Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
User submission
Hey Pandas, AITA For Refusing To Answer My Neighbor’s Door After She Harassed Me Over Noise?
Moderator’s note:
If you find yourself disagreeing with this person’s actions, we encourage you not to downvote the post. Instead, kindly express your opinions in the comments. We recommend maintaining politeness and articulating your thoughts with well-constructed arguments.
I (38 female) live with my BF (45) in his house (Germany). We’re lucky to have a garden and live in a quiet neighborhood.
Except for our one neighbor. Let’s call her Karen cause it fits. Her garden is behind ours and stretches along the two houses next to ours.
RELATED:
She already had three dogs when I moved in (8 years ago) and now has six
Image credits: IRa Kang (not the actual photo)
She’s known for years that the constant barking day and night is very irritating (two German shepherds and a few smaller dogs), but she just doesn’t care about anyone else. Constant barking, yapping, howling. All hours of the day and night, including her and her mother (who lives with her) screaming after the dogs.
I had dogs myself (at the moment, we have three cats), I used to play with one of hers (through the fence, he’d bring me his tennis ball, I’d get it through the chain-link fence and throw it for him), until she asked me not to anymore.
Recently while she was calling loudly for the dogs (again), shortly after 10 p.m, I asked (from my balcony) if that constant shouting was necessary, her answer was yes, mine was “No it isn’t, shut the f**k up” (I could have been nicer, it just slipped out cause I was pissed). Karen told me to shut the f**k up. After that, I went inside and closed the balcony door. She came over, rang the bell, and when I didn’t answer the door, she screamed at the house for 10 minutes. (It was near 22:30 p.m.). I ignored her; otherwise, I might have given her a high five in the face with a chair.
I haven’t said anything since, but I’m documenting everything for a noise complaint with the police and the office of public order.
It has been a little quieter, and I have noticed how much the permanent noises really f**k up my mood, my sleep, everything
Image credits: Ahtziri Lagarde (not the actual photo)
I was in such a good mood after two days of nearly hearing nothing from the dogs and Karen; I really wasn’t used to that anymore. I’m tired of that. My outdoor cat can’t walk through our garden without being barked at (Karen has cats herself), anyone who walks along the street in front of our house gets barked at, anything and everything gets barked at, and it’s really tiring me out.
Apart from that, she has done other things that just make one realize she isn’t a nice neighbor nor a nice human being
Image credits: Jon Tyson (not the actual photo)
What are your tips? Similar situations you had? Some nice Karma delivery? Anything. Cause I’m at the end of my patience after 8 years of getting startled and not being able to sleep whenever I want, cause I get woken up. I’d really appreciate any help, thank you.
Expert’s Advice
This is clearly a frustrating and exhausting situation, and it makes sense that you’re feeling drained. Long-term noise issues can deeply affect your quality of life, and it’s normal to feel at the end of your patience.
A few key things to consider:
- Document everything. Keep a detailed log with dates, times, and descriptions of the noise. Video or audio evidence can be helpful when filing a complaint.
- Set clear boundaries. If direct confrontation escalates the situation, communicate only in writing or through official channels.
- Seek formal support. File a noise complaint with local authorities and contact your community’s office of public order. In Germany, noise regulations are taken seriously.
- Protect your well-being. While waiting for a resolution, use earplugs or white noise machines to help preserve your sleep and mental health.
- Consider mediation. If possible, a neutral third party (like a community mediator) can sometimes resolve conflicts that direct conversation cannot.
You’re not being unreasonable for wanting peace in your own home. It’s okay to take steps that protect your well-being and finally bring the noise issue under control.
Moderator’s note:
Please note that the images included in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual individuals or items discussed in the story.
If you have a comparable experience or story you’d like to tell, we welcome your submissions. Click here to share your story with Bored Panda.
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
5Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
arthbach 4 months ago
1. Stop swearing at your neighbours. 2. There is an expectation of Ruhezeit (rest time) between 10pm and 6/7am, and also on Sundays and public holidays. If the dogs are barking/neighbour is shouting during the Ruhezeit, then contact the police and let them deal with it.
Anthony Elmore 4 months ago
Swear at your neighbors as much as you want. Dogs that bark constantly (generally) do so because they've got pent up energy. She's likely not taking care of them. Dogs aren't low-maintenance pets. Properly taking care of 6 *cats* isn't even easy, and they're considerably less maintenance. It generally won't make dealing with her any easier, but she's also not the least deserving target of it either. The more fruitful method would be to let the cops handle it, though.
Load More Replies...
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
As a dog owner n always have big dogs who bark loudly lol well one does , corsos are LOUD , even being out in the sticks in a village I still have neighbours, well one either side , none to back n front of house for erm bloody miles n miles lol, but I will not let them bark in the back garden , the only time they do is when someone’s at the door I allow it like three times then ,the little staffie don’t bark much at all , makes u jump when he does , then I quieten them as it should be !! Constantly barking dogs is bloody annoying , even I who’s had dogs all my 6 decades , don’t like it tbh that and I respect my neighbours,and the village to as sound carries !! however losing your rag help no one at all , contact them nicely put your concerns NICELY , if no change , contact your local council ,even USA has those lol ,report it , as it is ( well is in uk ) considered a noise nuisance! Thus illegal !!! and they can issue a noise abatement notice , which if still no change they
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Can escalate, also contact the local dog warden , to ,is she allowed that many dogs ? are they well looked after , are they barking cos they are starving etc plenty of ways to do this PROPERLY do not go down the f u n turn ah on them , it NEVER ENDS WELL for you mostly ,
Load More Replies...
arthbach 4 months ago
1. Stop swearing at your neighbours. 2. There is an expectation of Ruhezeit (rest time) between 10pm and 6/7am, and also on Sundays and public holidays. If the dogs are barking/neighbour is shouting during the Ruhezeit, then contact the police and let them deal with it.
Anthony Elmore 4 months ago
Swear at your neighbors as much as you want. Dogs that bark constantly (generally) do so because they've got pent up energy. She's likely not taking care of them. Dogs aren't low-maintenance pets. Properly taking care of 6 *cats* isn't even easy, and they're considerably less maintenance. It generally won't make dealing with her any easier, but she's also not the least deserving target of it either. The more fruitful method would be to let the cops handle it, though.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
As a dog owner n always have big dogs who bark loudly lol well one does , corsos are LOUD , even being out in the sticks in a village I still have neighbours, well one either side , none to back n front of house for erm bloody miles n miles lol, but I will not let them bark in the back garden , the only time they do is when someone’s at the door I allow it like three times then ,the little staffie don’t bark much at all , makes u jump when he does , then I quieten them as it should be !! Constantly barking dogs is bloody annoying , even I who’s had dogs all my 6 decades , don’t like it tbh that and I respect my neighbours,and the village to as sound carries !! however losing your rag help no one at all , contact them nicely put your concerns NICELY , if no change , contact your local council ,even USA has those lol ,report it , as it is ( well is in uk ) considered a noise nuisance! Thus illegal !!! and they can issue a noise abatement notice , which if still no change they
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Can escalate, also contact the local dog warden , to ,is she allowed that many dogs ? are they well looked after , are they barking cos they are starving etc plenty of ways to do this PROPERLY do not go down the f u n turn ah on them , it NEVER ENDS WELL for you mostly ,
Load More Replies... You May Like 70 Relationship Goals To Set Out And Achieve As A Couple 30 Of The Most Irksome Things Annoying People Often Say 150 Toxic Relationship Quotes To Stop Hurting Yourself And Let Go
Eligijus Sinkunas
Neilas Šurkus
Ula Rukaite
Related on Bored Panda
27
14