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To think my kids can bark in their own garden....

102 replies

Wobblewobblejelly · 16/09/2026 21:16

....If my neighbour's dogs won't stop barking in theirs... I'm so sick of their rat-like, yappy dogs (no idea of the breed, but certainly non- pedigree) and it is destroying my mental health. A DM and her DD live next door but one with their dogs. I think the mum works shifts, but the Dd doesn't leave for work so I think she either works from home or is on benefits. The annoying ratty things just won't stfu and I have admittedly said some things I'm not proud of about the family and dogs in front of my kids in frustration.

My kids (DS1 12 and DS2 10) have been barking back at the dogs. I'm not saying it's right, they are by no means angels, but the barking is relentless. Earlier this evening, the DD started mouthing off and swearing at my kids in the garden, saying that they need to stop aggravating their dogs and making them bark because it's upsetting her mum- excuse me?!?! I responded by saying her dogs were barking first and that she needs to watch her mouth around my kids. Unfortunately, my DS1 shouted back that her dogs have rabies- she started screaming at my kids again and went inside. We were so terrified and had to hide upstairs in case she came to the front door. Should I report this woman and her dogs to the council? She looks rough and I'm concerned about what she will do while I'm at work as she evidently has lots of time on her hands.....

OP posts:
maxslice · 17/09/2026 18:59

persephoneee · 17/09/2026 14:55

You're right, let the kids bark back. You sound terrified of the dog owner and are at the end of your tether now. People out there just do not realise how all pervasive a constant stream of dog yapping and barking can do to one's demeanour. I bet you are not antagonistic and violent in real life as a rule, this has tipped you over the edge.

Fighting fire with fire is one way. The softly softly diplomatic approach is not going to work with some assholes.

Gloves off, and on with the show.

Real life? This IS real life. Which OP and her kids are making much worse. You don’t put out a fire by throwing petrol on it.

malloryknox123 · 17/09/2026 19:03

You were so terrified you had to hide upstairs because next door’s kid shouted in retaliation to your boys barking?

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