Neighbor situation.. how to handle?

Until you said they were in their 80’s; I was going to say to contact the owner. Just go over and gently talk to them. At 80, they may be hard of hearing and don’t realize the dogs are barking so much. The cigarette butts, I don’t know if you want to address that one considering they can say it might be anyone. And again, eyesight issues at 80.

workingclassdog, 😀 I didn’t realize that you are an end unit. Since they are old, I would just talk to them. I understand your frustration about the dogs and cigarette butts.

You could be part of the solution as well as pointing out the issues. Take them something to put outside for their cig. butts. Let them know you are willing to work with them on this. Having ciggie butts all over is not acceptable and they do pile up as they don't disintegrate. The yapping dogs can be handled also. Brainstorm with them on how it can be lessened. Perhaps, close the doggie door more and not give the dogs so much outside time. Unless of course, they are yapping inside as well and you can hear them. But talk to them. Be helpful and show you are not mad but want some solutions.

Buy them a small bucket with sand in it to toss them into - ha!

This brings back so many memories... military housing at its best.

Considering the barking. The dogs will never be totally silent but you can make the situation much easier for you and your neighbors to deal with the barking.. Before talking to the offending neighbors decide WHEN it would be best for the dogs to be quiet and when you could tolerate them barking.

For example, If your household is all gone between noon and 4, the neighbors will not have to worry so much about the barking. If you all go to bed at 8 pm, they know to bring in the dogs at 8. In otherwords, give them so clear goals to attain. I would also ask for a more the mininum I could tolerate, so if they slack off I would still feel good about the situation.

Psychologically it is so much easier to handle barking dogs if you know they will be quite Between 8 am and 9:30 am, during dinner and when your reading your favorite book and at 8 pm when you starting to wind down from your day.

Plus this is one of the easiest solutions. You could pepper your friendly chat with little statements like...I have been thinking this would be so much easier than having the dogs wear shock barking collars. This also lets then know you are willing to go further if the barking is not contained.

I hope you find an easy solution. You should not have to deal with this 24/7.

Perhaps they can't bend over to put out and pick up the butts. A small bench with an ashtray type thing might help.

For the dogs, don't they make those contraptions that emit a high pitched noise? Perhaps that could help.

If they we're younger I'd probably have a different opinion

Yeah, as much as I’d hate it I would talk to them and offer some suggestions that would be satisfactory to you. Try to be part of the solution instead of just the annoying squeaky wheel.

I can't get past 80 yo smokers!

i would take some treats over and an empty coffee can with a lid. have a chat and ask if they would mind putting their butts in the can so they don't blow away... you would really appreciate it as they keep blowing in your yard.

as for the dogs... ugh. the neighbour behind us leaves his stupid yappy dog out all the time. the neighbour on one side sprayed it with the garden hose one day. while i don't condone his action... i understand his frustration.

You know what? I'd say something about the butts. I think you can say something nicely.

"Hey Jane (or John, if you're more comfortable talking to him). I'm picking up a lot of cigarette butts these days. Would you mind putting your butts in a container?"

If you have a dog, you can say you're worried about the dogs eating them and say you've found some in their poops. I think people are receptive to stuff like this if you ask them nicely.

The dogs? If you don't want to approach them directly, then wait until they've barked at least 30 mns. Then send them a text and ask if everything is okay, because the dogs have been barking for 30 mns nonstop and you are concerned. Do this every single time. Have your other neighbors do it, too.

When people aren't respectful of others, it's exhausting. Usually a reminder or two for thoughtful people is all they need. Hopefully, that is your case.

He's a Fireman and he throws cig butts on the ground???

Their dogs need a really long walk each day....it wouldn't be bad to ask why they aren't using the shock collars anymore, especially if they worked before. Suggest they use them on the weekends if that is the problem times for you.