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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Citation for Barking
First of all, I just want to say how SHOCKED I am to receive this citation at ALL. I have two dogs- a pit mix and a collie mix. I've had the collie, Irwin, for about 5 years, and Lucy, the pit, for about 3 years. In all that time, no one has ever complained about them barking and I've never even really heard them barking. Of course, I know they probably bark slightly more often when we're not home, but even then when I'm walking up to the house or something like that, I never hear them bark. They do bark when our tenants (who live on the third floor) come and go but they are CRAZY loud. I mean when we have guests over they're shocked to learn that it's a 5' little old British lady who probably weighs 90 lbs. soaking wet.  They also bark if someone comes into our yard or if another dog is passing by, but I thought these were all reasonable things to bark at. I mean, they are dogs.
I'm not too concerned as it's my understanding that they need 2 more complaints to even send someone to the house to check out the situation (which I'm CONFIDENT they would find nothing wrong if they did come to the house, but still), but I was wondering if anyone has ever BTDT? I'd just like to know how far it went and what, if anything, you had to do? Also, any tips to help prevent the dogs from barking while we're out? I mean, we've already stepped up the walks in the morning and evenings to hopefully tucker them out more. A dog walker is not necessary nor is it feasible for us so that's out. We're also considering having the dogs stay in the basement when we're not home. It's not *really* the basement since it's ground level, but it's treated as such, particularly since it has access to the backyard. Our reasoning is there is no large front window on the ground floor (like there is on the 2nd floor) for the dogs to look out and bark at things. Also, it's a lot cooler down and with it hitting 90 today, it seems like an added bonus.
Anyway, I'm mostly just hurt and annoyed. I've lived here for 5 years now and no one has ever made a complaint against us for anything EVER. I think one person complained about our yard once and we fixed the problem right away and no one ever said anything again. And I've never complained to anyone else either. I mean there's a house that has 3 day long parties down the block, another on the corner who had a huge blow out fight just a few weeks ago that got so crazy that the wife was throwing 4 foot tree branches at her husband's car, another who got into a vicious brawl around Halloween around 2 AM complete with screaming and wailing and a trail of blood the next morning, I had the cops banging down my door at 7 AM looking for my next door neighbor who is constantly in and out of jail.... I mean... all these things and I've never called 311 or the cops on anyone. I've never even rung their doorbell to complain. And I think I wouldn't really care if they had just come to us first. We're open, friendly people and if someone said the dogs were a constant nuisance, we'd look into it, but this was just a slap in the face. I think it's the new family who just moved in in December because I can't imagine that my neighbors for the past 5 years would suddenly call to complain about us. I just don't think so.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my vent. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! 
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Posted 5/29/12 12:31 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
BBin2012
Full heart!
Member since 8/11 1835 total posts
Name:
Ka
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Re: Citation for Barking
I don't have any experience with this situation, but I'm sorry to hear someone reported your dogs barking. 
We don't know what our pets do when we're not home so it's no one's fault. It would take a lot for me to call and complain about a neighbor's noise since I've lived in apts for 15 yrs and am tolerant, but maybe someone just had a bad day. I hope they don't call again. Maybe your dogs will be more mellow with the hot weather.
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| Posted 5/29/12 2:55 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Citation for Barking
Thank you! Yeah, I was thinking the same thing about the heat. Especially since I took them for longer walks this weekend, they have been pooped! So hopefully the combination will help. I also think someone might've just been having a crappy day and unfortunately they took it out on us. We literally live in between the LIRR and the LIE- can you imagine 2 dogs barking ruining your day?! Also, your dog needs to be barking unprovoked for 10 minutes straight for it to be considered a violation. I can't picture my dogs doing much of anything for 10 minutes straight- they are super lazy! Oh well, I was just REALLY upset when we had first gotten it. All we can do is take precautions and hope for the best. Thanks again! 
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| Posted 5/29/12 3:35 PM |
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peanutbutter2
Carpe diem!
Member since 11/10 5287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Citation for Barking
I don't have any experience with or knowledge about the situation, but I'm sorry that happened
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| Posted 5/29/12 7:24 PM |
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Naner325
waiting on nugget!
