Poor dogs next door :(

[bluevwcampervan]

How often do you take your 'large' dogs for a walk each day? My neighbour only seems to take both of hers occasionally - ie, not every day. Every time she is out (a good few hours every day), one barks and the other whines - almost constantly. Sometimes they are left in the dark when she goes out at night. They appear healthy but I do think they are bored. Opinions very welcome.

[longingforsomesleep]

2 labradors here. They get 2 walks a day, each ranging from 30 -90 mins depending on other pressures. Also, I work from home so they go out in the garden a lot. They also get a stroll along the road before bed.

One of our dogs is a rescue and we had to promise that we would never leave him alone for more than 4/5 hours.

Poor dogs. Would it be worth mentioning to your neighbour that they sound unhappy? Would you be able to offer to walk them occasionally?

[TrinityRhino]

I boxer pup here 11 months now

2 walks a day of approx 30 to 40 mins each during which time she runs like then wind constantly back and forth and all over (lucky to be near the shore and close to a large river park)

she also asks to go out in the garden for wees or a sniff around randomly during the day

could you offer to walk them?

[bluevwcampervan]

We have mentioned it to her, and she has told us to mind our own business (I have left the expletives out...). We have a large open space at the end of our road, along with a wood, so no excuse really. She certainly has time to walk them after work - gets back early pm. We have tried to be tactful and pleasant about it but she is rude even before we open our mouths! The poor things were stuck indoors today for about six hours, and they still haven't been out with them. Most of our neighbours have dogs and go out regularly.

[Pantone363]

Once a day for about 1hr and also in the garden if we are outside.

But he's a working gundog so some days he works all day.

[poachedeggs]

0I have two large dogs and my neighbours probably think I don't walk them. But DH works shifts and I work part time, so they don't have set walk times. They might get walked at 4.30am one day, lunch time another day then bed time the next day. They are also older and don't really need lots of exercise. I know they don't whine though.

If you are genuinely concerned for their welfare you could ask your local RSPCA for advice. I don't think they would do much but sometimes a chat is enough. Just be very sure of your facts.

[tabulahrasa]

I dread to think what my neighbours must think about how often my dog is walked...on a good day he gets 3 x 10 minute walks if he's overdone it or hasn't eaten so hasn't had his painkiller I cut that down to 1 or 2 and then we have weeks like last week.

He rolled on the grass, his leg gave way and he spent 5 days on tramadol and not being walked.

But, he looks fine to someone who doesn't know him - the chances of both get dogs having a condition like elbow dysplasia are fairly slim, but there are reasons why someone might not walk their dog.

[MagratGarlik]

Maybe she takes them out early (before you are up)?

What type of 'large' dogs are they? Some are very prone to separation anxiety.

I'm not saying she is a good owner, but sometimes it is too easy to judge...

[typoqueen]

if its the noise they make when alone that is worrying then you could make a record of when and how long it goes on for and inform the environmental health department of your local council...I take my large 14 month dog (rottie) out very early around 5 - 5.30am (in warm weather) as he does not do well in the heat and again around 7-8pm he goes in and out the garden all day finding shady spots to lay in....when left (depending on his mood) is mostly good, been left for between 45min to 3 hours no problems...left for 45mins school run he other day and was told he completely barked the house down and taken up a new sport which I can only describe as body surfing across the kitchen worktops!!... but I love the rascal

[EasyToEatTiger]

We have 3 border collies. They all go out usually for over an hour a day and have free access to the garden most of the time unless we are out. If the dogs' noise is bothering you, and it happens regularly when you are in the house and it keeps you awake at night, you may have a reason to complain. I don't think the dogs' exercise regime is your business. If the dogs are a sensible weight and appear generally healthy, you may be seen as interfering. Could you offer to walk the dogs?