Well-behaved dogs can be enjoyable parts of the community. For example, friendly pets on leashes who accompany their families on after dinner walks are a pleasure to stop and pet. Sweet ones that frolic with children as they play in a cul de sac are another type many people enjoy.
However, just like music, motorcycles, trash cans and exterior home decor, dogs can sometimes be a problem in a neighborhood. While most pet owners pick up after their dog, don’t allow barking at all hours of the day and night, and do not let aggressive dogs run loose, there are some who don’t abide by those guidelines, which can definitely cause neighborhood discord.
As a weekly newspaper dog training Columnist, I am frequently contacted by concerned citizens who are having problems in their neighborhoods and would like advice about how to handle their situations. Usually, these calls occur after I’ve written about Children’s Safety Around Loose Dogs, Excessive Barking or some other issue that people can really relate to.
While I could go on and on about what is or isn’t the right thing to do when you own a pet, or what you can do to train your dog if you’re having problems, instead I’d like to devote this article to suggesting how neighbors may iron out their concerns without causing a neighborhood “war.”
One of the things I believe can be most effective is to write a short, one page, courteous note to the pet owner in question. The reason I suggest writing is that it prevents your conversation from turning into a heated confrontation. When writing, you have all the time in the world to state your concern in a civil manner, without making accusations or letting emotions get the best of you.
Receiving this sort of communication also allows the recipient to take their time to think about it, as they are not put on the spot to reply, perhaps defensively.
Keeping in mind that enjoying your neighborhood can be an emotional issue, as well as worries for your family’s safety or, for that matter, feeling like you have to defend your beloved dog, it seems that this sort of communication is likely to serve all parties in the most helpful way possible.
You may choose to disclose your name and phone number, in case the person would like to calmly discuss (or perhaps apologize for) the problem, or you may choose to remain anonymous.
If your letter doesn’t seem to make any difference with the problem, my next suggestion would be to leave the issue up to the authorities. Rather than taking matters into your own hands and possibly ending up with a bigger issue, it’s a better idea to contact the appropriate authorities so that they can be the ones to handle the situation professionally.
When it comes to neighborhood problems, no matter what the issue, I believe it’s always best to stay on courteous terms, whether in writing or in person, than to let emotions take control of a potentially difficult situation. “You get more bees with honey than with vinegar” usually applies to all situations, including neighborhood dilemmas with dogs.
Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, small business consultant, and Certified Master Trainer for 18+ years. Her novel, “Momnesia,” (contemporary women’s fiction) has been designated a National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, and her nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” has been widely acclaimed in its genre. To learn more, please visit www.LoriTheAuthor.com and join Lori on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor.
