Barking when i'm not home... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

rubydoo · 01-12-2009, 04:06 PM

Lord have mercy on my soul and my pooche's!

I live in a condo - where I have lived for many years, with multiple yorkies and have had no issues. My yorkie Queenie, had to be put down in november, she was 16.5 years old !!!! Oh how I love that dog.

. Now, there's just Ruby and me. Yes, baby girl IS mouthy, she's 3, but she listens when I tell her to be quiet. The problem is, she barks when I'm not home - like any normal freaking dog does when they hear people in the hallway, and I have allegedly had a complaint made by a neighbor. I personally think it's ridiculous and harassment due to some other issues i've had with the board recently for damages in my unit they were responsible for - but that is beside the point. In any event, I honestly have NO idea what to do. How am I supposed to stop my dog from barking when i'm not here? I've gotten her toys - kongs, stuffed with treats, balls stuffed with treats she has to chase around, I leave the radio on, how much can one person do? I was told that if it continues, they will fine me for each offense and I honestly have no way to stop them - I thought about taping her, because I honestly don't think it's as bad as they are claiming it to be. I have yet to find 8 hour tapes though LOL.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know a very reputable breeder that debarked one of her dogs that just would not stop - it was a cocker spaniel though. Please don't anyone freak out on me!!!!! I'm just asking, has anyone else done that? Seems like it would be a bad option for a yorkie where their throats are already so tiny. Sorry for the mile long post, i've been so stressed about what's going on when i'm not home the past few days that it's making me crazy. If nothing else, at least I got this off my chest

emilyann · 01-12-2009, 06:05 PM

Aw!

Just stay calm. I know that's easier said than done given the circumstances. I feel for you. I don't understand why people have to be so idiotic. I, personally, feel that if it's during the day it isn't that big of a damn deal and I would be thankful it isn't happening at night BUT that's just me and my feelings. I would definitely try my hardest to find a tape so you can tape her and see how bad and how often she barks. I would think that in order to fine you, they would have to have proof that your dog is barking non-stop and causing a serious disturbance.

I live in a town home complex and my home is connected to others. Lilly barks a few times throughout the day but only whenever someone is making noise. If that's the case for you too then obviously, the people need to stop making noise if they don't want to hear your dog bark. So, definitely try your hardest to get this on tape.

Good luck and no, I wouldn't debark her, I think that's very cruel.

QuickSilver · 01-12-2009, 06:13 PM

I think there was a Dog Whisperer episode on something similar. I think that dog had separation anxiety, but it was a barking / condo issue. Cesar had the woman exercise the dog vigorously before she left for work, and that helped.

Other than that... I read about one trainer who taught the dog that when a "flag" was in place, like a red ribbon tied around the door knob, the dog was not to bark. Again, not a perfect analogy, because this dog was barking to be let out. I believe it's instinctive for a dog to let out at least a few barks if he hears "intruders", so I would imagine it's difficult to completely stop. Good luck! Let us know how it works out.

JonlyCajunQueen · 01-12-2009, 06:13 PM

I am not sure what to tell you on this note...maybe she needs a playmate...I will pray for you to get the right answer from your higher power...be listening.
Bless ya'll______

rubydoo · 01-12-2009, 06:17 PM

I am with you, believe me! Like I said, she's got her issues, and i'm definitely working on them but I KNOW for a FACT she doesn't bark all day long. I'm still looking for tapes, my best friend said she had some when she was in nursing school so they have to be out there somewhere!

I own my unit - i'm just afraid if they start slapping me with fines, what i'll do. They've actually forced someone to sell because they had dog issues...but I think those were more in line with not walking on leashes. After reading about the debarking, I feel SO bad for my mom's dog! she adopted a mini pinscher that was from an amish puppy mill - they are the WORST when it comes to how they treat dogs - livestock! I think they must have debarked her. I always tell my mom it sounds like she's a sixty year old smoker! the poor thing...

Thanks for responding, I feel a little better now. I just hope there are no fines!!

rubydoo · 01-12-2009, 06:19 PM

She had a play mate - and she died in November. I don't know which one of us was more depressed!! I was all lined up to adopt a dog and now I think it's probably a bad idea with this whole situation going on. Plus she loves to play with dogs -but she is definitely a one woman owner. I have never, NEVER had a dog that loved me as much as this dog does. It's insane! But fabulous ! She's a total love bug.

QuickSilver · 01-12-2009, 06:23 PM

OH! I just thought of an obvious, though expensive, solution. Can you take her to doggy daycare? She can't bark if she's not there. It would probably be a lot if she went every day, but maybe it would help the situation if you said you'd put her in daycare 2x / week? Alternatively, you could home during lunch and give her a serious workout, or hire someone to do it for you.

