Research Project Title: How can we create a harmonious and peaceful environment for both dog owners and neighbours living in Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats?

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Section 1: Chosen Research Topic and Rationale

This research project aims to investigate any issues citizens have with the dogs residing in their neighbourhood. Also, the struggles dog owners may face while keeping their pets in Housing Development Boards (HDB) Flats. It is crucial to discover opportunities to tackle issues both parties may face. This is necessary to create a harmonious and peaceful living environment for all.

Through research, different concerns were found. For neighbours, issues of noise complaints such as dog barking (DropNoise, n.d) and dissatisfaction regarding the new regulation allowing larger-sized dogs to live in HDB Flats (The Online Citizen, 2020) were discussed about. Besides that, an article regarding whether dogs are able to live happily in high rise buildings (CNN,2012), issues such as misbehaving dogs with territoriality, noise and separation anxiety issues due to lack of training provided may arise which would heavily impact the peaceful environment of HDB Flats.

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While for dog owners, there has been an increase of dogs being adopted and purchased despite the high cost of upkeep in Singapore which cost around US$20,000 (Coya, 2020). Based on the research study by Coya, Singapore ranked 50 out of 50 in key canine wellness indicator and lacked pet friendly restaurants and parks. Singapore also has the highest dog abandonment rates.

This study research will gather and present accurate findings in regards on the issues and the needs of both dog owners and neighbours residing in HDB Flats. To hear from the residents and the actual problem that may have arisen that disrupts the peaceful environment for both parties. We will then find solutions or ways to better improve both parties' experiences to contribute and encourage a harmonious and peaceful environment for all.

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Section 2: The research method is chosen to conduct this research

We will be using this qualitative methodology to determine the arising issue or concerns both dog owners and their neighbours may face. We will also compare the alternative solutions to determine which are better fit for specific problems or issues. The selected research method will be interviews and field studies.

The selected qualitative methodology is,

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• Field Studies,

To observe the residents in their natural habitat to further understand the noise complaints or the behaviours and interactions dog owners and neighbours may have when interacting. Various methods of covert observation will be used.

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• Interviews,

To understand and explore in-depth the interviewee's perspectives.

For neighbours, their feelings, opinions, behaviours, and preferences in regard to the dogs residing in HDB Flats. Their personal experiences and encounters with dogs or dog owners have disrupted the peaceful environment in HDB Flats.

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For dog owners, their knowledge, behaviours, attitude, opinions, and feelings in regard to their dog's wellbeing, affordability and issues they may face.

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Due to the time constraints, only one selected area of residence will be included in this study. The chosen area of resident must be the one with a significant number of complaints or visible evidence of disrupted peace between both the neighbours and dog owners.

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Section 3: Target group for your research

The target group for this research will be 30 HDB flats owners. This amount will then be separated into 2 groups. 15 neighbours and 15 dog owners residing in the same residence. Two separated interview will conducted to cater the different group target (Neighbours and Dog owning neighbours) Initiatives to work with the Town Councils and Neighbourhood Police will be done to further understand which region and then specific region that has the most complaints or issues between both dog owners and neighbours.

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The specific characteristics we are looking for are as follows,

• Must be residing in HDB Flats

• Must be a local in Singapore (Singaporean or Public Resident)

• Are either dog owners or neighbours affected by the noises and issues caused by the dog residing in their HDB flats.

• Must be above the age of 17 years old to participate.

 

A few recruitment methods have been discussed. Posters and flyers will be placed under the selected HDB block's notice boards and lifts. Team members will also be recruited to talked to residents and encourage them to join the interview initiatives.

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Section 4: Schedule and Outcome

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The timeline would be as follows,
 

For Week 1,

• Covert observation will be commenced. Members will be deployed to the selected residence to observe the behaviour and the environment of the buildings and resident to better understand the surroundings

• While covert observation is on-going, interviews will also start and be conducted by different members.
   

For Week 2,

• Since there are 15 interviewees to interview for each team, another week will be given to interview the remaining interviewees. Analysis of data will start on the end of week 2.
   

For Week 3,

• The remaining interviews to be analysed. The data collected for covert observation will also be analysed within this week.  Members in charge will be task to call interviewees to follow up and answers enquiries of questions they have regarding the data collected from the interview.
   

For Week 4,

• A report will be done to gather and analyse the findings from the interviews and covert observation.

 

The outcome for this research study will be a qualitative research report that incorporates visual evidence such as video recording, photographs, audio and statements from interviewees and covert observations will be produced.

 

References (APA format)

By Morieka Johnson, MNN.com. (2012, August). Can a dog live happily in a high-rise? CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/03/living/high-rise-living/index.html

 

Netizens express their dissatisfaction to the new regulation that allows for bigger dogs to live in HDB flats. (2020, March). The Online Citizen Asia. https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/03/02/netizens-express-their-dissatisfaction-to-the-new-regulation-that-allows-for-bigger-dogs-to-live-in-hdb-flats/

 

Noise Nuisance Control Products, Dropnoise. (2020, December 23). Inconsiderate Noisy

           Neighbour Singapore | Noise Nuisance. Noise Nuisance Control Products | Dropnoise                 

         | All About Handling Noisy Neighbours. https://www.noisyneighboursingapore.com/