Jerks Who Let Their Dogs Bark And Bark And Bark
I hate jerks who let their dogs bark and bark. This week’s thoughts are for irresponsible and inconsiderate dog owners, specifically those jerk neighbors who let their dogs yip, whine and bark outside for hour upon hour, day and night, upsetting people for blocks in every direction. Maybe to them little Fifi or big ol’ Brutus ain’t bothering anyone with their barking. In fact, they’re so darn devoid of intelligence that it’s quite possible they believe their dog’s barking is appreciated because it scares off criminals. Well, if you happen to be one of those hair-brained, mule/horse hybrids who shouldn’t have pets, you couldn’t possibly be more wrong. Let me put the behavior into perspective.
Imagine that you’re sleeping soundly, when all of a sudden your drunken neighbors begin yelling outside, with every second word the f-word. You toss and turn, hoping that they’ll knock it off soon and go back inside. But they don’t. Instead they continue to scream ever louder, hour after hour. Finally you get angry and call the police, who usually respond and quiet things down fairly quickly – when it’s people raising the ruckus. But, when it’s a dog barking, the police don’t come so the noise continues unabated. And you lay there exhausted as the neighbor’s dog barks and barks and barks.
To understand the volume involved in barking, the average alarm clock is designed to awaken us from even the deepest of slumbers with rings and buzzes that range in loudness between 65-80 decibels. Permanent damage to the human ear begins at 85 decibels. The average car or house stereo, at maximum volume, is around 100 decibels. A dog’s bark ranges from 65-108 decibels, depending on their size and why they’re barking. Medium to large dog barks average in excess of 100 decibels. Now, can you start to see why neighbors wish lynching was legal?
When a dog is outside barking, it’s the four-legged version of drunks screaming profanities and threats at the top of their lungs. Their noise carries for miles in every direction, destroying the peace and quiet of everyone within hearing range. Excessive dog barking is illegal according to most city noise bylaws. To neighbors, the whining, yipping and barking a pet does to get attention is like listening to a screaming baby, driving them to the edge of madness.
So dog owners, have some class and show consideration for other people. Monitor your dogs. If they bark, whine or yip for more than five minutes, bring them back inside. Don’t make the problem even worse by cracking open the door and screaming at them to shut up. The last thing your neighbors want to hear is a deafening duet of dunces featuring you and your pet, further violating the entire neighborhood’s peace and quiet.
For the people suffering from the action/inaction of irresponsible and inconsiderate pet owners (insufferable idiots with IQs several digits lower than their shoe size), call the city and report the noise violation. They’ll respond and warn and/or possibly fine the owner. If noise issues continue, the offending animal(s) will be removed. For rural residents, check area by-laws.
Will’s thoughts prove that everybody has opinions, but he has way more than he should. From dogs that won’t stop barking, to the antics of his spouse, ‘Crazy Lady’, Will’s Thoughts will make you smile.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Bark
Dogs bark for various reasons, using their vocalization as a form of communication. Some of the common reasons that dogs bark include:
Alert or Warning: Dogs bark to alert their owners or others of something unusual or alarming, such as the arrival of a visitor, an unfamiliar noise, or a potential threat.
Excitement or Playfulness: When dogs are excited or playful, they may bark as part of their exuberance. This can happen during play, when they are anticipating a walk, or in the company of other dogs.
Anxiety or Fear: Dogs may bark when feeling anxious or fearful. This could be triggered by separation anxiety, new environments, loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, or due to the presence of strangers.
Territorial Behavior: Dogs bark to establish their territory or defend their space. They might bark in response to other animals or people intruding into what they consider their domain.
Attention-Seeking: Dogs may bark to get their owner’s attention, especially if they’re seeking food, play, or any other form of interaction.
Boredom: Dogs left alone for extended periods or without enough mental and physical stimulation may bark due to boredom.
Medical Issues: Sometimes, dogs might bark more frequently if they’re in pain or discomfort due to an underlying medical issue.
It’s important for dog owners to understand why their dog is barking to appropriately address the cause. Training, socialization, providing mental and physical stimulation and addressing any underlying issues can help in managing excessive barking.