How to deal with the neighbor's barking dogs

Question

Hi everyone,We're just about to list a condominium with a beautiful covered terrace and garden but we have new neighbors with three barking dogs. They've already gone around the fence and done their dirty business on our beautiful lawn so we have to redo that fence. I'm however more concerned about the barking and the effect it could have on our reviews and listings. Any suggestions on how to deal with this issue? Thanks!

Mike Lambert · Answer

@Steve K., thank you for your insights. I wonder if the ultrasonic bark stopper device works. @Michael Baum, thank you for your advice. We opted for a solid fence.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Mike Lambert, that is a tough question. A see through fence will allow the dogs to see what is going on. Some dogs might be happy just to know so no barking. Others will continue to bark as there is nothing they can do about it so they keep warning of a possible problem.If it were me, I would do the solid fence. Most dogs will eventually give up if they can't see what is going on and if there isn't any kind of advancement on the property, they will just go back to what they are doing.The see through fence could be an issue for the guests as well. They see a dog barking away and a lot of folks have no idea about dog body language. They assume the dog is hostile and wants to bite 'em. Most dogs are not that way and if you just chat a bit with the dog, they calm right down.I would guess that guests would have an issue with that sort of thing and leave a bad review.

Steve K. · Answer

Hey Mike we deal with this type of issue a lot because many people have dogs here. I would start by trying to befriend the neighbor and the dogs. Get them used to having people on the other side of the fence. Approach peacefully such as by asking if the dogs are okay: "We heard the dogs barking and wanted to make sure everything's alright." I think that's a polite way to open a conversation while also tactfully letting them know that the barking is an issue, without being confrontational or whiny. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly voice for the dogs to learn that the strange smells and noises on the other side of the fence don't pose a threat. Seeing as it's not your residence but rather an STR, you'll have to get the dogs used to different people being in the yard. Hopefully they'll just get used to it and chill out. This has worked for us with some dogs. If the dogs continue barking even once they're familiar with the situation, and they're doing it early in the morning or late at night and their owner's aren't doing anything about it, then you might consider making a noise violation complaint and maybe the governing body will issue a citation and put pressure on them to remedy the issue. Maybe the HOA will be helpful also. Unfortunately in my experience when it comes to this, the neighbor's are usually not going to be helpful, and the city doesn't usually do anything, and there is usually no HOA to complain to for me because I avoid HOA's whenever possible. If you run out of other options, you might try installing an ultrasonic bark stopper device: https://ultimatebarkcontrol.com/products/dog-silencer-max

Mike Lambert · Answer

@Andrew Steffens and @Michael Baum thank you for the good advice. Your comments make me think that it might not be as bad of an issue as I initially thought. @Michael Baum what do you think is better to reduce the odds of the dog barking: a see-through or an opaque fence? Thanks

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I would try to speak with them since you mentioned this is a STR friendly building you do not have to hide. Also good point from Michael about spending the night there. If it is during the day only I do not think you will have too much of a problem. There may be a few complaints here and there but the fact this is a condo with shared walls guests should not expect a perfectly quiet surrounding. I would:1. Spend 1 night there to see how the guest experience would be.2. Speak to the dog owners3. Speak to HOA 4. Talk to city if need be, there are laws to protect quiet enjoyment of property.Best of luck!

Michael Baum · Answer

Well, some dogs just bark at what they can't see but know is there. Our neighbors dog barks when they hear us on the other side of the fence working on the flower beds or whatever. Have you chatted with the neighbors? Good communication is the best start. Them them your concerns etc. Let them know your plans. Give them a heads up when guests will be arriving. You may find they will accommodate you some of the time if they can.Plus, I would put the info about the dogs in your ad so guests will be aware.

JD Martin · Answer

I'm a little baffled - how do you have a private lawn with a condo? I don't think I've ever heard of such a thing - can you take a picture? Typically outside the walls of the condo is common space.

Mike Lambert · Answer

@Michael BaumThe HOA has no issues with STRs and STR owners have the majority of the votes. So I could talk to the board indeed but I'm not sure what they really can do apart from kindly asking the dog owners to try to limit the barking.I was wondering if there's anything I can do on my end to limit the likelihood and occurence of the barking and to limit the consequences on my guests if it happens and avoid the potential problematic reviews. I've never had a dog so dog-related matters aren't my strong suit.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Mike Lambert, dang that is a tough one. Have you stayed there overnight to see how the barking is? Are they aggressive or just barking because of folks out in the yard?I think it is a double edged sword. On one hand you could talk to the HOA board about it. Let them know the dogs are barking often, using your yard etc. The other side of that is you might become the problem child with the STR. How does the HOA feel about STRs? I am assuming this is the US but knowing your international investment skills, could be anywhere!