Need advice - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Bellasmom30 · 03-03-2011, 12:49 PM

So our neighbors (whom we share a fence with) have 3 dogs that live outside. Two Heelers and a mixed something. All 3 are fairly good sized dogs. Well, the Heelers are literally biting the planks off of the fence from the bottom trying to get to my Bella and my moms poodle!

My 13 yr old was actually nipped by one of the dogs last week. I went next door and talked with her and she was not too disturbed by this to say the least! She and her husband did replace that particular plank. The dog had stuck her head through one of the planks she had apparently bitten off and when my 13 yr old tried to remove my 1 yr old from the dogs way so he wouldn't get hurt, he ended up taking the bite! Just a scratch from a tooth but still ticks me off! She and her husband did replace that particular plank.

I have replaced some of the planks, and put sturdy bricks in front of the others, but these dogs are viscious! They bite more pieces off EVERYDAY!! When I go to fix what they have destroyed trying to get to MY dogs, they try to bite at me!

I don't even know what to do anymore?! I'm afraid to call the city because I don't want them to take her dogs and do something crazy (plus start WW3 with our neighbors) but there has to be some resolve here before someone gets seriously hurt! I couldn't take it if something happened to one of my kids or dogs! Any suggestions as to what to do?

Sandysbabies · 03-03-2011, 12:59 PM

Oh, I know what you mean. We had a cyclone fence around our yard several years ago and the people next dog bought a rocie. He looked like a horse and I was scared to death for my dogs. My husband put up a wooden fence and just ran it along the cyclone fence which really helped. Fortunately everytime these people got a dog it didn't last long and now there are no dogs around us at all. I don't know the answer for you but I would not let them go out alone to potty even with the fence. Its just worth it taking the chance. Hope someone can help you and I know its terrible to have to worry about something like that.

Ellie May · 03-03-2011, 01:05 PM

It does need to be reported because now your child is in danger. Are you sure the dog was current on rabies? Really only the city or county could confirm that for you. For the safety of your kiddos, you may need to get somebody involved.

Rhetts_mama · 03-03-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

It does need to be reported because now your child is in danger. Are you sure the dog was current on rabies? Really only the city or county could confirm that for you. For the safety of your kiddos, you may need to get somebody involved.

yorkietalkjilly · 03-03-2011, 01:27 PM

I had a dog-related problem with a neighbor and put my concerns in a certified letter, RRR, which she apparently never picked up or signed for so I sent her a copy regular mail. Later, when the problem didn't stop, I wrote the City Manager with a copy to Animal Control and the neighbor, pleading for relief, advice, help and expressing my worries as to possible pranks or retribution for speaking up. The CM did some research and then had Animal Control pay her a visit plus he called the neighbor and me, telling me to officially report her if I got no immediate relief. After a while longer, I finally went over to visit her and told her my problems with the constant barking and she went off on me - yelling so that other neighbors overheard. I remained composed and businesslike and the next day she turned me into the City for a code violation for a satellite dish I'd recently had replaced, left lying in the garden by the TV people. I am disabled and could not lift it. I called the correct city department who left the code notice and told the code officer what had been going on and he came out himself, picked up the old satellite dish and took it off when he left and then told me within her earshot(she was out front watering when he came) that I should take her to City Court for the problems and now the harrassment. That day the problem - which was NONSTOP barking - and I do mean nonstop - stopped. I had been praying for some kind of help for years but that day, through just one very good, God-sent man and no doubt my neighbor's own good conscience, the problem just stopped! It is scary when dealing with neighbors as one never knows how they will respond. But I will forever bless my next door neighbor for stopping the barking! My life has been far different since my home is peaceful and quiet with just normal dog barking from next door You never know what some persistence and prayer can do with a neighbor. I think at first they think you are just trying to step on their rights or something but if you speak up for your own rights, persist and involve others without losing your cool and if you are as blessed as I was, you will hopefully some day, some way find a way through it.

But proceed with caution as I read a story online of a woman who had 3 or 4 always barking German Shepherd Dogs next door and complained to the neighbors. Then she said one day when she was out bent over gardening, her biker neighbor came out and grabbed the back of her neck with his big hand and threatened her! I hope your neighbor is like mine rather than that one. Best wishes to you. Keep us posted.

JasmineNoelle · 03-03-2011, 01:29 PM

We had to put up a chain link fence along with the wooden privacy fence bc of neighbors dogs. Very frustrating. Sometimes the authorities won't do anything until someone is hurt, which is way too late. I totally understand your frustration.

alaskayorkie · 03-03-2011, 02:25 PM

This is perhaps the biggest frustration I've heard from dog owners -- what to do about neighbors who don't control their dogs. As you've noted, there's no easy answer.

