Help me figure out what to do about the neighbors dogs!

[PollyannaMom]

I would not call the authorities yet, because the neighbors seriously seem to want to solve the problem. I would talk to them about reinforcing the fence with metal, and see if they will pay for it. Get a recommendation and estimate first from a fence company you trust.

(I agree about documenting each incident, though, in case they stop being so accommodating.)

As for meeting the dogs, I might myself, under the right conditions, but I would not let them near a small child or other dog at this point.

 

[Hikergirl]

They are both dogs but the behavior from little dogs is excused a lot more. If they're damaging property and being little menaces they need to be addressed, not laughed off. I think that was that poster's point.

True. I have a small breed dog that is very territorial, she barks and growls at everyone that passes by, even people she knows (which is why agree that meeting the neighbors dog is useless). She is harmless, but I would never leave her out unattended because you just never know what could happen. We don't have fenced yards in my subdivision and I would never leave her just tied out like my neighbors leave their dog. Its too much of a risk, they are animals and have animal instinct. A loving harmless pet can turn in the blink of an eye, no matter what size they are.

OP, I would definitely be firm with the neighbors about doing something that ensures their dog can't get in to your yard. On top of building a more secure type fence, that may mean that they have to actually leash their dog and take it out themselves instead of just letting it out in their yard.

 

[Poohlove]

There's no comparison between a pit bull and Pomeranian, except that they're dogs. Which one would you want to meet in a dark alley? Not condemning pit bulls, I have no doubt they can be quite friendly. But when aggressive, one is much more of a threat than the other.

I guess I'd just take a more hard line stance after making several attempts to be neighborly about it. I'm not going to drastically alter my life because my neighbors have a dog that is causing my family an issue. I would expect them to fix the problem, and if they don't, then I'll see to it the dog is removed.

We aren't in an alley and we are talking about dogs, not people. Just because a dog is a Pitbull doesn't mean that it is aggressive, just because a dog is a Pomeranian doesn't mean it isn't a threat, sure it could do less damage than a larger dog but statistically which ones bites more?

As with any dog, it is how they are raised not the breed that makes them what they are. My mom used to have Dalmatians, they are far more high strung and reactive than any pitbull that I have ever met.

 

[Poohlove]

They are both dogs but the behavior from little dogs is excused a lot more. If they're damaging property and being little menaces they need to be addressed, not laughed off. I think that was that poster's point.

My point exactly, thank you!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

My neighbors recently got a big dog that barks & growls at me. No fence, so it's free to roam the neighborhood. I have to say I was a little relieved when it was hit & killed on the road. I feel a little guilty about that, but my family's safety comes first.

 

[cabanafrau]

They are both dogs but the behavior from little dogs is excused a lot more. If they're damaging property and being little menaces they need to be addressed, not laughed off. I think that was that poster's point.

I agree with you, however I do agree with Klayfish's point as well. Pits fall within a group where the menace factor may reach the literal point of life and limb. In that sense the comparison with the menace of Pomeranians simply doesn't stand up.

 

[Klayfish]

We aren't in an alley and we are talking about dogs, not people. Just because a dog is a Pitbull doesn't mean that it is aggressive, just because a dog is a Pomeranian doesn't mean it isn't a threat, sure it could do less damage than a larger dog but statistically which ones bites more?

As with any dog, it is how they are raised not the breed that makes them what they are. My mom used to have Dalmatians, they are far more high strung and reactive than any pitbull that I have ever met.

I said in my original post that I have no doubt that pit bulls can be friendly, so I agree that just because it's a pitbull it's not necessarily aggressive. I also agree that just because it's a Pomeranian that it's not aggressive by definition. But sorry, I would treat an aggressive pit bull far different than I would treat an aggressive Pomeranian. If you wouldn't, that's up to you, but I would. I have no concerns of a Pomeranian, or Shih Tzu being a true safety threat to me or my family. A pit bull, or other large and powerful dog, I would see differently. And I'm not saying I'm afraid of big dogs...quite the opposite. I'm not really a dog person anyway, but I very, very much prefer big dogs to small ones. Our dog is a black lab/great dane mix, so he's a big boy. He's as friendly as can be, but I am always aware of his size and strength. One of our neighbors has a tiny little dog, don't know the breed. It tends to wander into our yard and yap at people. I chase it out...not because I'm worried it's going to hurt my dog or my kids...but because I don't want my dog getting protective and using it as a chew toy.

