I felt compelled to respond to last week's letters about barking dogs.

I think the problem is really much bigger than proper pet training and covers respect and civility in many forms.

By way of illustration, consider this: What if the noise from the next yard was just as constant and loud but was kids playing and laughing? Not so bad now, right?

So the actual sound intrusion may not be the real annoyance here. The real annoyance is that the sound of your neighbor's dog barking is the sound of your neighbor disrespecting your right to enjoy your home in favor of their dog's right to be an undisciplined pest.

Again, this isn't just about dogs barking or the sanctity of one's property. Offhanded social disregard comes in many forms, some actually deadly.

When someone determines that the text they are attempting to send while juggling with their steering wheel at 70 mph is more important than the accident it may (as proven in countless cases) cause, they are exercising dangerous disrespect for themselves and others.

When people talk or text throughout the screening of a film, they are practicing deplorable disrespect.

The filmmaker worked hard to create a piece that would be understandable without ongoing clarification from the audience, but some people have what psychologists call "blurred boundaries," which is a syndrome wherein a person is unable to discern the difference between their impulses and the impact they may have on others.

So let's not just stop at "Shut your dog up." Let's consider when it is appropriate to shut our cellphone up or just plain shut the hell up.

We are not alone on this planet; we share our public spaces, and I can assure you that regardless of any fairly justifiable misanthropy we may experience, it beats the alternatives.

Every time we consider others and modify our actions out of respect for them, we have helped to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.

My not responding to a text while driving may save your life; my watching a film quietly will prevent me from spoiling your experience; my training my pet will open your windows and allow you fresh air, etc.

Remember, any respectful consideration we can make, regardless of the size or scope, betters the conditions of all. Steve Ochs Simi Valley