Neighbor's Dogs Harassing my cats

[Jessika]

Wasn't quite sure where to put this, but I was needing some more expert PT advice.

I currently live in a ground (first)-floor condo with my boyfriend, my Aussie, and our two cats. Many neighbors here have dogs and walk them in the grassy areas. We do not have designated "yards" so the neighbors who live on the upper levels with dogs usually walk them around on the grassy areas on the ground level (they don't have the luxury that we do of just opening the back door and letting the dog out to potty).

Our cats L-O-V-E to sit on the windowsill and stare outside. However, there has been a repeated occurrence where one of the neighbors (unsure of who) will walk their dogs alongside the building our office window faces and the dogs will sit at the window and bark relentlessly at the cats. Espeon is not phased by it at all, however, this TERRIFIES Voltron and he runs and hides. I understand if the neighbor was just passing by the window, the dogs barked a few times, but they went on their way. But, no. At least half of the time, the neighbor will SIT there while the dogs are climbing up on the outside ledge, getting their nose inches from Espeon's face, and barks at her. And this will sometimes go on for 5-10 minutes while the neighbor just stands there with her two dogs!!!!!

The windows are usually closed while this is going on, but sometimes the windows are open about 6" (especially with this cooler weather we've been having) and they are L-O-U-D!!!!!!!!! I mean, who just lets their dogs sit there and bark into someone's open window?!?!?!?!?!?!

I'm worried that it's happening and stressing the cats out while I'm at work and can't be there to "save" them.

Is it unreasonable of me to put a sign in the window that says something along the lines of "PLEASE do not allow your dogs to bark at and harass our cats. Thank you! :)" or should I take a different approach?

Thank you :)

[luvofallhorses]

Yes, I would put a sign out. Perhaps make it on the computer so it's big enough and they can see it. If that doesn't work, then confront them about it. :)

[Freedom]

How large is the condo complex? I'm wondering if you can ask someone who has lived there longer, how these things are usually handled.

It seems to me that just as a matter of respect, NO ONE walks close to the building, with folks living on those levels. Only the folks who live on that level walk right up close to the building. Do any of the folks on the ground floor have flowers they have set out in pots, or anything which sort of designates the area as "theirs?"

[Taz_Zoee]

It might just be me but I'd go out and say something the next time they do it. Confront them while it's happening, in a nice way of course. Just explain that it upsets your cat and you'd appreciate it if they wouldn't let their dog bark at your window.
But if you don't feel comfortable doing that then a sign could be your first option.
I don't understand why some people are so thoughtless to others. :mad:

[Jessika]

The area they're walking by is a tiny walkway along the front side of the building (the layout in the front is kind of weird... I'll take a pic if I remember to next time I'm out with Jamie). They never walk next to windows on the open side of the building (the side that my bedroom/livingroom windows are on).

I mean I guess it's a popular spot for owners to bring their dogs to potty; there is an overhang so if its raining they're dry, or if its hot they're shaded, so I understand why they walk their pets there. But what I don't understand is why they think its ok to let their dogs bark into my windows at my cats. :(

My boyfriend doesn't want to put a sign up as he thinks it will cause unnecessary attention or trouble but I just don't know what else to do except walk outside the next time I see it happen and confront the owner. And I'm TERRIBLE at confrontations... I usually come off as being really rude and I don't mean to be...

[Asiel]

I wouldn't bother with a sign. I would definitely go out and confront them about the issue. Walking their dogs past your window is one thing but standing there for that long knowing the dogs upset your cats is pretty rude in my book. If you can hold on to your temper fine , if you can't then they've earned your wrath by their own rude behavior.
You could try getting a water gun and maybe have your window open wide enough to squirt the dogs in the face if possible ...lemon juice in the gun might work wonders. If the owners say anything just tell them you can't stand the noise the dogs make . Is there a landlord you could speak to about the issue?

[Jessika]

I wouldn't bother with a sign. I would definitely go out and confront them about the issue. Walking their dogs past your window is one thing but standing there for that long knowing the dogs upset your cats is pretty rude in my book. If you can hold on to your temper fine , if you can't then they've earned your wrath by their own rude behavior.
You could try getting a water gun and maybe have your window open wide enough to squirt the dogs in the face if possible ...lemon juice in the gun might work wonders. If the owners say anything just tell them you can't stand the noise the dogs make . Is there a landlord you could speak to about the issue?
These are all privately owned condos. We rent ours from the lady who owns our specific condo. I'm sure there's some organization over all of them, but if there is the information hasn't been made aware to me.'