 

[Hikergirl]

We aren't in an alley and we are talking about dogs, not people. Just because a dog is a Pitbull doesn't mean that it is aggressive, just because a dog is a Pomeranian doesn't mean it isn't a threat, sure it could do less damage than a larger dog but statistically which ones bites more?

As with any dog, it is how they are raised not the breed that makes them what they are. My mom used to have Dalmatians, they are far more high strung and reactive than any pitbull that I have ever met.

I think its actually a combination of both. There are traits certain breeds possess (positive and negative). Raising them a certain way does not erase them.

 

[Hikergirl]

My neighbors recently got a big dog that barks & growls at me. No fence, so it's free to roam the neighborhood. I have to say I was a little relieved when it was hit & killed on the road. I feel a little guilty about that, but my family's safety comes first.

I hate hearing that. Your neighbors should have never been dog owners.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I agree with you, however I do agree with Klayfish's point as well. Pits fall within a group where the menace factor may reach the literal point of life and limb. In that sense the comparison with the menace of Pomeranians simply doesn't stand up.

I'd only be mildly irritated if I was actually shot with an air-soft "gun" where I would be furious if a real gun were even pointed in my general direction.

So it is with dogs. Some simply lack the size & strength to actually hurt you no matter how nasty they are. On the flip side, a dog that is big enough to kill you must be handled in a different manner, no matter how well behaved it's been "so far".

BTW, the whole "no bad dogs only bad owners" theory is complete nonsense. Yes, a dog's treatment CAN and often DOES dictate its behavior. But, it's no guarantee either way. Abused dogs can be very sweet & dogs that come from a loving environment can be terribly aggressive. Some dogs - like some people - simply aren't "wired right".

 

[Pea-n-Me]

PLEASE DO NOT SUBJECT YOUR DOG TO THAT!! (ETA ie a Meet and Greet.) If they attack it, there is no going back. They are not demonstrating "friendly" tendencies, and will not likely be friendly toward your dog. In fact, two together can trigger a "gang mentality" where they feed off eachother's aggression. Your dog won't stand a chance.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I hate hearing that. Your neighbors should have never been dog owners.

Sadly, it's all too common around here to have a big, potentially dangerous dog running loose.

I was attacked twice in my youth by loose dogs - one small, one that probably would have removed my leg if not for the OTHER big dog that came to my rescue (both dogs had the same owner).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh dear, I am so sorry, this is not a comfortable situation to be in. My cousin's dog Cali was recently attacked by the Pit across the hall from her and unfortunately Cali ended up with drainage tubes in her neck On the other hand my best friend has a very energetic Pit that has bitten a mailman before (they were sued) but as long as I go in and sit down first,feed the dog treats, the dog is fine immediately with me. But this is your home, in NO way do I think you should feel unsafe or be financially responsible for safeguarding your family and pets, they should. If you can't verbally come up with a long term solution I agree with the PP, you'll have to call the city/animal control...I've done it before, whether someone wasn't taking care of their animal for its' sake or for a human's, it's a call that has to be made. Best of Luck

What if there are no treats?

 

[HomeiswhereMickeyis]

If the neighbors are willing to try to help the situation maybe you could nicely suggest behavior classes with a local shelter or some place that is willing to work with aggressive dogs.

 

[cabanafrau]

We aren't in an alley and we are talking about dogs, not people. Just because a dog is a Pitbull doesn't mean that it is aggressive, just because a dog is a Pomeranian doesn't mean it isn't a threat, sure it could do less damage than a larger dog but statistically which ones bites more?

As with any dog, it is how they are raised not the breed that makes them what they are. My mom used to have Dalmatians, they are far more high strung and reactive than any pitbull that I have ever met.

From what I know Dalmatians are a breed that requires very knowledgeable and responsible owners as well. Obviously every dog owner should be both, but with many breeds the risk for problems or risk to public safety is proportionately less than for other breeds where the stakes go up.

