barking dogs

[Reloader]

At least it is the dogs barking and not the neighbors..

[dewayneward]

I wouldn't mind calling the police so I don't wind up being the "bad guy" with the neighbors, if I thought the police would do anything about it. Given that I build guitar amps as a business and sometimes make a whole lot of noise, I don't really want to get into a noise feud with the neighbors.

Well, if you are making your fair share of noise, its kinda hard to jump on them about their dogs. If you feel bad about your noise, you know that behind closed doors they are saying "so and so is whining about our dogs, but he bugs the snot out of us with the guitar amp junk.".

With us, we are very quiet, considerate neighbors. I don't fire up the weedwhacker/lawnmower/edger at 6-7am, assume that all my neighbors will LOVE Metallica as much as I do and insist that everyone listens to it in my truck or garage stereo, think everyone wants to hear me play my guitar, etc. If I do have to use the circular saw or something loud, I close the garage door (well into the day) and use ear plugs. Mowed different neighbors' lawns for them so they wouldnt get in trouble with the association. If their garage door is up, I walk over or call them and let them know so no one steals their stuff, let people borrow my ladder or other tools, fixed flats for a few of them, etc.

I wonder if there isnt something else that is causing them to "forget" their dogs are barking all night.

[mr.72]

well I'm not testing guitar amps in the middle of the night. Occasionally, middle of the day. Maybe once a month, and usually when nobody is home there anyway.

[dewayneward]

Well, thats good. I was thinking that if maybe you were causing noise, the neighbors may be less inclined to think about it.

I dont know though, it just really shocks me (which is why I carry 24/7) that there are people out there like this. I try to put myself in their shoes, if someone were to come to me and mention that MY dogs were barking for hours, I would be beside myself with embarrassment and would correct the problem immediately.

When I spoke to the first neighbors, I explained (as did my wife when she attempted to talk to the guy) that my son was going down for his nap and the barking was keeping him up. That and its dogs barking. I mean, if they bark for more than a minute, somethings up. If the people cant hear it (which I doubt to be honest), then the dog is not doing them a bit of good. That and ITS TEXAS, its extremely hot here and I'd consider it animal abuse to leave a dog out in this kind of weather...oh yea, I tried that angle with the animal control.....waste of time.

If continued friendly reminders dont cut it, figure out how much you want to be "friends" with your neighbors. I liked the pig ear/rawhide idea that someone mentioned. My only concern was the whacky world we live in. If you do that and the dog gets sick (aside from the fact that you are spending your money to shut their dogs up) or dies, then you might get sued. I hate to even think that, but you just dont know with inconsiderate neighbors.

[DoubleJ]

Given that I build guitar amps as a business and sometimes make a whole lot of noise, I don't really want to get into a noise feud with the neighbors.

One word: Feedback.

[Rex B]

That's what I was thinking. Got an amp that will put out 20mhz - 25 mhz?

Hook one to an X10 switch with a remote, suitable speaker aimed thataway.
When the barking starts, turn the amp on till it quits.
Repeat as neccessary.

Had I the knowledge I'd have built one long ago. I bought a Barkstopper, but it stopped nothing.

But I'm right there with you. We love to sleep with with the house wide open in Spring and fall. A barking dog ruins my whole night, and I won't stand for it.

[dicion]

Im suprised noone has said this earlier.
You build guitar amps, you said...
I assume you have some microphones around?
Mic in the back, pointed at their yard, amp & speaker cab in the front, pointed at their bedroom window XD

Seriously though. If their dogs are barking all night long, I recommend waiting till about 1am... which is the 'just starting to really get into the sleep' part... And knock on their door.
Obviously doesn't work if theyre not home, but keep at it. Keep waking them up like the dog is keeping you up.

Eventually, they'll get the hint.

[Rex B]

Or just call them.

(sweetly) "Do you know your dog is barking? Might be a prowler, I knew you'd want to check it out"

(Hour later) "I guess that prowler is back. You want me to help you look?"

[Bart]

Or just call them.

(sweetly) "Do you know your dog is barking? Might be a prowler, I knew you'd want to check it out"

If that doesn't work maybe a call to 911 with a similar concern.