Member since 6/10 4432 total posts
Name:
N
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Re: Citation for Barking
When DH and I lived separately in Long Beach, he stayed over my house one night and left his dog home. When he got home that morning, he had received a citation for barking which was crazy to us because Toby never really barks either. We think it was because there was a storm that night and maybe he was just scared. He paid the $100 ticket and we also found out it was his "friend" downstairs who called to complain because of the barking. We just wish he would have called DH to let him know instead of the cops so we could have went there to make Toby feel better. I was more upset that the poor dog probably had such a rough night without DH. I wouldn't stress too much about it, people just suck. I mean, I can understand if it was a common occurrence but you said your dogs don't normally bark. I also feel like the person who complained should have just came and discussed it with you rather than going to such an extreme
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| Posted 6/1/12 10:05 PM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Citation for Barking
I am a sahm. I hear people's dogs barking all the time that are home alone that I dont really here at night when their owners are probably home. My dog loves to go on walks. if I take my son for a walk and not her she'll bark and cry nonstop. Honestly, if someone's dog was barking all day or night I'd be annoyed to!
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| Posted 6/2/12 8:17 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Citation for Barking
You always seem like such a concientious person to me. I can't imagine your dogs barking and you not addressing it. Could it be that they are barking and you are unaware? How about leaving the tv on all day to drown our noises, if that what may make them bark?
DO you believe they were even barking at all? Could it be a lie, someone called on you and lied?
ANd yes, sounds like the new family to me. Do they have a baby or small children and maybe are home all day, so they hear the noise more than other neighbors who maybe work all day? Thats what it sounds like to me.
Message edited 6/2/2012 4:25:32 PM.
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| Posted 6/2/12 4:23 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Citation for Barking
I don't have experience with this situation exactly, but I can absolutely identity with the feeling of lack of trust amongst your neighbors...
We had our neighbors complain about pretty bizarre things without coming to us first. I felt it was like a schoolyard where they went directly to tell on us, instead of speaking to us first like adults. Just like you, I'm pretty tolerant and there have been several things I have not complained about over the years 
Anyway, sorry this response isn't chock full of advice.. .but I'd definitely feel the same way you do about this.
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| Posted 6/2/12 6:56 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by Goobster
You always seem like such a concientious person to me. I can't imagine your dogs barking and you not addressing it. Could it be that they are barking and you are unaware? How about leaving the tv on all day to drown our noises, if that what may make them bark?
DO you believe they were even barking at all? Could it be a lie, someone called on you and lied?
ANd yes, sounds like the new family to me. Do they have a baby or small children and maybe are home all day, so they hear the noise more than other neighbors who maybe work all day? Thats what it sounds like to me.
Honestly, I don't believe it. The criteria for a noise violation between 7 AM and 10 PM (for a dog) is 10 minutes of continuous unprovoked barking and I just don't believe it. I believe they probably do bark occasionally, when they have reason to (dogs passing by, mailman/tenant approaching house, etc.) but I do not believe it's for 10 minutes straight unprovoked.
Another thing, we have a neighbor (a convicted felon who is actually back in jail again!) who has a dog who barks constantly. So my first instinct was to chalk it up to a mistake of address, but the new family (who I suspect called) lives on the other side of the neighbor with the dog so that can't be it. I actually like my jailbird neighbor (he's a nice guy, he just violates probation for stupid reasons- like drinking or driving his street illegal car!) so I don't want him to get in trouble, but if he didn't get a citation for his dog as well then there is something seriously wrong.
Yeah, the new neighbors have a baby and I believe the wife stays at home so I figured that was it, but come to me first. I asked my tenant upstairs and the jailbird's sister who takes care of the house when the guy is in jail and they said they've never had issues with incessant barking. Of course they bark from time to time, they're dogs, but it's never been a nuisance. It sounds to me like someone was having a crappy day and decided to take it out on me.
DH and I cleaned out the basement this weekend so they can have the run of the place. I think that should put a stop to almost ANY barking so I'd be really shocked to receive another complaint. It's less about the outcome and more about the principle for me at this point. But thank you all for your input!
