dog trouble

[HairyWoman]

What is the best way for me to approach a new neighbour about their dog's noise? The dog is barking/howling while they are out which is quite frequent and sometimes for whole days. Whilst I find the noise annoying I also feel sad for the dog. They keep it indoors and you can hear it through the (very thin) walls.

I have never had a dog but I understand there are things you can do to stop a dog barking/howling or keep it occupied etc.

We had a neighbour years ago and their dog was even worse. When I mentioned the noise they just shrugged their shoulders and said there was nothing they could do about it. So;

1.I would like to be prepared for this attitude with some answers

1. I would like opinions on how to phrase it so we don't fall out. We haven't really spoken yet and I am a bit worried that if this is our first conversation any relationship will break down before it has begun. The children play with each other and that would be a shame.

First establish a relationship with the neighbours - ask them round for drink/cup of tea. Talk to them, find out about them.

Then offer to take dog out for walks during the day (sounds like you are at home if you can hear it all day.) If they ask why you are offering you can say the poor dog sounds lonely and in need of a walk.

It may sound harsh but it worked for me! I phoned the RSPCA because I was worried about a dog - it sounds as if you are worried rather than angry about it.

They arranged a visit with my neighbour saying they had had a concerned call(without mentioning my name) and gave them care advice which solved the problem without me having to be a nagging neighbour.

Blimey I don't think I'd offer to take it for walks! They might say yes, then you'll be responsible for their dog every day.

I might start with 'concerned' neighbour approach, and metion it sounds distressed and is making quite a disturbance. Maybe the rspca could get involved or will offer some advice.

I knocked on their door yesterday and the dog came running out barking at me loudly (but wagging tail?!) so it was difficult to speak.

I'm too busy to take it for a walk and am not keen to really.

Anonymous rspca call sounds good - would they know it's me though, the dog is mostly indoors?

Concerned neighbour approach - what would I actually say?

They won't know it is you. The RSPCA are very good at this!! My neighbours haven't an inkling it was me that put the call through.

Explain to the RSPCA that are worried that the dog seems to be left alone all day in the house and that it barks and howls and think it shoudl be investigated. It certainly doesn't sound like they are being fair to the dog so you really should involve the RSPCA.I don't think you have to leave your details with them but if you do they will give you a report on how their visit went.

I found out that my neighbours were desperate on how to manage and look after their dog and were really grateful for the advice they got!