Barking Dogs

[SunshineJ]

Two years ago we were in a nightmare situation living next to 5 dogs that barked at each other practically all day while their owners were at work full-time. The dogs were left in the back yards of two properties that adjoined each other. I am a stay at home mum with young kids so was at home a lot. Eventually, after a very long and stressful process (around 9 months) of reporting to council, the situation was more or less resolved. However now, over a year later, I still seem to be unable to cope with the sound of dogs barking at all. It's like every single bark causes some kind of stress response in my body. I should say this is only if the barking is loud, like from a house near to mine, or if the dog is near me in a coffee shop etc. If it is far away barking it is more of a mild irritant that i might not even notice straight away, so not a huge deal unless it goes on and on. Does anyone else deal with this? I find it really difficult to deal with because dogs are everywhere !! Just wanting to hear other people's stories/tips on coping etc.

[PamelaR]

Hi Sunshine and warm welcome to Beyond Blue

Yes, barking dogs are so annoying aren't they. I also understand the trauma you must experience from having five live next door. That would be extremely upsetting.

PTSD and anxiety can be debilitating at times, however, there are coping mechanisms that one can learn. It doesn't happen overnight, it will take time. Some things to think about -

• have you seen your doctor about your PTSD? Are you on a mental health plan and seeing a health professional? If no, then this is one of the first things I'd do. There are so many different therapies and or tools that you can learn to help you manage.

• have you had a browse of our forums to look for similar situations? I'd do a keyword search in our search field at the top for e.g.

1. PTSD triggers
2. triggers
3. self help tips for managing anxiety

You're not alone Sunshine. There are many of us in the community who have triggers that we need ongoing management. Keep reaching out if and when you want to.

Hope some of this helps.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[blondguy]

Hi Sunshine

Good on you for posting and being a part of the forums too 🙂

I havent been diagnosed with PTSD yet have had heavy duty anxiety on and off for 38 years (in recovery) and understand when you mention having an annoying sound that can interfere with the quality of your sleep

The distant sound of barking dogs can be the same as a bedroom blind gently knocking on the window frame with a slight breeze. Just from my experience when I hear any repetitive distant sound I know that I am in an oversensitised state which can make sleeping hard to come by

Sometimes it can be a sign of our system being too overworked/stressed in our day to day life too

I know that I love a breeze coming in my window at night yet the gentle knocking of the blind will keep me awake as I start to concentrate on it...then ending up closing the window....unfortunately

The forums are a non judgemental and safe place for you to post

any questions are more than welcome 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[SunshineJ]

Thanks Pamela and Paul for your replies.

Since making my post I have rung my psychologist to make an appointment! It's weeks away but I am feeling positive about taking a first step as I have not seen her in about a year.

I feel a little disapointed to be in a bad way again as I have been doing so well with frequent exercise and nutritious eating. I thought that would be enough to take the edge off my anxiety but I guess it's still not enough.

Paul I can totally relate to the tapping blinds. That would drive me insane too. 🙂

[Guest_7403]

Maybe a little off centre from the type of help you need for your concern and stress related to dog barking...

Have you considered looking into online video's of dog behavioural specialists? In particiular types like cesar milan who rehabilitates dogs.

Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons and have all types of behavioral issues like we do, and trainers like cesar milan teach owners how to help there dog to become "balanced" and help there human counterparts also become balanced and calm

Its very strange sounding, but when put to practice it gives a great understanding of "living in the now" and how our emotions trigger these unwanted behaviours in dogs

It may have no benefit to you, but it also may give you an understanding of why they are doing that

Best of luck

[blondguy]

Hey Sunshine

You are a legend for making that booking as sometimes any repetitive ongoing distant sound (including dogs) can have an effect on the quality of our sleep for sure

Please dont be so hard on yourself with your anxiety.....It can sometimes take more than regular exercising and a nutritious eating for us to self heal.

You are very proactive with your health Sunshine and that makes you an amazing person. Sometimes we just need to chat with a GP/Psychologist/Counselor on a regular basis so we can start to reduce the severity of anxiety....Just like the exercise you have been doing...except its for our brain

Really great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family Sunshine 🙂

you are not alone...and have nothing to be disappointed about

my kindest thoughts

Paul