[Taz_Zoee]

What if the next time it happens you just appear at the window and stare back at them with a look of "WTH" on your face? Think they'd get the picture?? :)

[Jessika]

What if the next time it happens you just appear at the window and stare back at them with a look of "WTH" on your face? Think they'd get the picture?? :)
I've actually done something like that once; dogs were barking relentlessly through the window, and I put up with it for a good while before I finally walked over, threw the blinds back, grabbed Espeon from the sill, shot a dirty look at the owner, and walked away.

And yet, it still happens... :confused:

[Pinot's Mom]

These are all privately owned condos. We rent ours from the lady who owns our specific condo. I'm sure there's some organization over all of them, but if there is the information hasn't been made aware to me.'

If you live anywhere governed by covenants it is your responsibility to obtain a copy of those covenants. This would explain the rules/regulations as well as your methods of recourse in these situations. One of the reasons for these covenants is that there is a governing body to take responsibility in these cases. It would also explain the intended use of the area outside.

Find out what your rights are and have those responsible take care of the situation.

[moosmom]

Pino's Mom and Freedom have the right idea. I'd get a copy of the Condo Association rules. Then the next time they do it (it IS all about respecting your neighbors around you), go out and confront them and show them the rules. If they DON'T get it, then I'd file a complaint with the Association and let them put them in their place.

Do they walk their dogs on a leash or just let them run up to the window? If they're unleashed, they are being irresponsible pet owners. Get the Association involved. I think coming from them, they may take it more seriously.

[pomtzu]

Personally, I would start with the least offensive act, that of nicely confronting them and explaining that it is stressing the cats - and you too. Walking past the window, and letting the dogs stand and bark into it, are two entirely different situations - the latter being totally rude and inconsiderate. If the dog's owner gets an attitude with you, or if the situation continues, then I'd definitely look into the condo rules. The owner that you are renting from has the responsibility to see to it that you have a copy which you can refer to and take appropriate action on anything, if and when needed.

[Karen]

I would talk to her nicely. Pretend it is an acting job, and you are playing someone brave! Explain the situation to her, and ask that she just not pause there, but keep moving along! She may be unaware or what or why they are barking, or that it bothers anyone!

[Varga]

That is indeed a very odd situation. I can't imagine anyone thinking it's ok to just let their dog bark non-stop like that while they are standing right there and are perfectly capable of doing something about it. Is it always the same person?
I know confronting them sucks but I also agree that it would be the best approach - at least at first. Maybe your boyfriend could do it? I'm no good at confrontation myself, so I'll admit it's definitely something I would pass along if I could :o
Best of luck. Hope it gets solved.

[Jessika]

We -have- tried getting a copy of the "neighborhood association" or at least information to get ahold of someone (phone number, anything) and our landlord... like, she won't. I guess she wants us to go through her every time??? But she isn't always available and will take days to get back to us at times! The neighbors here aren't very personable: they will leave notes on our front door/cars instead of just knocking on our door to talk to us like adults. So I'm still at a loss. I could try asking my landlord for the information again but I'm not sure it will get me anywhere. =/

[Freedom]

First, I suggest you try Karen's idea (I love the acting part, Karen!) Make that point that it is disruptive to YOU (make the cats a secondary argument), that this is your home and you can't concentrate, rest, do whatever you are doing when the dog is barking. Maybe (think about this) have a suggestion ready, that they move to another area (have one to direct them to), that they have some treats with them and make this a training opportunity with their dog. Go out and talk to them the minute the dog starts, don't wait till you are steaming mad! And go out time after time after time, each and every time. Remember, this will seem a bother, it is (supposedly!) a temporary thing and you want to make it THEIR nuisance, not yours, that they cannot just sit and ignore the dog without "oh oh here she comes." Wear 'em down!

Next, how big is this complex? You must be on friendly terms with someone there! Ask them for a copy of the condo docs, rules, regulations. This is not a 'neighborhood association," this is a condo association. Use the proper terms when speaking with the folks, that will help! Ask when the next meeting is, too.

I also agree with Ellie / Pomzu, walking past is ok, standing there letting the dog bark in YOUR window is off the radar rude!

[pomtzu]

We -have- tried getting a copy of the "neighborhood association" or at least information to get ahold of someone (phone number, anything) and our landlord... like, she won't. I guess she wants us to go through her every time??? But she isn't always available and will take days to get back to us at times! The neighbors here aren't very personable: they will leave notes on our front door/cars instead of just knocking on our door to talk to us like adults. So I'm still at a loss. I could try asking my landlord for the information again but I'm not sure it will get me anywhere. =/

It is not only your right, but it is your responsibility, to have a copy of these rules/laws, as long as you are living there. It doesn't matter that you are not the owner and only renting. If you unintentionally broke one of these rules and were called on the carpet for it, saying "I didn't know that" is no excuse, and management would be all over you like flies on dog poop! Be adamant, and insist that your landlord provide you with a copy for your own protection.

