[Scalded Dog]

I have neighbors. When they moved in two years ago, the woman (head of the household, bunch of teenage kids) told me that she was forced to move from her last house, because she had some psycho- nutcase neighbor who was OBSESSED with trying to get her barking dogs to stop… because he was nuts, of course. She said that he called the cops all the time, he filmed the dogs barking, he filed lawsuits against her… he was just nuts. Sure.

So, for the past two years, I’ve had to deal with barking dogs, 24 hours out of every day, 365 days of the year. The dogs are outside, rain or shine, sun or snow…. Bark- bark- bark- barking away. It keeps my kids up at night, and makes me insane. She won’t bring them inside, she won’t stop them from barking. Once in a blue moon, somebody will yell out the window for the dogs to shut up, but it’s a half- hearted attempt that yields no results. And, now, I am the new crazy guy who complains all the time, calls the cops, and so forth. Because, apparently, every place that Desiree moves, there are crazy people who go nuts over her barking dogs.

As you may have guessed, I don’t get along with these “neighbors” any longer.

The dogs, not being well cared for, seem to come and go. They escape/ run away, or they die… sometimes they even kill each other (really). Every time a dog vanishes, another replaces it… so the barking is perpetual. Point being, though… they are always getting more dogs. Seems like they maintain a pretty steady balance of about five dogs.

On Saturday, I was outside, when I heard, “Hey! Ken! Shut the hell up! Shut up, Ken!” I looked to see why the neighbors were yelling at me (my name is Ken)… especially odd, since I was only quietly attending to washing my car. Soon, however, I figured it out: They have named their most recent dog-- a mangy, rough- looking mongrel---, “Ken.”

This, I’m sure, is the first dog ever named, “Ken.” Nobody names a dog “Ken…” unless they are trying to incite contention with a neighbor named “Ken!”

Doesn’t bug me a bit… makes me laugh my ass off!

[DenverTaco07]

I am convinced that some people with dogs believe that everyone else should just deal with them barking because that's their nature. They simply live in a different universe and their dogs get to do whatever they want.

Of course this is not all Dog owners.

Same thing with Wind Chimes, I can't stand them - sorry, the sound doesn't stop at your property line. My statement to those that have them and love the sound, hang them in your living room and point a fan on them - just my own rant i suppose.

I'd hate to live in your neighborhood - Why haven't you complained to authorities? Edit, i see you have called, are they unwilling to do anything about it? Video Tape them and go to court.

I had a neighbor similar, but only one dog - anytime I would open window to record them, they would all of the sudden take their dog inside - it was amazing.

[JantzenOKC]

Ken... You dog.

[Red2014SS]

You live in California... take advantage of that...Call animal control and report them for not taking care of the dogs. If that doesn't work, stop by the local animal shelter, make a $100 donation and mention your problem to whoever is in charge. Don't forget to mention the starving and dead dogs. Massive neighbor bureaucratic harassment will ensue. You can thank me later.

[pickwithaustin]

That's a funny story! I feel for you though. I have 6 dogs (all little) and my neighbor has a few. He leaves his outside, but mine are all little guys and they live inside the house except for exercise play time and potty in the fenced yard. Sometimes when they go out, they get to exchanging barks with the dogs next door. I let it go on for about 3 minutes, then I bring them in. Sometimes the reverse, my neighbor brings his in (though he's not always home and his dogs live outside mostly). At any rate, dogs bark and it can't be avoided... but people need to take responsibility for it. A well cared for dog will only bark when irritated, in danger, or as a result of intruders or other animals (squirrels running across the trees and atop the fence line can irritate mine too!).

You need to do like Red2014SS just suggested. Pursue it. Even if you can tolerate the barking (you're probably used to it by now), do it for the good of the poor animals.

[Silver14]

Any kind of HOA rule, or city ordnance limiting the # of dogs you can have?

I have 2 dogs and use a ultrasonic device when they won't shut up. It works great and if I put it outside it has the range to dissuade the neighbors dogs from barking.

http://m.petsmart.com/h5/hub?id=%2Fd...-100125%3Fnull

[gen6waiter]

get a couple of the ultrasonic thingies and hang them your side of the fence, facing where the dogs bark. That will shut them up.

[Jay_LHD3]

I feel bad for you because barking dogs would drive me crazy, but to be honest I feel worse for the dogs being treated that way.

I never could understand the purpose of abandoning dogs to back yards. They're not a turtle or fish that couldn't care less about you. Once a dog has bonded with you, how can you not treat them as family.