So, one problem we’ve had with where we live is the growing number of dogs in the development. Don’t get me wrong… I love dogs. What I don’t love are dogs that bark all day or all night. In most cases I feel for the dogs because they’re clearly barking for attention. There was one puppy across the walk from us who was hoarse from barking all day but was really quiet when her owners were there. I left a note and then spoke to her owner who was happy to know what was going on while she wasn’t there. In fact, they’d already started on some training for the puppy and it has been much much better.
But there is this other dog down the street from us who is left on the deck for hours at a time and goes nuts when people walk past to hit the mailbox. Now that I’m home during the day and mostly not napping (mostly) I hear it barking like Timmy was down the well again. Being a person who likes to address issues, I walked down to leave them a note with my phone number (if you’re going to leave a note, you have to put your name on it otherwise it is just passive aggressive and that’s no way to be a neighbor) and it turns out the owner was there. He was sitting in the living room while the dog was on the deck barking at him.
I actually saw this owner walking the dog yesterday and having watched a few episodes of the Dog Whisperer I could have guessed the problems this guy is having. The dog was walking him. The dog must be all of 5 pounds and was pulling against the leash as if his life depended on it. The sad thing is that it probably would take like a week and then some consistent behavior onthe owner’s part and everone would be happier.
So, the same thing I say about bad parents I’ll say about dog owners… if you don’t want them why do you have them? It is your responsibility, it takes time and it isn’t something you can turn off.
Ok, I’m tired now. Nap time! 
