Neighbour’s dog

[Bnxybee]

Our neighbours (a young couple) have 3 dogs who seem to bark all day and all night.

Both of them work and the dogs just cry and bark in the garden. We’ve never seen them walked and their garden is covered in faeces. I can’t take DS in the garden to play because the dogs bark over the fence aggressively and it scares him. We’re paying for a garden we can’t use.

Do I write them a friendly note first or go straight to the council? I have spoken to the girl about something unrelated and she was lovely but seemed completely overwhelmed - didn’t know what day it was, etc. Her house looked filthy and I think they have more animals.

I don’t know whether to speak to them first.

Speak to them first, you catch more flies with honey as they say. Last thing you want to do is start a war with your neighbours

Speak first as always because you want a peaceful and enduring resolution but this seems to be very hard to achieve as the dogs' owner seems to be unable to control their dogs and live reasonably disciplined lives. I suspect you will have to do it the hard way and involve the council. Shame because it will be a long road.

I'd try speaking to them first if you have a good impression of them. I'd say listen I know you're both out all day and busy and you probably haven't even realised but the dogs are barking all day without you. Or something to that effect. They might not have realised its as bad as it is for you so I'd take a really friendly and polite approach first. Then if it doesn't get any better make a call to the council unless you think it could get nasty in which case do this first.

Are they tenants or owner occupiers? If tenants I'd try and find out who the landlord is and raise it with them.