Neighbor's Dogs Harassing my cats

[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
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............

[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.