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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Distressed dog

17 replies

Prima123 · 29/05/2021 04:43

Just looking for some advice really, neighbours dog has been howling and crying for over an hour. Neighbours are up the road and I rarely see them and don't think I've ever spoken to them! Have walked up to the house to see if everything is ok, dog is inside house seems quite distressed. Lights are on and windows upstairs are open? Just slightly concerned and have been debating ringing 101?

OP posts:
mrstt89 · 29/05/2021 04:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Prima123 · 29/05/2021 04:47

Yes knocked on door to see if everything was ok and no answer. Can't hear anyone inside. Thinking maybe they've gone out but strange to leave windows open and lights on? Unless they've done this to try and calm the dog? Concerned about the dog seems very stressed

OP posts:
dogsrule21 · 29/05/2021 04:52

@Prima123

Yes knocked on door to see if everything was ok and no answer. Can't hear anyone inside. Thinking maybe they've gone out but strange to leave windows open and lights on? Unless they've done this to try and calm the dog? Concerned about the dog seems very stressed
Call 101. What's the worst that can happen from calling them. The police come to check it out and find nothing?
Original poster
Prima123 · 29/05/2021 04:54

That's what I was thinking, just didn't want to be dramatic! Thanks

OP posts:
picturesandpickles · 29/05/2021 05:41

I don't think you can ring the police unless you think a crime has been committed or there is a human welfare concern.

AlmostSummer21 · 29/05/2021 05:45

@picturesandpickles

I don't think you can ring the police unless you think a crime has been committed or there is a human welfare concern.
You can ring the police, they chose what to do about your call.

What happened prima?

SpaceRaiders · 29/05/2021 05:45

Call 101 for all you know someone could be hurt inside. Seems odd to have the lights on and windows open at 4am with no one in and the dog crying inside.

Original poster
Prima123 · 29/05/2021 06:04

Thought I'd check once more when I was leaving for work, dog no longer barking but could hear people in the house and the blinds had been closed? Did knock again with no response. Never heard a peep from these people before so even weirder

OP posts:
DeathByWalkies · 29/05/2021 13:33

It sounds like the dog may be distressed by the owners not being around (separation anxiety type behaviours). The owners may not be aware this is happening - especially if they've only recently returned to work after WFH for instance. I'd pop a friendly note through the door in an 'are you aware your dog was very distressed' way. I'd want to know if it was my dog.

KarmaStar · 29/05/2021 13:34

Is the dog still upset?

cupsofcoffee · 29/05/2021 13:36

It sounds like separation anxiety but the police won't be interested by a bit of crying.

I would record it so you can inform the owners.

Babbly · 29/05/2021 13:39

This sounds like separation anxiety. It's difficult because the owners might have no idea it's happening because it only happens when they're out. I'd let them know so they can do something about it (stimulation toys, radio, etc). If the dog is completely alone and distressed then it's highly unlikely to be anything other than separation anxiety - what else would they be distressed by if there's no one there to cause them any harm?

Gingerwhinger01 · 29/05/2021 13:45

I’d knock on to check they’re ok and explain you were concerned, presumably it’s unusual for the dog to behave like that ?
It also lets them know the dog barks when they go out, if that is what’s happened, some people are unaware.

Dobbyafreeelf · 29/05/2021 13:53

It could have been as simple as the owner being in the shower! My -twatdog- will cry if I dare to shut any door that prevents her from getting to me! I am no longer allowed to shower, bath, go to the loo with the door properly closed 🙄 it's a good job we love um!

TheDiddlyGang · 29/05/2021 20:22

Good god 🤦🏻‍♀️

You posted at 4.43 and said the dog has been howling for an hour.
It’s late afternoon/early evening.
The owners have probably just gone to the shops or something and the dog is upset to be home alone.

It’s not a police matter FFS.

It would be different it had been howling all day or it was the early hours.

TheDiddlyGang · 29/05/2021 20:28

Thought I'd check once more when I was leaving for work, dog no longer barking but could hear people in the house and the blinds had been closed?
Well there you are.
It’s fairly obvious then the owners simply left the house for an hour and came back.
The dog didn’t like being alone (most dogs don’t) so barked and howled.

Did knock again with no response. Never heard a peep from these people before so even weirder
OP it’s not weird. It really isn’t.
People do not live with their dogs 24/7, sometimes they have to leave the house and dogs don’t appreciate being left alone and some will bark and howl.
They came back, the dog is fine now it’s owners are home and they decided to close the blinds and not answer the door.
Maybe they were about to have a shower, didn’t hear the door go, maybe they were tired and didn’t want to answer.

There really isn’t anything unusual at all in anything you’ve written here.

TheDiddlyGang · 29/05/2021 20:37

Hang on a minute.
I’ve made myself look like a right tit haven’t I? Blush
4.43 in the afternoon would be 16.43.
Doh!
Yes I would think that odd, but they are back now and the dog is quiet so assume everything must be okay.

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