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| Posted 6/4/12 9:51 AM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by lbride
I am a sahm. I hear people's dogs barking all the time that are home alone that I dont really here at night when their owners are probably home. My dog loves to go on walks. if I take my son for a walk and not her she'll bark and cry nonstop. Honestly, if someone's dog was barking all day or night I'd be annoyed to!
So you'd just call the cops on them? You wouldn't address it with the very friendly people who live there?
I guess that's your choice, but it most certainly wouldn't be mine. I mean, if nobody tells ME my dogs are barking when I'm not home, how am I supposed to know. You'd think in 5 years someone would've said SOMETHING if they were that much of a nuisance... no?
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| Posted 6/4/12 9:53 AM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by jilliibabii
Posted by lbride
I am a sahm. I hear people's dogs barking all the time that are home alone that I dont really here at night when their owners are probably home. My dog loves to go on walks. if I take my son for a walk and not her she'll bark and cry nonstop. Honestly, if someone's dog was barking all day or night I'd be annoyed to!
So you'd just call the cops on them? You wouldn't address it with the very friendly people who live there?
I guess that's your choice, but it most certainly wouldn't be mine. I mean, if nobody tells ME my dogs are barking when I'm not home, how am I supposed to know. You'd think in 5 years someone would've said SOMETHING if they were that much of a nuisance... no?
I believe I said I would be annoyed not call the cops. Things bother me but I complain about nothing. I don't like to make issues for myself. But it depends on the extent. Your dog may be doing a lot of barking when you're not around. When i walk my son without the dog i can hear her barking from two blocks away....
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| Posted 6/4/12 12:19 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by lbride
Posted by jilliibabii
Posted by lbride
I am a sahm. I hear people's dogs barking all the time that are home alone that I dont really here at night when their owners are probably home. My dog loves to go on walks. if I take my son for a walk and not her she'll bark and cry nonstop. Honestly, if someone's dog was barking all day or night I'd be annoyed to!
So you'd just call the cops on them? You wouldn't address it with the very friendly people who live there?
I guess that's your choice, but it most certainly wouldn't be mine. I mean, if nobody tells ME my dogs are barking when I'm not home, how am I supposed to know. You'd think in 5 years someone would've said SOMETHING if they were that much of a nuisance... no?
I believe I said I would be annoyed not call the cops. Things bother me but I complain about nothing. I don't like to make issues for myself. But it depends on the extent. Your dog may be doing a lot of barking when you're not around. When i walk my son without the dog i can hear her barking from two blocks away....
Okay, but I'm asking you what you think a reasonable reaction to a dog barking would be.
ETA: Actually nevermind. I'm just confused by your post since it really offered me no advice or guidance what so ever.
Message edited 6/4/2012 12:30:55 PM.
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| Posted 6/4/12 12:29 PM |
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Jennifer
Happy
Member since 5/05 4230 total posts
Name:
.
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Re: Citation for Barking
Crazy. But that's what dogs do! I wish they could give citations to screaming 10 year olds!!!
Hope everything works out in your favor!!!
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| Posted 6/4/12 12:52 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by jilliibabii
Posted by Goobster
You always seem like such a concientious person to me. I can't imagine your dogs barking and you not addressing it. Could it be that they are barking and you are unaware? How about leaving the tv on all day to drown our noises, if that what may make them bark?
DO you believe they were even barking at all? Could it be a lie, someone called on you and lied?
ANd yes, sounds like the new family to me. Do they have a baby or small children and maybe are home all day, so they hear the noise more than other neighbors who maybe work all day? Thats what it sounds like to me.
Honestly, I don't believe it. The criteria for a noise violation between 7 AM and 10 PM (for a dog) is 10 minutes of continuous unprovoked barking and I just don't believe it. I believe they probably do bark occasionally, when they have reason to (dogs passing by, mailman/tenant approaching house, etc.) but I do not believe it's for 10 minutes straight unprovoked.
Another thing, we have a neighbor (a convicted felon who is actually back in jail again!) who has a dog who barks constantly. So my first instinct was to chalk it up to a mistake of address, but the new family (who I suspect called) lives on the other side of the neighbor with the dog so that can't be it. I actually like my jailbird neighbor (he's a nice guy, he just violates probation for stupid reasons- like drinking or driving his street illegal car!) so I don't want him to get in trouble, but if he didn't get a citation for his dog as well then there is something seriously wrong.
