Social Q's: Isn't There a Dog Park Nearby?

[ermingarden]

I moved into an apartment four years ago and was shocked to find that a neighbor runs her dog in our common hallway. Three or four times a day, she throws a ball down the hall, and the dog barks and chases it. It’s extremely noisy. A while ago, she agreed not to do this between noon and 5 p.m. But I’ve been working from home lately, and I’m often interrupted by the noise. I’m averse to contacting building management, but she’s been belligerent about requests to stop playing in the hallway. Advice? –NEIGHBOR

I’m confused. Why have you tolerated this behavior for four years? (And why did you negotiate a “quiet period” that coincided with hours you used to work at an office?) Sometimes, compromise only normalizes bad behavior. Unless there is a compelling explanation for your neighbor’s ridiculous use of your hallway as a dog run, report her to building management tomorrow morning.

Comments

[lemonsharks]

I don't have a yard. I didn't realize this was a bad thing unless the neighbors actually complain (my neighbors think it's cute).

The neighbors who have spoken to you about it think it's cute. The neighbors who have not spoken to you about it probably think it's disruptive and annoying.

I grew up with several medium to large dogs. My first real job (held for 7 years) was in a dog friendly office. I'm not afraid of dogs or allergic to dogs. I lived underneath a tenant who let their large dogs run across their apartment for exercise for three years and it was utterly miserable. By the time they moved out my roommate and I had committed some casual conspiracy to commit murder about their dog husbandry more times than I can count.

I never went to the building manager or the neighbors themselves because I am extremely wary of dog owners because in my experience they go from defensive to aggressive about their animals at the drop of a hat. Especially when that hat is "I have the right to occupy my residence in peace and your animal is preventing me from doing so."

[delight]

I need to make a solid clarifying comment to everyone about how I've got a well-trained service dog who isn't unsupervised and I think I made it sound much worse than it is but! Most importantly; there is only one other apartment on this floor. We have one set of neighbors and asked them if it was okay first. (underneath us is literally a dog daycare playroom, so they certainly don't mind either!)

But I'm definitely wondering if I should clarify that I am always open to feedback and if she finds him upsetting or disruptive we will immediately curtail the use of the hallway.

[lemonsharks]

That information is relevant. Thank you for clarifying