I'm lucky because my office is dog-friendly, so Thor is pretty much always by my side.

rubydoo · 01-12-2009, 06:58 PM

I thought about that but honestly cannot afford it. My friend just had a baby and his girlfriend will be home for 8 weeks so I could bring her there during the day, but then when she goes back to work, i'll have the issue back. The one thing that MAY work out is they are starting to push more people at my office to work from home. I don't want to, but if they allow my position to do it I just might. That would fix the problem all together. Why do people have to suck so bad? Why allow dogs, but then say they can't bark!?!?! EVER. It makes me SO mad.

jennzy · 01-12-2009, 07:13 PM

mickey only barks for 3 mins or so after we leave and he goes into my mom's walk in closet and sleeps until we return....

if your pup is barking constantly while you are gone, i would suggest in maybe putting your pup in the master bedroom while you're gone.

i know that condo complaints are horrid and i dont know about your condo, but our condo, after 3 major complaints you get kicked out, though you have bought the unit (and not rent)

but if your pup's like mickey and only bark for the initial period after you leave, its very snobbish of your neighbours to make a major complaint on you for that unless if this was happening at 2am now, thats a different story

rubydoo · 01-12-2009, 08:16 PM

Jennzy she does the EXACT same thing your pup does...and she only does that if I leave unexpectedly..which means when I get ready for work, she knows i'm going to work so she's fine. NO barking. If I shower and leave the house on the weekends, its fine, no barking. its when I come home, then leave an hour later - she'll bark for 3 minutes or so, and whine really..then stop.

Her barking during the day is only going to happen when she hears noises in the hallway. I've tried to muffle it - I stuff my matt up under the gap in my door so she doesn't hear as much noise and I started leaving the stereo on (however, its hooked up to my tv so they can't complain about my music, because its my tv!!!!!! just at stereo volume

They just basically suck. I think what brought this all on was i've been chasing them for damage to my walls for over a year. I had to threaten them with a lawsuit and they finally paid it. There was rain leaking from the brick outside, and it ruined the plaster. They didn't want to pay it but knew they had to - and within a week of getting the check, I got the letter about the barking and they told me my fee was late - mind you they cashed the check TEN DAYS prior to sending the letter. Pfttttt, whatever. I will still do all I can to keep her from barking - but I really think its harrassment.

emilyann · 01-12-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubydoo

Jennzy she does the EXACT same thing your pup does...and she only does that if I leave unexpectedly..which means when I get ready for work, she knows i'm going to work so she's fine. NO barking. If I shower and leave the house on the weekends, its fine, no barking. its when I come home, then leave an hour later - she'll bark for 3 minutes or so, and whine really..then stop.

Her barking during the day is only going to happen when she hears noises in the hallway. I've tried to muffle it - I stuff my matt up under the gap in my door so she doesn't hear as much noise and I started leaving the stereo on (however, its hooked up to my tv so they can't complain about my music, because its my tv!!!!!! just at stereo volume

They just basically suck. I think what brought this all on was i've been chasing them for damage to my walls for over a year. I had to threaten them with a lawsuit and they finally paid it. There was rain leaking from the brick outside, and it ruined the plaster. They didn't want to pay it but knew they had to - and within a week of getting the check, I got the letter about the barking and they told me my fee was late - mind you they cashed the check TEN DAYS prior to sending the letter. Pfttttt, whatever. I will still do all I can to keep her from barking - but I really think its harrassment.

If you really think it is harassment then I would get it recorded as soon as you can so you can see if your dog is being provoked or if she's even barking at all. That way you have something to back yourself up if they try to fine you.

blabbyb · 01-13-2009, 07:35 AM

I haven't had experience with this issue...yet! But I have seen some devices that are supposed to deter barking. I know there is one that you just place in the room and it supposed to emit a loud noise only they can hear to help stop them from barking. Maybe someone here has had experience with them and can tell you if it helps? Other than that I've heard of the citronella spray collars but I don't know much about those either. Just thought I'd mention it in case its something that might help you. Best of luck to you!

Potter · 01-13-2009, 12:52 PM

Would you be able to look for a daycare and send her there so that she is not home alone at home? Just a thought.

rubydoo · 01-13-2009, 03:35 PM

If doggy daycare is like child daycare - I may as well move in with my mom LOL...I went to lowes on the way home and bought something to fill the gap at the bottom of my door and weather stripping to go around it - i'm hoping that helps some.

