I am sorry, I need to vent. I love my dog.

Good evening everyone.

I am about to post completely off topic, which I know I can do in this subtopic of the forum.

I married my lovely wife, Jenny, 5 months ago yesterday. Along with her, came her dog of 8 years, Snoopy Dakota Gustafson. I had lost my dog to an unfortunate accident back in 2008 and I was so happy to be able to live with a dog in the house again.

Ever since we have been in our town home, Snoopy has made himself at home, and, a few weeks after we tied the knot, he came to live with us full time. When he first came over, he was nervous, he shook constantly, and even had some problems when we took him to do his business outside, things werent solid to say the least. Eventually, he got better, and our next biggest fear was his barking.

We noticed he barks very loud, and not just loud, piercing loud. He is a little Dachshund and his size does not do justice to the intensity of his bark. We were always fearful we would recieve complaints about the barking, but never really did. One day, however, I got a letter from the association saying that there had been complaints, and further complaints would result in being fined for each additional complaint. Frankly, I am poor. I do not make a lot of money, and my wife is a substitute teacher, we aren't rolling in the money. If I had the money, I would pay every single fine, because I love my dog.

I get home from work tonight, and I notice a note is inside our front door. The vice president of the association left me a hand-written note telling me he is tired of hearing my dog bark, and he wants me to do something to solve the problem. I love the professionalism. You obviously can't find me when I am home and talk to me like a man, have a conversation and attempt to talk things out. I understand the bylaws of the association states the association members may complain about dogs barking, among other things, and homeowners need to comply.

I am pushed up against a wall. I really have no options. I can't afford to pay fines. I can't afford to move out, buy a new house, just to stick it to the man and leave their stupid rules behind.

This tuesday marks the 1-year anniversary of the death of my good friend Ferris, my dog who I loved for almost 8 years. I plan on calling my association on Monday and let them know the problem is solved, and I TELL them I am going to bring Snoopy in to be put to sleep on tuesday. I will explain to them I am unable to find an adopter in the small amount of time, and can't afford all of the fines. I hope my lies are able to make some guilt. Do I feel guilty doing that? A little, but dammit, what about my rights to having a companion for myself, as well as for my wife to be able to bring her 8 year old pet with her to her new house.

I am sorry for venting, I am very upset right now.

I hope you fellow dog-lovers understand my views on this.
-BK

Here is my favorite picture of me and Snoopy.
I really hate that I am going to have to drive across town just to see him...
-BK

Good lord I hope you don't go through with that. Google "how to train your dog not to bark". A well behaved dog depends on someone taking the time to teach them right and wrong- this dog has never been taught (the correct way) that barking is wrong.

I hope you'll consider instead trying to compromise with the association by telling them (hell, even showing them) that you're spending time to train the dog but it will take a week or two and to please be patient. If you "lie" and tell them you're putting the dog to sleep, you may find yourself having to do just that.

I know you say you and your wife love the dog. But it makes me angry when I hear people say they're going to put their dogs down for behavior reasons, rather than taking the time to learn how to properly train the dog. It's not the dog's fault that you haven't made that time to be a good owner.

http://www.placervillevet.com/training_your_dog_to_stop_barking.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_70_train-dog-stop.html
http://www.dogpatch.org/Sheltie/barking.html

EDIT: I should mention that this may require 15 or 20 minutes of your time every day for a week, maybe two. If dog owners can't make that kind of time each day for man's best friend, he's not really a best friend is he?

Hold up, now.  BK wouldn't dream of actually putting the dog to sleep.  It sounds like "Plan B" is to relocate the dog with a new owner.  Putting the dog to sleep will never be an option, so lying to them may not be the best choice, as it leaves you with no hope for a solution where you actually train him and keep him.  One problem with lying to them is that it probably wouldn't even phase them.  They might even be from a rural background where entire litters are euthanized because some farmers don't bother to spay or neuter their pets. 

If you want to make them uncomfortable, I suppose forcing the association VP to "man up" and have a face-to-face conversation with you about the problem might work.  Acknowledging their concerns with an apology and a plan of action to train the dog could buy you some time, save you some money, and most importantly, let you keep Snoopy.

I don't know if you can teach an 8-year-old dog to stop barking.  It appears he was raised in an area where her barking wasn't a problem, and so you may have a long road ahead of you.  I think some of the links Andi posted are worth a shot, though.

I hope it all works out, my friend.

We actually had to coax our pup to find her bark. It's kinda cute and squeaky. And under control, for the moment. However, I may be looking up some of those links to get her to stop biting.



The Tippy and The Brian in happier times:



Goin' to the Dogs-a-billy

JK--
Shoot! I'd take the little lovey-dovey for you! Course you'd have to drive a little farther than across town, but rest assured he'd be well loved & taken care of!
I'm glad that you were able to find someplace for him to go, if you feel you are backed against a wall. I agree, the VP of your homeowners association was spineless in leaving a note!

Andi--
I'm really taken back by your reaction to JK's post. A majority of the time this community is one of support, which I'm sure is why JK posted a very personal message.
I'm astounded you would jump to the conclusion JK & his wife don't spend enough time with their dog & flat out say they "haven't made that time to be a good owner." Wow.
Dogs, like people, have different personalities. It doesn't sound like the dog has always had a problem with barking, but that he's having a problem adjusting to his new surroundings.
One of my neighbors owns two dogs and one of the dogs barks its yippy little head off every second it's outside. I love dogs....but listening to a dog bark for extended periods of time IS a little grating on the nerves. So are my neighbors "good dog owners" or not? Only one of their dogs has a barking problem? Is it the dog, or the owner?
I just think you're making a huge leap from the point JK was trying to make to assuming he's not a "good dog owner."

