The Hansons, who live next door to the Johnsons, are disturbed by Sparky's incessant barking and the Johnsons' apparent lack of concern about it. The barking disrupts their sleep, hampers Sam's ability to work from home, and prevents them from enjoying time in their backyard.
As the story progresses, the tension escalates between the two households, and the Hansons become increasingly frustrated with the situation. They try talking to the Johnsons, but their attempts at communication fail, and the noise persists. The conflict culminates when the Hansons decide to confront Mr. Johnson directly, leading to a heated exchange that further strains their relationship.
Throughout the story, the main conflict highlights the challenges of neighborly relations, miscommunication, and the importance of finding amicable solutions to conflicts.