Dog barking when neighbours are out?

[Yapperz]

Hi, if your dog was barking constantly while you were out would you want to know? Or is it normal dog behaviour?

If my dog was stressed, I'd want to know. Likewise if she was disturbing my neighbours.
I'd rather someone told me nicely than reporting me to environmental health or whatever though.

For some dogs it probably is normal to bark more, a lot depends on the breed, but it should never be excessive...

But you need some context here really; is the dog inside the house or outdoors? Is it stressed or just bored? Does it bark at night or just during the day? And are we talking minutes or hours?

Thanks

The dogs are inside. They're loved and well cared for, I think leaving them alone in the house is a new development possibly a new commitment.

It's hours rather than minutes and it is stressing me out but I already have a shaky relationship with neighbour and don't want to rock the boat.

I would talk to them before reporting them but I find it easier to quietly seethe. Ridiculous I know... just wondered if it was normal or if I could play the concerned angle when mentioning it. Gah I hate confrontation ..

Hmmm. Difficult one. We have dogs but my parents had an issue with a neighbours dog barking outside all day, so I can see it from both sides.

If your relationship was good, I'd be inclined to say ask "Are Minnie & Mickey okay? They seem to get a bit stressed when you go out..." but if things are shaky already then it's likely to be seen as a moan whatever angle you take.

Can you tell if they're running around or are they being left crated for hours? Just wondering as you suggest it's a new thing, it could imply a change of routine in some way...

All I can suggest is keeping a note of when they bark, and for how long, because if push comes to shove and you do have to report it, the council will ask you to keep a diary.

I told my neighbours (he’s sounded in distress) and they were very defensive and rude, but they also had cameras so begrudgingly said they would check the cameras. 2 days later they came to my door and apologised and said they realised I was being caring and wasn’t trying to cause trouble (I assume they watched the footage and realised I wasn’t making it up). We now rarely hear him so I think they have a family member have him when at work.

I’m glad it worked out but it wasn’t received well and I hate confrontation. I stayed completely calm and just said “I just wanted to ensure you were aware as I’d want to know (we have dogs)”.

I would personally want to know but be prepared for your neighbours to get rather defensive 😞

Thanks everyone, really useful advice.

They love their dogs and walk them a lot so I am guessing it's a change in routine or something.

If it carries on I will mention it gently. But she is so sensitive I'd rather not!!