Don't Get Barking Mad

How to have that crucial conversation about your neighbour’s demented dog

- Helene Vermaak

The unequivocal truth is that there is nothing cuter than a puppy. Until, that is, he’s been barking solidly for the past two hours.

Gone are the days of vast pieces of land between neighbours, where we couldn’t hear one another, and a barking dog was a distant noise. As suburbs have developed, we’ve found ourselves in closer proximity to one another and as a result our actions, or lack thereof, are impacting others more than ever before.

Below is an excerpt from a recent WhatsApp conversation on my community forum:

• Resident A – Can anyone else hear that damn dog?

• Resident B – That dog has been barking for hours!

• Resident C – I am sure they are abusing that dog.

• Resident A – If it doesn’t stop in the next five minutes I am calling the SPCA and reporting them!

• Resident B – Yes, do it!

• Resident C – Definitely!