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I like dogs. I like most dogs more than most people, actually — but there are exceptions, in both species. The small poodlelike dog, whom I shall call Monsieur,* who lives next door is definitely beginning to get on my nerves.

The problem is that he’s territorial when it comes to other dogs. Other dogs are not even allowed in the hallways of Monsieur’s building, which certainly makes it difficult for Nigel and me to sneak out for a walk without setting him off like a yapping, snarling car alarm that occasionally (when his people aren’t home, and he can get away with more crap) throws itself bodily onto the door. He keeps it up until we’ve gone down both sets of stairs and the front door has closed behind us. It isn’t just Nigel that pisses him off, either; he does the same to the innocuous and pleasant terrier type who lives on the other side of my flat. I thought perhaps that letting Monsieur know who was passing would help, but talking to him or making friendly noises while we pass his door does nothing to soothe him; gentle admonishments to shut the freakin’ hell up are ignored.

This evening’s episode was particularly memorable, because Monsieur’s people had left the door unlatched and, while I was locking our own door before our walk, Monsieur was able to launch himself out of his flat and into the hallway, yelling for all he was worth. Happily, Nigel’s response in these situations is usually what I think of as his who the hell do you think you are bay, so named because it’s a kind of shrill, higher-pitched hoooo, hoooo. Nonviolent without being too submissive, which is good, but man, is it loud indoors. Nigel doesn’t bark or bay much, as a rule, but when he does, he does it to the full extent of his lung capacity, and you can tell those lungs were bred to project sound a long, long way.

Happily, Monsieur’s people realized what was happening and were able to collect him, with horrified apologies. They do try very hard to modify his behavior, and they’re nice enough people (though one must wonder what possessed them to leave their screen door unlatched with a dog in the home, and they have been known on rare rainy occasions to exercise Monsieur by playing fetch down the length of the communal hallway, which is ever so slightly disruptive, but oh well), but the territorialness does seem to be getting worse. When he first came here, maybe about a year ago, he was standoffish toward Nigel but not really pushy. Maybe it’s just that he’s settled in and feels more comfortable now, which is not entirely a good thing.

He’s only territorial, not aggressive, and isn’t big enough to do any real damage, but (a) it’s kind of annoying to be cussed out thoroughly by a small dog every time one takes one’s own dog out; (b) Nigel doesn’t seem fazed by the barking, but certainly dislikes being verbally attacked for, as he sees it, no reason at all; and (c) it’s got to be stressful for Monsieur to feel he has to defend his territory so frequently, and so vehemently.

I feel bad finding a dog so annoying, and I do sympathize with his people, who are aware of their dog’s behavior and are trying to do something about it. I just want to be able to take my dog for a walk without all the angry yapping.

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*Not his real name.