Question: There is a constantly barking dog a few houses away from me. I’ve spoken to the owner, and it seems like they are making an effort to stop it, but that doesn’t help with times that they are away.

Is there anything that they can do to help when they are away? If other neighbors would speak up, maybe they would make more of an effort, as the barking is so loud that there must be a lot of other houses within a certain radius of that house that hear it.

Answer: Yes, there are many things that dog owners can do to reduce their pets’ barking, even when they are not at home. The Hawaiian Humane Society offers numerous tips, as well as information about how to file a noise complaint or seek outside mediation if your neighbor fails to take action. You may wish to enlist other neighbors for moral support (and also to assess whether the barking bothers you more than it does them), but you can file a complaint individually if you are so inclined. It seems wise to give the owners additional time to solve the problem, since they are trying, and because the dog barks most during the owner’s regular daily absences — not for such prolonged periods that the dog seems to be neglected.

Lack of exercise, boredom and separation anxiety are common reasons that some dogs bark excessively when their owners are not home. Canines are pack animals meant to lead active lives, so it’s important that owners create good conditions for their pets before leaving the house.

That means plenty of exercise before the owners depart and comfortable, secure quarters, preferably indoors, once they leave, according to “All About Barking: Reasons & Resolutions,” a Hawaiian Humane Society brochure on the subject.

Tired dogs rarely bark excessively, according to the brochure, so a brisk walk before the owners leave for work may do wonders; if you and they are willing, perhaps you could walk the dog, too.

It’s best for dogs to be indoors when home alone, or indoors with outdoor access via a doggie door, the Humane Society says. Treat-filled toys, an old T-shirt of the owner’s as a comfort item, and a radio left playing at low volume may help reduce a lonely dog’s anxiety, which should reduce barking.

If the dog cannot stay inside (where the Humane Society says “is truly where he’s happiest”), the owner should create comfortable, safe quarters in the garage, backyard or another area that is away from passers-by likely to incite a barking response. Fencing should be solid, so that the dog can’t easily view distractions.

Another potential option is a citronella anti-bark collar, which spritzes an unpleasant scent whenever the dog wearing it barks. The collars are supposed to deter habitual barking without harming the dog.

See hawaiianhumane.org for more ideas, as well as details about filing a noise complaint, or call 356-2250.

Complaints about barking dogs are frequently submitted to Kokua Line, so we hope that many readers find these reminders helpful.

Mahalo

On Aug. 2, my 9-year-old grandson and I went to the Cookie Lady. There was another customer entering before us. I had a phone-in order, so went to the register. As I was paying for my order, my grandson asked for a package of peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies. I told him we could the next time, after we finish our current order. While I was about to start my car, the other customer brought a package of the cookies to my grandson. She said he was polite in asking. She wouldn’t take anything and wanted to do this. Her cheerful thoughtfulness, generosity and goodwill are much appreciated and will be paid forward. — Mahalo, Grateful grandma

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