Yeah, the new neighbors have a baby and I believe the wife stays at home so I figured that was it, but come to me first. I asked my tenant upstairs and the jailbird's sister who takes care of the house when the guy is in jail and they said they've never had issues with incessant barking. Of course they bark from time to time, they're dogs, but it's never been a nuisance. It sounds to me like someone was having a crappy day and decided to take it out on me.
DH and I cleaned out the basement this weekend so they can have the run of the place. I think that should put a stop to almost ANY barking so I'd be really shocked to receive another complaint. It's less about the outcome and more about the principle for me at this point. But thank you all for your input!
If it happens again, I would personally go knock on my neighbors doors and ask them if they called and what was going on that is making them call? And you would appreciate them coming to you vs calling on you. Try that out. I am sure it's the new people.....cant see any other likeliness. Unless there is someone you knew you was annoyed, then called NOW to make it appear as if the new people called. Framed them. KWIM?
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| Posted 6/4/12 1:00 PM |
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mrsh2010
To travel is to live.
Member since 7/09 1679 total posts
Name:
Celia
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Re: Citation for Barking
Oh my goodness Jill! I can't believe they give citations for barking. That is horrible that someone called and didn't address it with you first.
I have no idea if Shammy barks when we aren't home but if he did I would want someone to tell me
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| Posted 6/4/12 8:14 PM |
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lbride
Lovin' my mini man!
Member since 3/07 2475 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by jilliibabii
Posted by lbride
Posted by jilliibabii
Posted by lbride
I am a sahm. I hear people's dogs barking all the time that are home alone that I dont really here at night when their owners are probably home. My dog loves to go on walks. if I take my son for a walk and not her she'll bark and cry nonstop. Honestly, if someone's dog was barking all day or night I'd be annoyed to!
So you'd just call the cops on them? You wouldn't address it with the very friendly people who live there?
I guess that's your choice, but it most certainly wouldn't be mine. I mean, if nobody tells ME my dogs are barking when I'm not home, how am I supposed to know. You'd think in 5 years someone would've said SOMETHING if they were that much of a nuisance... no?
I believe I said I would be annoyed not call the cops. Things bother me but I complain about nothing. I don't like to make issues for myself. But it depends on the extent. Your dog may be doing a lot of barking when you're not around. When i walk my son without the dog i can hear her barking from two blocks away....
Okay, but I'm asking you what you think a reasonable reaction to a dog barking would be.
ETA: Actually nevermind. I'm just confused by your post since it really offered me no advice or guidance what so ever.
Wow,.... Umm ok sorry. I was simply stating that I'm home during the day and hear neighbors dogs barking often - dogs that don't usually bark when their owners are home. prob the case with your dogs. I can kind of see why your neighbors didn't come to you after the bizarre rudeness of your response to my posts.
Message edited 6/4/2012 10:10:43 PM.
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| Posted 6/4/12 10:07 PM |
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dctead
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Member since 11/10 2139 total posts
Name:
Emily
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Re: Citation for Barking
Posted by lbride
I was simply stating that I'm home during the day and hear neighbors dogs barking often - dogs that don't usually bark when their owners are home.
I know my dogs bark when I am at home... we address it, but it does happen.
Sam likes to bark at us when we leave - especially if DH and I leave together.. We believe he quiets down after we pull away (our window faces the parking lot - so he sees us go)...but no way to know for certain.
I've asked my neighbors if they hear him, if he's annoying (cause he also howels at the fire whistle...oy!) but they say they don't hear him... I've given both of my neighbors my phone # to call me if there was an issue.
Jill - I'd approach the new neighbors... in more of a 'hi, just wanted to see if you hear my dogs as I don't want them to bother anyone" (vs a "did you call the cops on me?" type of coversation...) and give her your phone # and say 'please, if you ever hear them give me a call" ... see if that works. She maybe didn't have a number to call you... and didn't feel comfortable knocking on your door..
sucks though... sorry you've got to deal with it!
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| Posted 6/5/12 10:34 AM |
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