I understand you have a very beloved pit and I'll guess that your pup is well cared for and presents little risk to anyone. I'll guess you've gotten some pushback from people about the breed, disagree strongly and your stories about the menace other breeds possess is understandable. To be honest, were I your neighbor I would always have a wary eye on your dog no matter how well behaved, friendly it may seem and how much I knew you took great care and love with your pet. IMO the margin for error with that breed can be very disastrous and I don't personally care to be living next to one.

 

[jt'smom]

First off, there is NO WAY I would have my family over there "meeting" their dogs to try and get the dogs to be friendlier. That's not your responsibility and if they don't have proper control over their dogs, someone might get hurt. That said, I've been in a similar situation with a neighbor who would take in his brother's pit for weeks at a time. He already owned a rather aggressive GSD himself, and he would put that pit in the backyard and those dogs would have horrific fights. The pit's name was Diablo, (which was perfect), and he was raised in a way to make him aggressive and dangerous. The brother would bring him over with a giant rope tied around his neck, and smack him with the heavy, knotted end. We tried going through the HOA, but because of some previous legal issues with this owner, the board wouldn't tangle with him. I had two cocker spaniels, and a young boy who played in our yard with tons of neighborhood kids, so safety was paramount when Diablo was visiting. He would bash his head and break through our shared fence in spots, and to my neighbor's credit, he did repair and reinforce, but I was waiting for the day that dog got through. We finally got a baseball bat, took it next door, and my husband told the guy that going forward, if that dog got through enough to put a paw in our yard, we would be using the baseball bat to knock him out preemptively if we were outside. Oddly, that solved the problem. I think the threat of that kind of violence was totally normal to our neighbor, and he respected it. He ended up building a dog run inside his big backyard and when Diablo came over, he stayed in the dog run. I love dogs, and it broke my heart to see that poor dog in that small space, but I felt so sorry for the GSD and the safety of my family and dogs was always going to come first!

 

[princesspiglet]

This is a terrible situation to be in, I feel for you. I agree with the others who said to contact Animal Control first and the local police department second. I have a very good friend that has a Pit and I have only ever been to her house once because of it. She continues to tell me daily how sweet and loving the dog is...but the one time I was over there with my DD14, the dog was snarling at us the whole time and my friend just kept saying..."oh stop you big lovebug" to the dog. My DD and I were both terrified the entire time! There is no way I feel comfortable being there or having her come over to our house with the dog. It has hurt our friendship a little, but the safety of my family is more important.

 

[ThisIsJason]

Unpopular opinion......if I was in your situation: They are aggressive, damaged my property and were in my yard. There would be a couple of dead dogs in my backyard. Simple as that. I wouldn't put up with that crap.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

Ok, now that this thread is no longer simply about fencing I'll be honest. I've called animal control before and problem is their 30min to a couple of hours away and the threat is usually immediate. I'd give the neighbors a chance as I have before but after a warning I'll shoot their dog for them if it threatens me or my family. I'd probably tell them this also, my experience some people don't take action until forced. Putting them on notice forces them. And before anyone starts, I know the laws in my area and I'm within my rights.
OP, do what you have to to protect your family.

 

[Poohlove]

From what I know Dalmatians are a breed that requires very knowledgeable and responsible owners as well. Obviously every dog owner should be both, but with many breeds the risk for problems or risk to public safety is proportionately less than for other breeds where the stakes go up.

I understand you have a very beloved pit and I'll guess that your pup is well cared for and presents little risk to anyone. I'll guess you've gotten some pushback from people about the breed, disagree strongly and your stories about the menace other breeds possess is understandable. To be honest, were I your neighbor I would always have a wary eye on your dog no matter how well behaved, friendly it may seem and how much I knew you took great care and love with your pet. IMO the margin for error with that breed can be very disastrous and I don't personally care to be living next to one.

Yes, I am a very responsible dog owner as is my mom. As previous posters have said one dog can vary from another within in the same breed tremendously, I have seen that first hand.

I appreciate your honesty and I am sorry that you are so adverse to an entire breed the way that you are. My dog happens to be very well liked among my neighbors, my one neighbor has a 10 YO daughter who will come over from time to time and throw the ball for my dog. When we take walks the people in my neighborhood all say hi to her and all like her very much. If it weren't for me walking her my neighborhood wouldn't even know I have a dog, she doesn't usually bark and she stays in my fenced in backyard.

If anyone in my neighborhood has an issue with her than I don't have to worry about them being where they shouldn't be