Not everyone lives next door to ideal neighbors. More often than not, people find that their neighbors have at least one undesirable habit that can strain the neighbor-to-neighbor relationship. If your neighbors have a dog, it is safe to guess that the habit you'd like your neighbors to break is that of their dog using your yard as a bathroom. Instead of being polite and accepting this bad habit, here's how you can get your neighbor to clean up after a dog.
Instructions
1. Try talking to your neighbor about the problem the next time you see him outside. It might be the case that your neighbor is completely unaware that his dog prefers your yard to its own when it is time to take care of its bathroom needs. Politely mentioning the problem as you chat in the driveway might be all it takes.
2. Call your neighbor. You may be too bashful to meet face-to-face to address the problem. If this is the case in your situation, just call your neighbor and politely request that she clean up after her dog visits your yard.
3. Become more of a presence in your yard. Try spending more time outside for a few days. If the dog uses your yard for a bathroom while your neighbor can clearly see you, he will likely come right over to clean up after Fido. You will have caught the dog in the act and your neighbor will know it. As you maintain your presence in the yard for a few days, your neighbor may be shamed into making sure that he cleans up after his dog, and the habit of doing so will hopefully stick.
4. Contact your neighborhood association. Discuss the problem and request that they send a notice to the offending neighbor. Once the situation is made public in this way, your neighbor will likely comply with the request that she clean up after her dog.
5. Set an example. If you are also a dog owner, make it a point to clean up after your own dog, preferably in full view of your neighbor. When your neighbor sees you taking the extra time during your walk to properly clean up after your dog, he might be inspired to return the favor.
6. Send a gift. Surprise your neighbor with a shovel designed for cleaning up after dogs. Attach a card that reads "I know this will come in handy for you and your furry friend!" There is nothing subtle about this approach, but sometimes you have to spell things out for people.
Tags: your neighbor, clean after, your yard, request that, after your, clean after your