how to deal with dog bark (condo, townhouse, roofing)

[kangkang79]

my new neighbor (townhouse) moved in with 3 big dogs. They make disturbing noise to my 1 year old. I have talked to them and they claimed it is dogs' right to bark. What should I do?

[thesefourwalls]

Originally Posted by kangkang79

I have talked to them and they claimed it is dogs' right to bark

You're screwed, I feel for you. Get ready for a fight

[kangkang79]

should I call 311?

[thesefourwalls]

I don't know the legalities of it, just the personalities. Just offering my condolences

[King_of_DC]

There are laws against it... think it is the duration of the barking. Record the dogs and provide that to police.

I looked it up once for a friend, but don't remember the specifics....

Then there is a general noise, but I think that takes two people to report or something.

[reiflame]

The police will tell you its not their problem. If the dogs are barking for several hours a day and disturbing your quality of life, call the Montgomery County EPA. If they are just barking occasionally and your kid is afraid of it, then there's nothing you can do.

[kangkang79]

I should have stated the 1-yr old was waked up by dog-barking during the day nap time, not her "afraid".

[badchad]

I honestly don't know if they work, but get one of those ultrasonic bark deterrents.

Every time a dog barks, they emit a high pitched noise only dogs can hear. It's harmless, but annoying enough to the dog to get it to stop barking. It's worth a shot.

[aquietpath]

Dogs bark. As long as it's not constantly, they DO have a right to. How would you feel if you were not allowed to speak, ever? Create some white noise in your childs room so the barking doesn't wake her up.

[Moth]

Originally Posted by kangkang79

should I call 311?

In MoCo, you call these folks:

MC Department of Police: Animal Services Divisions

I am unsure if they are a division of the police or what. They will initially be sympathetic, but ultimately you will have to produce evidence for them to do anything substantial. I am not sure how you would do that with a barking dog.

As mentioned, try one of those sonic gizmos. In fact, get two and switch off so the dogs do not get used to one.

If you own the townhouse and think you are going to be there for some time, consider soundproofing it. You sacrifice some space and build a second wall with an air gap in between.

Good luck.