News Articles

I wish this was fun and exciting news, but since the HOA has received so many complaints of excessive barking dogs in Applewood, we wanted to address the issue for those who own dogs and those who have complained.  Please know, complaints have come from all areas of the development and are not directed to just one, two, or even three locations. ????

 

Barking is one of many forms of communication for dogs. Here are just a few to mention that can be good and bad: 

• Territorial Barking 
• Alarm Barking 
• Attention-Seeking Barking 
• Greeting Barking 
• Compulsive Barking 
• Socially Facilitated Barking 
• Frustration-Induced Barking 
• Illness or Injury
• Separation-Anxiety Barking 

As a dog owner, the first step toward reducing your dog’s barking is to determine the type of bark your dog is expressing. You can find more information on the types of barking and their treatments in this article. 

 

After talking with other Applewood dog owners, they suggest and use anti-barking boxes and humane vibrating dog collars.  Dog owners can click on either link for a product review.  

 

Many times, dogs bark when their owner is away and some products come with an app where the owner can see when and how long their dog is barking.  If an owner does not want to try this method, they say the best thing to do is to kennel them inside while gone or at work.

 

The HOA encourages homeowners to simply ask their neighbors to keep their dogs quiet. This can be done in person or by sending them a nice note. If the barking continues, there are a few things you can do.

 

Since there is a city ordinance for barking dogs, the HOA does not have jurisdiction to enforce them. Kind of the same thing with speeding cars – it is a nuisance and dangerous, but the HOA can’t enforce it or write tickets.

 

For barking dogs, you can report it by contacting the Code Enforcement Office at (509) 942-7739, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If the barking is after hours or late at night, call the non-emergency dispatch number, (509) 628-0333. A police officer (if available) will respond and if the dog is excessively barking at night, they will contact the homeowner.

 

For all other animal complaints, such as aggressive dogs, contact Tri-City Animal Control at (509) 545-3740.

 

We are all neighbors of Applewood Estates and in this together. If there comes a time when there’s an issue, handling conflict in a peaceful manner is crucial to maintaining a good relationship with neighbors. Think about how you’d like to be treated. Being respectful, kind, and extending a helping hand to those who live around you go a long way.

 

Thank you all for helping make Applewood Estates one of the best.