I'm so glad I have my own home in the country and no one can tell me where or if I can plant a tree, or if I can put up a fence and what kind, or get a fine because my grass is 1/16" too long, etc, etc, etc. Of course even out here I can't have my place looking like the county landfill or a vehicle salvage yard, and there are county regulations here too, but nothing even close to what people have to abide by when living in condos or developments! UGH!!! - no thanks............:p

[Cataholic]

I would be surprised if this situation is addressed in your HOA documents.

What about getting one of those no bark thingies? I don't know if they work or not...but it is worth a try.

I am, once again, eternally grateful that I have the most awesome neighbors! While I don't live in a condo/apartment type situation, I might as well. We are on city lots and VERY close to one another. If I had a problem..it would have been addressed long ago. Direct, and polite is where you should begin.

[pomtzu]

I would be surprised if this situation is addressed in your HOA documents.

.

LOL - I'm certain that you are correct, but............

There must be some rules/regulations/guidelines, regarding pets, and/or something regarding the right of privacy/space of other tenants. No one should have to tolerate someone else's dogs with their feet up on the window ledge and peering/barking into windows - other than the dogs own. Technically, this is an invasion of privacy - and privacy to which we are all entitled, and it doesn't matter if it's a person or their domesticated pet that it is committing this offense. IMO it is totally unacceptable.

Jo - you sure are a lot more open minded on this than I am. Why should Jessika have to provide the means to try to put a stop to it (the no bark thingy), when she is in no way responsible for the situation? Let the dog owner step up and assume responsibility!

[Cataholic]

Pom- I like to get along. I would try the polite approach. But, I must admit, I have a very hard time understanding why someone would just let their dog bark and approach a cat.

[pomtzu]

Pom- I like to get along. I would try the polite approach. But, I must admit, I have a very hard time understanding why someone would just let their dog bark and approach a cat.

Agreed 100% - I said to start with a polite approach too.

But seriously - don't you agree that she needs a copy of the condo rules, and not just for this dog related issue either. If she is living there, then she should know the do's and don'ts, just as other tenants do. She could easily be in violation of "something", "sometime" - and never realize what she is doing or did, is not allowable per the regulations that have been set forth. And if she has less than friendly neighbors, they could report her for "whatever", and like I said earlier, that her saying "I didn't know that", just isn't going to cut it. Ignorance is not bliss..............:eek:

[Freedom]

Yes, she definitely should, Ellie!

One of my friends live in a small condo complex, just 4 units. One is rented out. The other 3 FINALLY Figured out the renters had never been given a copy of the Rules; once shared, life was MUCH easier for all.

[sasvermont]

I wonder why some people think they are the only ones on the planet? I have a couple of neighbors like that and it is so frustrating. I, too, find it hard to be polite to such idiots. I wish I could act it out sometimes, but my rage gets the best of me and I look like a fool. I usually do nothing and just wait for them to move or I just try to not let it bother me. In the scheme of things, most of the problems I have i.e cigarette butts on my lawn and drive, trash blowing all over the place, tents put up on my property line and left there for weeks on end, trash cans left at the street side for days on end, I could go on. Every now and then we get good neighbors but from time to time we have just the opposite.

I wish you luck in resolving the problem. Maybe just yelling out the window = excuse me, but would you be so kind as to keep your dog(s) from barking at my cat(s) in the window! My guess is that if they are that ignorant, they will just give you the finger and you will have gotten no where fast. Just a guess.

People can be so frustrating to deal with. I feel your pain. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[moosmom]

People can be so frustrating to deal with.

That's why I'd prefer dealing with animals rather than people. There is NO excuse for stupid.

[Jessika]

So a quick update.

I have done nothing... and in the past month have not had this happen (at least, not while I've been home). We have had the windows open every day since my last post since the weather has been BEAUTIFUL so I'd surely know if they were doing it. I'm either hoping the neighbor found a new place to walk her dogs, moved (we did have a vacancy recently and had new neighbors move in), or finally "got it".

Now the problem I'm having is, since it's so nice out and people are leaving their windows open, some neighbors have dogs that like to bark at the sound of a fly's fart... all day... and at all hours of the night... that isn't nearly as disrupting as the dogs that were barking in the window at my cats, however, so I'll take it.

[Taz_Zoee]

Fly farts! THAT'S what Zoee barks at all the time!!! Mystery solved! LOL :D
Yes, barking dogs is annoying. That's why when Zoee was home with us and I was home I would never let her bark too long outside without going out to get her or tell her to quiet down. Now when we aren't home, we can't stop her. Luckily none of our neighbors have complained.

I'm glad the other issue has stopped at least. Earplugs are always an option for the barking dogs. At least to sleep at night.

[Karen]

And it's almost October, so cooler temperatures will probably mean fewer open windows, so it should be quieter as the seasons change!