How to be a Good Neighbor
By: Dr. Amy Wolff
Living with a pet might be a joy, but not everyone appreciates your pet as much as you do. The dog or cat that you cherish dearly may well be perceived as a nuisance by some visitors or neighbors. Whether you live in a house or apartment, there are some steps you should take to become a good pet-owning neighbor.
Confine Your Pet
For your pet's safety, it's best if our pet is confined to your property. Pets
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A really angry neighbor may even try to harm your pet.
Teach your pet the boundaries of your yard, provide a fenced area, or let him out only under supervision. If your pet is neutered or spayed, he/she will be less likely to wander. When you walk your dog, be sure to pick up any feces he leaves behind.
Control Excessive BarkingExcessive barking is a common behavioral problem and a nuisance to your neighbors. You may not even be aware of the problem until someone tells you. Barking often signals that your pet is frightened, bored, or has separation anxiety. Chewing or other destructive behavior may also occur. Whatever the cause of the problem, even the most tolerant neighbors will have a low threshold for a pet that barks all day or all night, or one that breaks through the fence and digs up their yard.
If you suspect your pet is behaving in an anxious manner, try leaving the house for a few minutes as you would in the course of your normal routine. Then quietly come back to the house and see or hear if he is engaging in any anxious behaviors. If your pet is exhibiting any of the aforementioned behaviors, a visit to your veterinarian may help define the problem and he/she will likely be able to offer a solution to help modifying these behaviors. There are many training methods available to teach your dog not to bark once the problem has been identified.
Teach Your Dog MannersIt is a dog's nature to be social, but having a few basic manners in place will help friends, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy your pet's company. Discourage jumping and overly enthusiastic greetings. Dogs can inadvertently knock over children or elderly people, who can be frightened or injured as a result. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, come, and walk properly on a
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A dog that behaves well is more apt to be included in social
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Give a Friendly CautionIf despite your best efforts you know your pet has a tendency to
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