Fluffy is a Dog!

Control that darn barking dog!  How many times have you heard your neighbor scream this across your fence?  If you are on the other side of the fence, how many times have you shouted this at your neighbor.  Chances are it has happened numerous times if there is a dog involved. 

Let's face it.  Dogs bark.  That's what they do; however, no one wants to hear a barking dog at 2:00 a.m. in the morning when they have a huge business meeting at 8:00 a.m. in the morning.  To be quite frank, no one wants to hear a barking dog at 2:00 a.m. in the morning even when they don't have an important business meeting to attend the next morning.  They just want a good night of sleep.  A loud barking dog keeps everyone awake. 

Unfortunately, barking dogs can wedge a gap between neighbors.  Usually, there is a dog owner that kisses the ground that their dog walks on.  This owner thinks that little cute Fluffy can do no wrong.  However, the rest of the neighborhood wants to take little Fluffy to the pound and lock him up.  Many times either the owner is insensitive to the needs of the rest of the community or is frustrated with the dog situation too.

Although it would be nice to think that the pet owner doesn't know how to handle the situation, you should also accept the fact that many dog owners just don't care about the fact that their dog is disturbing the sleeping habits of the rest of the neighborhood.  They think that it is okay.  Fluffy is a living creature and deserves to express himself just like any other.... human being?

There, ladies and gentlemen, lies the problem.  Usually, it is these types of dog owners that make it hard for other dog owners.  They believe that their dogs have human qualities and should be treated as such.  Fluffy is a dog.  Fluffy should be treated like a dog.  The pet owner should be reprimanded like a human being for disturbing other human beings that can't get a good night's rest.

No, Fluffy should not be mistreated in any form or manner.  Fluffy is not doing anything but being a dog.  Fluffy has not been told by his owner that it is not acceptable to bark at all hours of the night. Until the owner tackles this problem and properly trains his dog, the neighbors are going to continue to call and make complaints about the neighborhood barking dog.  Until the owner changes his mindset concerning dogs and accepts the fact that Fluffy is a dog that should be trained properly,  the barking madness will continue.

On the other hand, if you are a loving pet owner that has a barking dog and you are very concerned about the sanity of your neighbors, then you should start researching some of the available options that you have to stop your dog from barking.  Invest in things like dog collars and muzzles.  Collars and muzzles should not be considered as a form of dog abuse.  Once again, you have a dog that is creating a disturbance, thus a problem.  It is your responsibility to stop that dog from barking.