The Dog on the Balcony: The Unseen Problems of Owned Animals

Because I work in dog training, people mostly ask me about street dogs. Yet one of the problems I encounter most often in practice is inside homes, rather than on the streets.

Animals tied on balconies all day, never taken for a walk even once a week, raised in small cages, or shouted into silence every time they bark… These animals have an owner and an address. On paper, they are not “unowned.” That does not mean they are well cared for.

A dog’s basic needs extend beyond food and water. It needs movement, opportunities to explore its surroundings through scent, a safe relationship with people, and regular veterinary checkups. When these needs are unmet, behavior deteriorates first: persistent barking, damage to belongings, aggression, or, at the other extreme, withdrawal. The body is affected next; weight problems, joint conditions, and skin diseases can develop.

Many owners do not act with bad intentions. Often the problem is insufficient knowledge, limited time, or a responsibility never considered before adoption. “I love my dog very much” may be sincere, but love alone changes little if the animal’s needs are not met.

Barking is a signal, not simply a nuisance

Dog barking is one of the most frequent disputes in apartment buildings. A neighbor quite reasonably wants to sleep and rest. Yet in my experience, a dog that barks constantly is usually communicating something: fear of being left alone, boredom, pain, or insufficient exercise. When we treat the problem as “make the noise stop,” we suppress the symptom while the cause remains.

The solution generally involves some support for the owner. Two regular walks a day, a few simple training exercises, and gradual adjustment to periods alone make a substantial difference in many cases. The same solution can protect the neighbor’s peace and the animal’s welfare.

A calm conversation can be tried first. But if an animal appears to be left hungry, thirsty, or injured, subjected to violence, or kept in dangerous conditions for long periods, this is no longer merely a neighborly dispute. Animal Protection Law No. 5199 also imposes clear duties on owners. The relevant municipal department or provincial directorate should be contacted, with concrete information, dates, and observation notes where possible.

Using official channels instead of publicly exposing someone on social media is both more effective for the animal and helps prevent unfair accusations. Institutions, in turn, should not close a complaint after knocking on the door and asking, “Is the animal inside?” They need to examine its living space, nutrition, and health properly.

Questions to ask before adoption

A significant share of problems begins before the animal comes home. Many people who have not considered that a puppy may live ten or fifteen years, that training and care cost money, or who will look after it during holidays begin to struggle a few months later. Organizations and volunteers arranging adoptions can prevent considerable neglect by discussing these issues openly with prospective owners.

Taking an animal off the street and bringing it home is a good beginning. But a life spent waiting alone on a balcony for years cannot really be called a life rescued. Anyone who keeps an animal at home can start today by taking it on a slightly longer walk than usual.