se) but they're allowed to bark. That just doesn't happen in some parts of the country...and so I don't know why it does here and it puzzles me/annoys me.