Dog Etiquette that Respects the Neighbors and Your Dog - When you have to Leave Fido Home Alone

This one is simple.  Don't go out at night and leave your dog outside in the yard. Ever.  It will bark.  There is no way around this. Dogs become excited when critters large and small come into view, scent or hearing. They react by barking. This causes stress in the dog. The more barking the more stress.

And - no surprise - this causes stress in the neighbors, who are forced to listen to your dog stress out because a cat, deer, possum, raccoon, other dog, human, or who knows what is in the vicinity.

Some animals are nocturnal. Skunks can be heard and smelled in the summer nights; owls hoot and coyotes howl. With purpose. Dogs left alone in the yard while their owners are out having a good time will be at the fence, "guarding the perimeter" from all attackers, real and imagined. In the modern city or suburb of close neighborhoods and relatively small yards, this is an outmoded activity. Not only that, the more your dog barks at every distraction, the less likley anyone will pay attention the time a burglar comes to call.

Why people have dogs and treat them in such a neglectful manner is beyond me; so is why they have neighbors they think so little of.  Rule of thumb: treat both your pets and your fellow humans with respect and care. Keep the pooches inside when you are not there (or when you are there, but too occupied with other things to notice their barking), and you will have happier pets and more contented neighbors.