Our next door neighbours got a Shitzu in the autumn last year. Each time the dog is left alone it howls and barks. Without exaggeration this is continual and can last up to 2 hours at a time until the dog wears itself out, when it will start again until the owners return.
The dog will either jump up and down at the lounge window or sit on a chair at the window and bark at everything or absolutely nothing, people walking past, a noisy car, postman, thin air, the lot. The way the dog barks sounds more like separation anxiety when there is no distraction and 'warning' barks when he sees people.
Unfortunately our neighbours are completely unapproachable (which is another story but not appropriate for this thread).
I work from home most days and over the past few months have found myself becoming more distracted by the noise. Also to mention that I spend a lot of time on the phone in meetings, so have to keep myself on mute constantly so that the dog isn't heard. Sometimes on a direct call with someone, the barking has been mentioned.
After a morning of listening to the dog barking for 3 hours, I contacted our local environmental health department.
They sent me sheets to record the noise periods on, which I duly completed and sent back.
I received a voicemail from the Dog Wardens' assistant today to say that the Dog Warden feels that one instance of barking a day is not sufficient for them to take the matter any further.
To say I felt like crying is an understatement. How can a single instance lasting up to 5 hours at a time not be sufficient?
I am in no way trying to cause potential problems with my neighbours, despite being driven to distraction by the barking.
I am more concerned that this dog (and owning one myself) has clear separation anxiety and should not be left alone. I said this in my initial contact with the Council, thinking that the dog warden may advise the neighbours of steps they need to take to reduce the dogs anxiety.
I am not sure what to do next. They have said that I can have more record sheets but seeing as typically the dog is left alone for single periods each day, I am wondering whether it's worth it.
Any suggestions - other than moving that isn't an option right now!
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Next doors barking dog
Lozislovely · 25/05/2016 16:23
Have you told them he's barking? If they're not even aware, how can they sort it out 
i'd be very sad if that was my ddog so distressed all those hours 
i do hope you find a way through this, can't believe how very patient you have been trying to work with that in the background.
i would only suggest a briefest of note saying you weren't sure if they were aware of how much separation anxiety their ddog was suffering whilst they were out and note that 5 hour spell and a couple many others as examples?
i hope they find a way for this poor ddog to be happy!
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