topic Re: Issues with Neighbors in Community Chat

Issues with Neighbors

Ladygray — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:03:47 GMT

I want to begin by stating that I'm a dog lover. I love all animals. I grew up with collies all my young life. I don't have a dog right now because my landlord doesn't allow them.

My next door neighbor (who moved in last year) have 2 dogs, a small one and a German Shepherd. I've been very welcoming to these neighbors, I introduced myself when they moved in and left a holiday card on their door in December.

At first a few things started to bug me. They have yet to trim any trees in their yard since moving in. The house was sold for over $550,000 so it's not like they cannot afford to keep up the yard. The lovely lady who used to live there kept the yard so nice.

Now, one of their trees is growing over the wall onto my yard. At this time, a year later, it's almost to the ground. I've left it there as evidence should I need it. They have a rose bush that is covering the kitchen window. It's really pretty funny, they can't see out of their window and they hire a guy to blow out the yard but never trim a tree.

Ok, so now I'm dealing with their German Shepherd, whose name I don't know because these neighbors never talk to me or have made an effort to get to know me (I've rented in the complex for over 20 years), so the dogs don't know me at all. My collies knew our neighbors and if someone they didn't recognize was at my house, they would bark.

Now the Shepherd scares me to death by barking at me when I'm in my yard. The privacy of my own yard. He growls and shows his teeth and barks non-stop. The weird thing is, these residents never walk their dogs. They let them roam the yard and they poop in their yard. They never take them on walks. It's beyond bizarre. So, it seems their dogs have no experience around others so they bark at anyone.

It's becoming so annoying that I can't even be outside with the non-stop growling and barking. When it happens, the man just rushes them inside, but never apologizes or says a word. I'm a renter, so complaining about homeowners is not easy in my complex. Even with seniority of living here, I don't rate. I'm just a renter.

Today I screamed really loud when the dog barked at me at 5:30 am when I went on my walk. I was not expecting it. The owner was out there with them and looked surprised that I screamed. I'm just so sick of having neighbors like this and the irony is owners always complain about renters. The fact that the dogs poop in the yard is gross to me... just beyond normal.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Effie54 — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:18:03 GMT

Sometimes it just best to move. We had unbearable neighbors with loud dogs, and we could only take so much before our sleep and health suffered. We moved, never looked back. Fast forward 15 years, they still live there, we don't. I feel for you.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Kitlynn — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:23:23 GMT

Since you are a renter complain to your landlord about the situation and let them handle it. They should be standing up for what is right.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

scatcat — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:35:44 GMT

IMO you should accept the fact that you are not going to be friends with your neighbors. I'm not sure why it bugs you that their rose bush grows over their window or their dogs poop in their yard. Where are they supposed to poop?

You did say the owner rushes the dog inside when it barks at you. Sounds accommodating. You didn't say whether there is a fence separating your homes.

Like the other poster said, maybe it's time to move

Re: Issues with Neighbors

fluffysmom — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:42:32 GMT

We have lived in this house for 30 years. The house behind us has had 6 different sets of owners who have had barking dogs. We have always had well behaved Old English Sheep Dogs. Most recently the barking dogs were joined by chickens and wait for it......a sheep riight by our property line.Long story short we reported them to the City. They were warned with no follow up 3 times. We continued calling the City and finally they were forced to move for not responding.They had built a chicken house plus a sheep shed. I know it sounds like Green Acres.My husband came down the steet and saw a flat bed truck with 2 wobbly animal sheds and dangling fences weaving down the road. It was spectacular. It's a nice neighborhood and now I don't hesitate to report barking dogs with tall grass a dog poop. It can drive you nuts.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Ladygray — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:46:40 GMT

@Effie54 wrote:
Sometimes it just best to move. We had unbearable neighbors with loud dogs, and we could only take so much before our sleep and health suffered. We moved, never looked back. Fast forward 15 years, they still live there, we don't. I feel for you.

With rents the way they are, I cannot afford to move. I've lived in the same place for 20 years because they never increase my rent because I'm an excellent renter.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Ladygray — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:50:01 GMT

@scatcat wrote:
IMO you should accept the fact that you are not going to be friends with your neighbors. I'm not sure why it bugs you that their rose bush grows over their window or their dogs poop in their yard. Where are they supposed to poop?

You did say the owner rushes the dog inside when it barks at you. Sounds accommodating. You didn't say whether there is a fence separating your homes.

Like the other poster said, maybe it's time to move

Can't afford to move. Have you seen the price of rents lately?

And... they poop in the yard and I smell it. I didn't say their rose bush "Bugs" me but it shows the unkept nature of their yard. I'm sure you wouldn't like to smell dog poop all day. They are supposed to poop on their walks like other dogs with normal owners

Re: Issues with Neighbors

SilleeMee — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:56:34 GMT

Around here when a neighbor's tree or shrub grows over a property line then it can be trimmed off at the property line. I did that with a neighbor's tree limbs which were blocking the walkway to my backyard. Perfectly legal to do that.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

bikerbabe — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:03:24 GMT

I trim the neighbor’s tree when it hangs over my yard too much.

Around here, it’s normal for dogs to poop in the backyard. Most don’t take their dogs for walks. The yards are generally fairly large. I prefer it that way, otherwise I’d have dogs going on my front lawn.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

SilleeMee — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:07:12 GMT

If there is so much poop in their yard that you can smell it from your house then that could be considered animal neglect and it might be grounds for reporting animal abuse.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

qbetzforreal — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:11:49 GMT

@Ladygray wrote:
@scatcat wrote:
IMO you should accept the fact that you are not going to be friends with your neighbors. I'm not sure why it bugs you that their rose bush grows over their window or their dogs poop in their yard. Where are they supposed to poop?

