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The most consistent complaint I’ve heard over the years from neighborhoods is about barking dogs.
Dog poop is a close second.
But barking dogs top the list. My Sept. 26 column is about barking dogs and one neighbor’s reaction to it. In this case, the dog owners are deaf and didn’t realize the frustration it caused neighbors.
It’s also a lesson about how to deal with barking dogs. The fellow most upset by the barking, Rainer Steinbauer, never approached the dog owners about his issue. He didn’t even know their names. I suggested a knock on their door might have solved the problem before it escalated into hurt feelings all around.
But I also wanted to raise awareness to the issue.
Did you know it is illegal to allow chronic barking in Colorado Springs and in El Paso County? 
Folks with dogs often say “dogs are going to bark” as if there’s nothing they can do about it. They typically describe complainers at hyper-sensitive.
Victims often get very frustrated. Some of the nastiest neighborhood feuds I’ve seen over the years center on barking dogs.
In fact, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region gets upwards of 2,000 complaint calls a year about barking dogs.
Experts have all sorts of advice to stop the barking. Some attribute chronic barking to boredom. They say the cure is more human interaction, toys or a companion dog.
Some advocate barking collars, which administer an electric shock each time an animal barks. There are variations of the collar that allow the owner to administer a shock by remote control, as well.
The marketplace also offers anti-barking devices that sense barking and emit an ultrasonic noise in response. 
Dogs hate the noise and the theory is that they will associate barking with pain and stop.
A few recommend “debarking” surgery to remove a dog’s vocal cords. The Humane Society and other experts, however, denounce the surgery because it robs the animal of its voice.
But it’s best not to ignore a barking dog complaint. They can lead to summons, covenant violations, lawsuits and even violence.
Informal complaints will bring the Humane Society to your door. Formal complaints will initiate deeper agency involvement.
A victim who has witnesses and videotape of a chronic barking dog can land you in court.
Dear Mr. Vogrin,
I read your article about barking dogs with interest. My family and I are also suffering from barking dogs. It seems like it’s getting worse over the last years. People don’t seem to care what their neighbors think. My husbands works 3 different shifts in a work week so he has to sleep mostly during the day. Which sometimes is impossible as people leave their dogs outside all day while they are at work. Dogs also bark during the night so me and my children don’t get no sleep. I once tried to contact one of the “barking” owners. Unfortunately she wasn’t home, but her neighbor was. This lady told me just to shut my doors and windows and put ear plugs in. I don’t think my family should suffer because people don’t care about the environment. We have 2 dogs. When they start barking outside I will bring them in immediately.
I completly understand Mr. Steinbauer. We bought our house 8 years ago to enjoy it. We didn’t buy to listen to barking dogs at any time of they days. I guess people who are at work don’t hear their dogs barking so they don’t care.
Thanks for your time.
Frustrated Home Owner
Dear Silke,
please do not even think for a minute that Mr Vogrin cares about people who suffer from barking dogs. Next thing you know is that he is going to drag you through the mud just because you have the nerve to insist that the law be enforced.
Please do not be discouraged and keep up the fight for your peace! Even if Mr. Vogrin portraits you as a chronic complainant and even goes as far as misquoting the personnel at the Humane Society or other neighbors. From what I read, you are still a good neighbor since you have not taken the matter to court. I am sure the Humane Society has explained the steps to you. Fortunately I did not have to take it to that level but now three out of the five dog owners hate me for “complaining” about their “Darlings”. They still bark but the deaf folks really do make an effort in keeping their dogs quiet. I hope that your neighbors get the hint soon and your husband can get the rest he deserves. The law is on your side!