Apartment Living with Dogs: Tips from Your UH Neighbors

The neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking. Or maybe it’s our dog who doesn’t understand serenity. Noise complaints are one of many issues neighbors face when living in close quarters with dogs. I asked our community how we could do better, and here’s what people said: 

Address noise complaints neighbor to neighbor before involving the office or landlord. Sometimes a person doesn’t even know there’s a problem. 

Related, dog guardians need to better understand how to help their dog feel secure when at home alone. 

A frequent complaint is people not cleaning up. There’s really no excuse. Come on! If we don’t have a poop bag, which sometimes happens even to the best of us, go back ASAP to finish the job. (See UH News, November 2025.) 

Beyond normal clean up, if our dog gets sick in a common space, we need to rinse the area. Because eew. Ain’t nobody wanna slip and fall in that mess. 

Understand elevator etiquette! Give space for dogs and humans to get off before getting on. This is an easy action that makes a big difference. 

Common sense and efficiency win. 

If we see someone training or struggling with their dog, move it along. Do not linger, look at the dog, talk to it, and do not let your dog approach. It’s dangerous to get an overstimulated, reactive dog more excited. Give space. (See UH News, September 2025.) 

No dogs in the pool or spa. Instead, rent a pool via Sniffspot or go to one of our many dog friendly, off-leash beaches. 

Same for off-leash access. Green spaces for dogs are lacking, but we need to stop using public spaces like Trolley Barn Park that explicitly prohibit off-leash dogs. Having your dog off-leash in an unpermitted area is dangerous, plain and simple. Stop it. (See UH News, July/August 2025.) 

To report off-leash dogs, contact the Parks and Recreation Department using Get It Done: sandiego.gov/get-it-done. To report animal-related concerns related to safety, wellness, neglect, or abuse, contact the San Diego Humane Society (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) at 619.299.7012 ext. 1 or investigations@sdhumane.org. Try to capture photos or videos, and note the time, date, place, and other details. 

We must train our dogs to be calm, confident citizens. When we need help, we have a responsibility to seek it immediately.