I think Andi's links she posted are very supportive, and possibly THE most helpful solution to The Family BK's problems. Snoopy's only had about 4 months to get accustomed to the new digs, while BK and Mrs. BK are getting used to their new life together at the same time. Whether or not BK and Jenny meet everyone's criteria for being "good dog owners" is not for us to say, but I have no doubt they love their dog, and I do think if they accomplish getting Snoopy to control his barking, they will feel like they have put the time in and will be better owners for doing so. I hope the association gives them that chance.

Bark Worse Than Bite-a-billy

Sorry if I offended anyone, but threatening to kill a dog gets my back up, whether it's empty or not. As for handing it over to a new owner, dogs are pack animals, routine and pack order is very important to them- which is why BKs wife's dog was so stressed when moving into the new home. It's not fair to the dog to not consider their well being in the process.

Choosing between retraining and rehoming should be an easy answer.

Googling "training an old dog":

http://www.justusdogs.com.au/dog-pages/all-about-dogs/16/dog-training-behaviour.cfm
"As for the non-puppy owners, you've probably heard the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Well, whoever made up that line was either a very successful liar or someone who lacked the patience to really communicate with his/her dog. While it's true that old dogs don't come with clean slates, they will obey your foreign commands if you make it worth their while to do so. So don't fall for that fallacy."

http://www.pet-supplies-review.com/older-dog-training.html
"Most people have heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." And like all clichés, this one may have a small nugget of truth. But for the most part, if it's done correctly, an older dog can be taught not only new tricks, but new behaviors in general. They're not so different than humans that way. In the same way people continue learning all their lives, so can and do dogs. In fact, you may be surprised to know that training an older dog can actually be easier than training a puppy in many ways. Reasons for this include the facts that:

- Nearly any dog who is over five years old has at least learned the meaning of "No."
- An older dog is far calmer, less energetic and excitable than a puppy, which translates into a longer attention span and easier time retaining lessons.
- An older dog understands dominance and 'pecking order' and will very likely be happy to accept your leadership.

There are several situations in which a pet owner may be faced with the task of training an older dog, and the approach should be tailored to suit the situation. For instance, you may have adopted an older dog from a shelter or rescue, and simply don't know much about his background or previous training, if any. Or you may have an older dog that you would like to introduce to some new "tricks" - for example agility, hunting, or obedience trials. Maybe your long time companion may just be getting old and has developed some bad habits, or is getting peevish and snarly. Be assured you can handle all these situations with patience, proper knowledge, and approach. "

I probably should specify, because, I do not want to offend any.

Snoopy is going to go back to Jenny's parents. I could never put a dog down. The mere idea of putting a dog down for real is very hard for me to deal with. I know there is a time and a place for a dog to be put down, and that is very far and few between.

Snoopy is healthy, probably considered middle aged, and still has several years to come.

As for the training, we have been working with him for the last few months with him, but, I am getting more and more convinced that old dogs can't learn new tricks. I will continue to train him when I can, but, I only wonder if he is too old to get out of his old habits.

I do very much appreciate the links, Andi. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to give up on him. I know I can put the time into training him, and I know Jenny has been working a lot more than I have with getting the barking to stop, but, our methods have been minimal. The more ideas, the better. I know that you, Andi, are a dog/pet lover as well, from the words you have written, so I do appreciate your input and conversation.

And Rick, head on the nail you are. We are right in knowing that the VP and I should have a face-to-face and just talk. I am sure I have the ability to talk to him and just let him know the importance of Snoopy in the home. Regardless, I know for sure it is the people like you and the friends and family around us that will support whatever it is that happens. Thanks buddy.

The initial post was my first reaction. I was very upset. Just last night my Mom reminded me that it was a year ago this week that we lost Ferris, and, it really stirred me up to have another reminder of my terrible loss and now was going to be losing my new dog. It was just an instinct an initial reaction, of my fear of not having my friend to be here for me, and more importantly, for my wife.

I appreciate all of your comments and everyone sharing what they are thinking in a respectful way.
I love when conversation is appropriate, respectful, and honest when people are sharing different opinions.
Thank you.
-BK

Hey BK,
Sorry to hear about your dog situation. Maybe Snoopy will be able to come home to you guys after a brief "training vacation" at your in-laws.

Here's a great book that I used (and still use) with my odd dog Hank. It addresses some of the issues that a nervous/shy dog has, and can be used to help any dog adjust to new situations. It's called Help for Your Shy Dog: Turning Your Terrified Dog into a Terrific Pet by Deborah Wood


I don't want to be discouraging, but my dog Hank finally came out of his shell after one year of working with him everyday. It did take some time, and I kept thinking of that Bill Murray movie "What About Bob" Baby steps to the door...

We're now on year two, and I wouldn't trade my loving, loyal dog for anything. He's actually one of the best dogs I've ever had!

Best of luck with the whole situation. And another question...don't you elect your home owners association board? Perhaps you could vote your "spineless" VP out on his little keester.

Take care,
hrg