What to do about tenant’s dogs causing noise complaints

Question

Was just notified by the upstairs tenants of my duplex that the basement tenants dogs bark all day while the basement tenants are not home. What is the best way to handle it? I intend to simply start by talking to the basement tenants about it, but I wanted to know how would you resolve this?

Natalie Kolodij · Answer

I would speak with the tenant.

Give them a chance to resolve it- they may have no  idea the dog is doing it while alone.

They can try a white noise machine for the dog

Calming treats/ distraction treats when the dog is alone

Doggy daycare may be a good solution so the dog isn't alone bored to bark all day

Thunder shirt if the dog has anxiety

Larry Alexander · Answer

Many communities have dog barking noise ordinances; start there. Read ours here in Fort Collins:https://www.larimerhumane.org/animal-control/fort-collins/#toggle-id-5

You or your tenant may have to make a recording to verify the violation.

Offer to buy the offenders a no bark collar. Took my dog two barks to figure it out. I no longer need the collar. Collar: $30.00. No dog barking: priceless.

Natalie Kolodij · Answer

Everyone suggesting a no bark collar

This is an awful idea if the dog just barks when alone- if it's anxious barking it's going to bark through the collar. It's just freaking it out more.

These are for behavioral issues- dog barking AT stuff. If the dog is barking because it's freaked out freaking it out more won't help a bunch.

The tenant can try a citronella collar too- and use it while they're home.

I had a mastiff who barked because he was bored- he'd never been an inside dog before so he just barked. He had epilepsy so I coudln't use a normal training collar.

If the dog barks the collar just spays its face with a citronella mist. It mostly just kind of cathces the dog off guard and helps break that habbit of "bored" barking.

Ultimately the tenant needs to figure out WHY the dog is barking. And work on it. If they can't solve it...they should move somewhere without direct neighbors when the lease it up.

Account Closed · Answer

@Tyler Phalen

Have non offender tenants document for a few days when it happens. Including video with audio etc if possible. Confirm they’re not making it up. Then:

Written warning #1.

Eviction notice #1.

RE-Rent to new tenants.

Set expectations significantly higher in the future prior to renting to dog owners. This is my niche market, specifically dog owners. There are often ways to prevent this as opposed to dealing with it.

Dennis M. · Answer

I tell them immediately get rid of the mutt or put a muzzle or something on it or I’m throwing you both out . Won’t put up with that crap

Scott Mac · Answer

This is good advice. If you know more about stopping dog barking--tell us!

Scott Mac · Answer

Thunder shirt = the carrot.

No bark collar = the stick.

Tyler Phalen · Answer

@Natalie Kolodij @Scott Mac @Jason Turgeon

Great suggestions thanks!

The tenants tried to work it out among themselves first, which is great! So, they are all aware. The other tenants came to me after it has continued to happen.

Scott Mac · Answer

Dog tenants = Barking and dog waste (plus the possibility of Cujo eating a neighbor child exposing YOU to a lawsuit). It's just part of having dog tenants.

Cat tenants = "There are no Pit Cats, just Pet Cats".

If you are renting to dog owners some dogs will be loud, sometimes. If it's a nuisance advise the owners of the nuisance and ask them to "Cure it".

Also, it's best to witness it yourself. If Fido is just barking at the mailman that's just dog behavior, but if it's endless barking all day long because the pet is alone--the resident should have to "cure that".

Good Luck!

Jason Turgeon · Answer

What does your lease say about dogs and noise? Start there and proceed accordingly.

What to do about tenant’s dogs causing noise complaints

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