I'm sticking a note under the doors of the three people home during the day letting them know i'm going to try and get my door soundproofed in some fashion but that it can't be done overnight. That I did buy a few things that should help and hopefully they understand but by doing that, part of me feels like i'm admitting she's doing something wrong when i don't even believe it's that bad!!! But I guess if I did ever go to court at least I have a record that I tried to be civil with the neighbors? My brother, being the smart electronic geek he is, told me today I don't need regular tapes. I can use a camcorder, plug it into my vcr and record with 8 hour vcr tapes which I do have - so i'll be doing that this week. It's awful, all i do now is worry about what's going on at home every second i'm away from it and i'm exhausted. It's so draining!

01-12-2009, 04:06 PM	#1
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	Barking when i'm not home... Lord have mercy on my soul and my pooche's! I live in a condo - where I have lived for many years, with multiple yorkies and have had no issues. My yorkie Queenie, had to be put down in november, she was 16.5 years old !!!! Oh how I love that dog.. Now, there's just Ruby and me. Yes, baby girl IS mouthy, she's 3, but she listens when I tell her to be quiet. The problem is, she barks when I'm not home - like any normal freaking dog does when they hear people in the hallway, and I have allegedly had a complaint made by a neighbor. I personally think it's ridiculous and harassment due to some other issues i've had with the board recently for damages in my unit they were responsible for - but that is beside the point. In any event, I honestly have NO idea what to do. How am I supposed to stop my dog from barking when i'm not here? I've gotten her toys - kongs, stuffed with treats, balls stuffed with treats she has to chase around, I leave the radio on, how much can one person do? I was told that if it continues, they will fine me for each offense and I honestly have no way to stop them - I thought about taping her, because I honestly don't think it's as bad as they are claiming it to be. I have yet to find 8 hour tapes though LOL. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know a very reputable breeder that debarked one of her dogs that just would not stop - it was a cocker spaniel though. Please don't anyone freak out on me!!!!! I'm just asking, has anyone else done that? Seems like it would be a bad option for a yorkie where their throats are already so tiny. Sorry for the mile long post, i've been so stressed about what's going on when i'm not home the past few days that it's making me crazy. If nothing else, at least I got this off my chest

01-12-2009, 06:05 PM	#2
emilyann Lovin' My LilBug! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,513	Aw! Just stay calm. I know that's easier said than done given the circumstances. I feel for you. I don't understand why people have to be so idiotic. I, personally, feel that if it's during the day it isn't that big of a damn deal and I would be thankful it isn't happening at night BUT that's just me and my feelings. I would definitely try my hardest to find a tape so you can tape her and see how bad and how often she barks. I would think that in order to fine you, they would have to have proof that your dog is barking non-stop and causing a serious disturbance. I live in a town home complex and my home is connected to others. Lilly barks a few times throughout the day but only whenever someone is making noise. If that's the case for you too then obviously, the people need to stop making noise if they don't want to hear your dog bark. So, definitely try your hardest to get this on tape. Good luck and no, I wouldn't debark her, I think that's very cruel. __________________ love my lillybug! rags and ribbons!

01-12-2009, 06:13 PM	#4
JonlyCajunQueen Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 749	Prayers I am not sure what to tell you on this note...maybe she needs a playmate...I will pray for you to get the right answer from your higher power...be listening. Bless ya'll______ __________________ Jolie'', *Candace,* *Zoey* , Zack & Gizmo

01-13-2009, 12:52 PM	#13
Potter YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,583	Would you be able to look for a daycare and send her there so that she is not home alone at home? Just a thought. __________________ http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=410379 "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich."

01-12-2009, 06:13 PM	#3
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I think there was a Dog Whisperer episode on something similar. I think that dog had separation anxiety, but it was a barking / condo issue. Cesar had the woman exercise the dog vigorously before she left for work, and that helped. Other than that... I read about one trainer who taught the dog that when a "flag" was in place, like a red ribbon tied around the door knob, the dog was not to bark. Again, not a perfect analogy, because this dog was barking to be let out. I believe it's instinctive for a dog to let out at least a few barks if he hears "intruders", so I would imagine it's difficult to completely stop. Good luck! Let us know how it works out.

01-12-2009, 06:17 PM	#5
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	I am with you, believe me! Like I said, she's got her issues, and i'm definitely working on them but I KNOW for a FACT she doesn't bark all day long. I'm still looking for tapes, my best friend said she had some when she was in nursing school so they have to be out there somewhere! I own my unit - i'm just afraid if they start slapping me with fines, what i'll do. They've actually forced someone to sell because they had dog issues...but I think those were more in line with not walking on leashes. After reading about the debarking, I feel SO bad for my mom's dog! she adopted a mini pinscher that was from an amish puppy mill - they are the WORST when it comes to how they treat dogs - livestock! I think they must have debarked her. I always tell my mom it sounds like she's a sixty year old smoker! the poor thing... Thanks for responding, I feel a little better now. I just hope there are no fines!!

