Neighbour's dog barking

[barkymcbarkface]

The neighbours behind me have recently taken on their daughter's dog (I know this because my other neighbour told me) and it's been barking a lot in the day, they appear to be leaving the back door open when they're at work so the dog can go in and out. If I or any of my neighbours go in our gardens the dog will come out and start barking. I've decided to put a note through their door, does this sound ok?

Hi,
I live in one of the properties that backs onto your garden.
I don't know if you're aware but your dog is barking a lot in the day. I presume you are leaving the back door open while you're at work.
I would appreciate it if you could do something about the barking as it's getting annoying.
Presumably you or someone else is coming in at least every 4 hours to see the dog so it would be better for all your neighbours if you kept the dog inside when you're not at home.
Thank you.

My other neighbour has a dog and when this new one arrived they were both jumping up at the fence that separates the gardens. This neighbour went and spoke to them and they've now put a barrier there side to stop the dog jumping up. This suggests that they're not entirely unreasonable!

Any thoughts and suggestions are most appreciated

My neighbours used to leave the door open, and this made the dog bark more. Maybe if the close the door it will help, obviously as long as someone coming round to let it out at a reasonable point.

I actually closed the door myself a couple of times which calmed the dog down.

Unless I scale two 6ft fences I can't access their garden! Not sure I'm up to it 😂

Fair point 🤣

No one else?! Perhaps I should've put this on AIBU....

I think talking to them in the first instance would
be better.

however if you are set on a note, I would change ‘getting annoying’ to something more like ‘as it’s quite invasive, which I realise you might not be aware of’ or something I like that?

At this stage I'd rather go with the note, and if it doesn't get any better then I'll have no choice but to try and catch them when they're home.

Thank you for your advice on the note. What you've said sounds better!

I wouldn't put the four hour bit in as it sounds a bit judgey. I think that is perfectly okay to put a note through their door letting them know the dog is barking as they might not know and it makes them aware it's bothering people.

So say something like "Presumably you or someone else is coming to check on the dog in the day so it would be better for all your neighbours if you kept the dog inside when you're not home."?

Personally I would not appreciate you offering your advice on how to look after my dog, it is condescending. Explain the problem and leave them to sort the solution. Maybe leave your mobile number so that they can call you for a chat.

I can see that it might come across like that, although not intentional. I'll leave that bit out, I don't want to get their backs up!