You did say the owner rushes the dog inside when it barks at you. Sounds accommodating. You didn't say whether there is a fence separating your homes.

Like the other poster said, maybe it's time to move
Can't afford to move. Have you seen the price of rents lately?

And... they poop in the yard and I smell it. I didn't say their rose bush "Bugs" me but it shows the unkept nature of their yard. I'm sure you wouldn't like to smell dog poop all day. They are supposed to poop on their walks like other dogs with normal owners

If they won't clean up poop in their yard, they're certainly not going to pick it up while on a walk.

If you're bothered by the odor and the barking, speak to your landlord and they can address it with the neighbors or you can do it.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Kachina624 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:45:37 GMT

Does this dog bark incessantly for long periods of time or just at you when you're outside? Incessant barking may be a reason for you to report it to your local animal control agency as a violation of local regulations. If it just barks at a stimulus like you or the garbage man, you're probably just going to have to live with it.

The easiest solution might be to make friends with the dog with the help of its owner and a bag of dog treats. I suspect the neighbor feels some hostility from you. I'd try to improve communication with these people.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

drizzellla — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:23:06 GMT

“Good fences make good neighbors.”

― Robert Frost

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Ladygray — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:23:19 GMT

@bikerbabe wrote:
I trim the neighbor’s tree when it hangs over my yard too much.

Around here, it’s normal for dogs to poop in the backyard. Most don’t take their dogs for walks. The yards are generally fairly large. I prefer it that way, otherwise I’d have dogs going on my front lawn.

I live in a townhouse where yards buttress up against each other and we are in close proximity.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Ladygray — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:26:43 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
Does this dog bark incessantly for long periods of time or just at you when you're outside? Incessant barking may be a reason for you to report it to your local animal control agency as a violation of local regulations. If it just barks at a stimulus like you or the garbage man, you're probably just going to have to live with it.

The easiest solution might be to make friends with the dog with the help of its owner and a bag of dog treats. I suspect the neighbor feels some hosti!Its from you. I'd try to improve communication with these people.

You shared some good ideas. But, I have no hostility... I'm the one who welcomed them into the neighborhood, gave them a holiday card and they don't respond in any way. No more I can do to be friendly.

Also we live on a wash and yesterday on my walk I saw a coyote carrying a cat. They come from the north and are hungry and look for food. I've seen coyotes on my streete and one actually jumped on their wall (years ago) and into their yard. Hopefully, their dogs can fight off the coyotes. My former neighbor never let her little poodle out alone for that reason.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

fthunt — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:49:04 GMT

I have no expertise about dog whistles except the one that calls a dog that humans can't hear but................is there one that's LOUD that would hurt the dogs hearing and used when the pup starts his racket. (hurt as in Ouch)

It would also get the dog owner's attention. Lots of dog owners on here so thought perhaps........oh, I bought one (somewhere) when neighbor was having same problem with his neighbor on other side. He wouldn't use it....I must have thrown it away. Had forgotten about that............

Worth doing a Google.............that's how I found one.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Kachina624 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:54:19 GMT

@Ladygray I'd explain to the owner that the dog barking furiously is very upsetting to you because he's a beautiful animal and you like dogs (lie if necessary). Ask if he'd help you make friends with ___________dog's name, by bringing him to the fence for a treat or stopping to greet you on a walk, when you're loaded with treats. If the owner is friendly toward you, the dog is more likely to be.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Spacrazy — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 01:05:40 GMT

Sorry you’re having these problems but sounds like these are you problems. Your homeowner, HOA or municipality are your remedy. Sounds like you might be comparing them to the previous occupants that were so wonderful and sadly those days are gone. There should be a noise ordinance but you just need to lean on the responsible agency to handle your needs - it will probably take time. As SilleeMe posted you might look into animal abuse issues. If the German Shepherd shows aggression towards you that can also be reported. You might want to pick up an air horn and spray bottle of water. You cannot force them to walk their dogs. Maybe they drive them to a dog park. Lastly, it’s also clear they do not desire your friendship and I’m sure it’s their loss. These are such uncertain times and you just never know what kind of life they might be leading. Who knows, maybe they’re in Witness Protection.

Good luck and I sincerely hope you can find peace.

Re: Issues with Neighbors

Skyegirl21 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 01:27:15 GMT

Just be relieved you don't own, and can move anytime- Inconsiderate neighbors are a tough situation-

Re: Issues with Neighbors

shoekitty — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 01:31:53 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Around here when a neighbor's tree or shrub grows over a property line then it can be trimmed off at the property line. I did that with a neighbor's tree limbs which were blocking the walkway to my backyard. Perfectly legal to do that.

Shoekitty said, yup. I am in California and that's the way it is here. I trim all the trees that grow on fence line. Or, the tree man does. My back neighbor though came to me years ago and said my plum tree branch had grown all the way to ground and fruit was bringing flies. I didn't know this. It was it corner of our lot, and it was one thin sucker that had grown wild. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she didn't just didnt lop it off, or tell me a couple years sooner, lol. I would have lopped it off if it was her tree in my yard. From then on I am very vigilant about having tree guy cut all that stuff every January when he does trees. That thing must have been 20 feet long. Would you tolerate something like that in your yard? But some people don't know how, or they just don't do any yard work. Lol