01-12-2009, 06:19 PM	#6
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	She had a play mate - and she died in November. I don't know which one of us was more depressed!! I was all lined up to adopt a dog and now I think it's probably a bad idea with this whole situation going on. Plus she loves to play with dogs -but she is definitely a one woman owner. I have never, NEVER had a dog that loved me as much as this dog does. It's insane! But fabulous ! She's a total love bug.

01-12-2009, 06:23 PM	#7
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	OH! I just thought of an obvious, though expensive, solution. Can you take her to doggy daycare? She can't bark if she's not there. It would probably be a lot if she went every day, but maybe it would help the situation if you said you'd put her in daycare 2x / week? Alternatively, you could home during lunch and give her a serious workout, or hire someone to do it for you. I'm lucky because my office is dog-friendly, so Thor is pretty much always by my side.

01-12-2009, 06:58 PM	#8
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	I thought about that but honestly cannot afford it. My friend just had a baby and his girlfriend will be home for 8 weeks so I could bring her there during the day, but then when she goes back to work, i'll have the issue back. The one thing that MAY work out is they are starting to push more people at my office to work from home. I don't want to, but if they allow my position to do it I just might. That would fix the problem all together. Why do people have to suck so bad? Why allow dogs, but then say they can't bark!?!?! EVER. It makes me SO mad.

01-12-2009, 07:13 PM	#9
jennzy YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: TOronto, Canada Posts: 804	mickey only barks for 3 mins or so after we leave and he goes into my mom's walk in closet and sleeps until we return.... if your pup is barking constantly while you are gone, i would suggest in maybe putting your pup in the master bedroom while you're gone. i know that condo complaints are horrid and i dont know about your condo, but our condo, after 3 major complaints you get kicked out, though you have bought the unit (and not rent) but if your pup's like mickey and only bark for the initial period after you leave, its very snobbish of your neighbours to make a major complaint on you for that unless if this was happening at 2am now, thats a different story

01-12-2009, 08:16 PM	#10
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	Jennzy she does the EXACT same thing your pup does...and she only does that if I leave unexpectedly..which means when I get ready for work, she knows i'm going to work so she's fine. NO barking. If I shower and leave the house on the weekends, its fine, no barking. its when I come home, then leave an hour later - she'll bark for 3 minutes or so, and whine really..then stop. Her barking during the day is only going to happen when she hears noises in the hallway. I've tried to muffle it - I stuff my matt up under the gap in my door so she doesn't hear as much noise and I started leaving the stereo on (however, its hooked up to my tv so they can't complain about my music, because its my tv!!!!!! just at stereo volume They just basically suck. I think what brought this all on was i've been chasing them for damage to my walls for over a year. I had to threaten them with a lawsuit and they finally paid it. There was rain leaking from the brick outside, and it ruined the plaster. They didn't want to pay it but knew they had to - and within a week of getting the check, I got the letter about the barking and they told me my fee was late - mind you they cashed the check TEN DAYS prior to sending the letter. Pfttttt, whatever. I will still do all I can to keep her from barking - but I really think its harrassment.

01-13-2009, 07:35 AM	#12
blabbyb Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 81	I haven't had experience with this issue...yet! But I have seen some devices that are supposed to deter barking. I know there is one that you just place in the room and it supposed to emit a loud noise only they can hear to help stop them from barking. Maybe someone here has had experience with them and can tell you if it helps? Other than that I've heard of the citronella spray collars but I don't know much about those either. Just thought I'd mention it in case its something that might help you. Best of luck to you!

01-13-2009, 03:35 PM	#14
rubydoo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MA Posts: 15	If doggy daycare is like child daycare - I may as well move in with my mom LOL...I went to lowes on the way home and bought something to fill the gap at the bottom of my door and weather stripping to go around it - i'm hoping that helps some. I'm sticking a note under the doors of the three people home during the day letting them know i'm going to try and get my door soundproofed in some fashion but that it can't be done overnight. That I did buy a few things that should help and hopefully they understand but by doing that, part of me feels like i'm admitting she's doing something wrong when i don't even believe it's that bad!!! But I guess if I did ever go to court at least I have a record that I tried to be civil with the neighbors? My brother, being the smart electronic geek he is, told me today I don't need regular tapes. I can use a camcorder, plug it into my vcr and record with 8 hour vcr tapes which I do have - so i'll be doing that this week. It's awful, all i do now is worry about what's going on at home every second i'm away from it and i'm exhausted. It's so draining!