Dogs – man’s best friend or your neighbor’s worst enemy? Imagine trying to spend some quiet time on your deck, read a book, take a nap, or just go about you daily chores while a neighbor’s dog barks incessantly.

One must wonder: why do I hear the constant barking, but the owner apparently does not? Is the owner at home? If not, then the dog shouldn’t be left alone in the yard for hours on end to torment others with its barking. If the owner is at home, why isn’t he or she doing something to soothe the animal and give the neighbors some peace?

If you are the neighbor whose quiet home is disturbed all day and possibly all night by a barking dog, your first inclination might be to think, “That dog is so annoying—why doesn’t it stop?” You might do better to ask, “What is wrong with my neighbors? Why aren’t they responsible dog owners?” There are plenty of books, DVDs and even television programs available now to help people become responsible, kind, and caring pet owners. If you see yourself in what is said here, please make an effort to control your pet. And don’t get a dog with the expectation that it will remain tied or chained in the yard all day with no human contact, protection from the weather, or fresh food and water. Training is critical for dogs and training requires time, patience, plenty of love, and some good dog treats, but you will be rewarded with a happy, content dog that is a joy to have around—even the neighbors will love it.