Taming the “war next door” and learning how to best negotiate mutual resolutions with your neighbours, has been a key topic over the past few months… But what if the key reason for your concerns or frustrations isn’t a person? What if it’s your neighbour’s pet? How do you tell them that their pet has been acting up without causing an argument?

To help both disgruntled neighbours and concerned pet owners navigate these situations we’ve recently partnered with the RSPCA ACT to find the best approach for all involved – animal and mankind alike.

For neighbours

Sick of the barking dog next door? Is your neighbour’s cat using your property as a scratching post? Have you got a furry peeping Tom in the neighbourhood, who keeps entering your property? We know this can be frustrating but try not to ‘bark back’ at your neighbours. When it comes to voicing your concerns, try to calmly explain your frustrations, in an attempt to come to a mutually agreeable resolution and avoid damaging your neighbourhood relationships or even involving authorities.

For some additional suggestions to prevent and manage your pet-related neighbourhood problems, download our guide with tips here. And remember, that annoying pet is part of someone’s family and they might not know there’s an issue yet. So, try a conversation before reporting their animal, or acting in a confrontational way.

For pet owners

Have you heard of enrichment? Don’t worry if you haven’t, this doesn’t mean you’re a bad pet owner. But it does mean may not be providing the best possible chance for your pet to have a full and exciting day while you’re away. According to RSPCA, the main reasons dogs bark is due to boredom, anxiety or stimulus excitement. Keep in mind that dogs can’t talk when they’re feeling upset or concerned… Well, they can… It’s called barking.

If you’re going out for the whole day, aim to take your dog for a walk in the morning. This way they are physically tired out and will be more likely to snooze throughout the day. While this may be an obvious first step to making your pet a good neighbour, what many people don’t realise is that much like us, dogs are social animals. Mental stimulation is just as important and that’s where enrichment comes into play… Literally. Anything from chew toys, to “pet puzzles”, to long-last snacks, to a radio playing in the background is enrichment!

All in all, when it comes to being good neighbour, our best tip is to always remain patient, communicative and conscientious of how the other person may be feeling or how they perceive the situation differently. For more guidance on how to best manage related conflicts or for RSPCA approved tips on pet enrichment, click here.