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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think enough is enough with the neighbour?

34 replies

SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:32

I have lived in my house now for coming up to three years. The neighbours dog has always barked from when I moved in and the neighbour did little stop it. After 18 months, I posted a polite note after the dog had been barking for 5 hours while she was out.

It quietened down but not for long and after they got a new puppy which caused even more noise,some more polite notes and me going round to speak nicely to them, I wrote to the council.

The noise quietened for some time and although is still better than it was, at weekend I often have to listen to the dogs barking or howling for lengths at a time. She has to go out, I understand that, but yesterday it was an hour, and this afternoon after prolonged barking, I banged on the wall and the neighbour was actually in the house (just upstairs probably and the dog has separation anxiety).

WIBU to go back to the council? I'm tired of having my reading time or tv time or general relaxation time interserped by barking or howling and even though its not as bad as it was, should I be hearing dogs barking or howling several times a day? I just hate confrontation and as our back gardens are tiny, I'd rather have good neighbourly relations when we're all outside in summer.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 18:01

@Catza I too think the only option might be to move for my sanity. Antisocial neighbours are always going to be that regardless I think, with or without council intervention.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:58

@qpid5tunt well, I know the neighbour smokes lots of weed from morning til evening. She used to go in the garden to smoke but now it's in the house as I can smell it in my living room so the dogs are breathing that in. It's really sad when animals are mistreated.

OP posts:
Catza · 06/05/2024 17:56

SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:46

@Catza I feel that I have a right to go about my day peacefully without having to hear the dogs on a daily basis. I understand that with living next door to people there will be some noise, but when they're intruding on my peace and frequently, I think they're being somewhat antisocial. They could, after all, put in some work to stop the dogs from barking and howling, such as training, especially as she knows both dogs suffer from extreme separation anxiety.

You do and I appreciate it is annoying as I lived next to a bunch of students who listened to the music for 8 hours every day (mostly in the late afternoon and evening when we were trying to relax after work). We moved because... well, there was nothing else we could do. They are within their rights to do it.
I still think the council would not be able to help so I don't see what would be the point of complaining. Would you complain if you were living next door to a small child?
Again, I would focus on sound-proofing your own house as it is the only thing in your control.

qpid5tunt · 06/05/2024 17:52

I'd be more concerned about the dogs over the noise. I had this problem with an ex neighbour of mine. Dog crying and barking all day and most of evening. Called the RSPCA and it turns out that the poor dog was being kept in a crate so small that I wouldn't even put a cat in it😡 it was so small that there wasn't even room for a water bowl. Just wish I'd reported it earlier.

Original poster
SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:52

InSpainTheRain · 06/05/2024 17:45

Keep a log of ALL the barking (day, date, time from, time to, duration, approx noise level, disruption caused to you). Record if you can too to give an idea of what you hear. Then when you have a log report to the council. Have you looked on your council website for what applies in your area? Several of us were successful in stopping 2 dogs incessantly barking in this way.

Hi @InSpainTheRain. I have been keeping a log and also recording sound clips so I have plenty for the council to go on. Although it's not as bad as it used to be, I remember the dogs waking me up howling and barking at 5.30am and when the neighbour heard me mention it to a friend, the neighbour clearly thought I was overreacting.

Neighbour is also friendly with her other neighbour and if I kick up a fuss again, I know I'll dread to see them in the garden in the summer.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:48

I feel I am being the nuisance sometimes expecting peace, but it's usually when I settle for a nap, to eat a nice meal I've prepared or to read. Last night I had just settled down to watch a film at 7.30pm and the barking started for an hour.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpeedbirdSquawker · 06/05/2024 17:46

@Catza I feel that I have a right to go about my day peacefully without having to hear the dogs on a daily basis. I understand that with living next door to people there will be some noise, but when they're intruding on my peace and frequently, I think they're being somewhat antisocial. They could, after all, put in some work to stop the dogs from barking and howling, such as training, especially as she knows both dogs suffer from extreme separation anxiety.

OP posts:
InSpainTheRain · 06/05/2024 17:45

Keep a log of ALL the barking (day, date, time from, time to, duration, approx noise level, disruption caused to you). Record if you can too to give an idea of what you hear. Then when you have a log report to the council. Have you looked on your council website for what applies in your area? Several of us were successful in stopping 2 dogs incessantly barking in this way.

Catza · 06/05/2024 17:41

Instal soundproofing or move to a detached house. I struggle to see what you expect the council to do about it. Your neighbour is not doing anything illegal unless the dogs are howling between 11pm and 7am on weekdays.
I suppose you can always complain about housing regulations which allow properties with paper-thin walls to be built.