I've had problems with neighbor dogs on both sides, and I've handled it different ways with each neighbor. Of course, my neighbor dogs don't seem vicious, they just like to bark and give chase.

The first thing I did was to get my dogs from participating in the ruckus. They weren't as aggressive and mean, but I discovered they were often instigating it. They would run up and down the fenceline barking and having the time of their lives.

So I started addressing it with my dogs every single time there was an incident. I didn't turn my back on them when they were outside. If they charged the fence, I was out there breaking it up, putting my body between my dogs and the fence and shushing them away. If they stayed away, they got treats.

When that didn't totally stop it, I started bringing out a water bottle. When they ran to the fence aggressively, they got squirted. I tried squirting the neighbor dogs, but for some reason it just made them more enraged. I decided to stick with training my dogs. Eventually, I didn't even need to squirt my dogs. Just the sight of the spray bottle did it.

The result, after about a month of work, is the neighbor dogs would charge up to the fence and my dogs wouldn't go near them. When my dogs did that, they were rewarded with treats.

Pretty soon, the neighbors noticed what I was doing and started doing the same thing. Now we have harmony again. Their dogs rarely rush to the fence, and my dogs rarely engage. Nevertheless, on the rare times it happens, I'm on it immediately.

On the other side was a neighbor we get along with well, but they own an australian shepherd who doesn't get enough exercise. Wonderful dog, just not outlet for its energy. So I offered to walk their dog. I did it several times and became friends with their dog. I even got them together with my dogs, so the dogs became friends too.

That didn't eliminate the fencing entirely, but it made the encounters less vicious. I used the spray bottle on that side, too, and we now have pretty good harmony there.

It was a lot of work, but I kept the peace in the neighborhood and solved the problem.

If the going is slow, enlist the neighbor's help. Approach them in a friendly manner and ask for their help in solving your mutual problem. A little honey catches more flies

RONLYNN · 03-03-2011, 03:18 PM

You could try putting some cement blocks so that way they won't be able to do anything even if they chew the bottom of the wood.

Bellasmom30 · 03-03-2011, 03:31 PM

Thank you to everyone for such great advice! These poor dogs next door don't get any attention. It baffles me because I am a stay at home mom and so is the lady next door. Only her children are in high school so she has all day to do something with these animals. I think they are going insane! lol About every other morning I hear them fighting each other visciously and her breaking them up! I just don't get it. Why have pets if you don't do anything with them? These people act like they are annoyed at their own dogs, but it seems to me the problem is a result of them being neglectful owners. Maybe I'm wrong......

yorkietalkjilly · 03-03-2011, 03:43 PM

Oh, the same sad story we hear about so often - dogs stuck out in the yard living a hopeless life with uninterested, uninvolved owners. Those are the dogs that cause so much trouble - unloved, bored to death, probably scared with no real leadership in their little lonely pack of two. I could get into "shaken owner syndrome" with owners like that. That lady needs somebody to shake some sense into her. She's got a treasure trove of love and fun out there in that back yard and could care less! Heartbreaking story.

IamMiasmom · 03-03-2011, 03:54 PM

It is really sad because it isn't necesarrily the dogs fault. It's the owners! I had a neighbor who had made their dog mean by not giving it attention, it caught a glimpse of my terrier and tore in . I nearly lost her, told them I was going to file claim. They called animal control and guess what, ac told me they would also ticket ME for dog fighting. After we left there, one of our friends that were still there, had a lovely beagle that was attacked by the same dog. I swear people never cease to amaze me, i called them the mansons. I think they put the lab down, sad I think it was how they would tie him up and leave him forever. Be cautious you never want nut cases throwing poison goodies over the fence either. I would never allow them near the fence even on leash sounds like you have some terrible neighbors, sorry.

babbsiam44 · 03-03-2011, 04:23 PM

Oh my, I can say that I truly feel for you. I would go insane if I had neighbors with dogs like that. It is true what one poster said...you need to watch for your childs safety and yours for that matter. If your child were bit and you had to go to the ER then they would have reported it to the Animal Control. I know you don't want to start WW3 but what in the world are you neighbors doing to prevent such a war...nothing? Have they put bricks, cement blocks or whatever on their side of the fence? Now that I think of it it might give them a leverage to get over the top. You have to do something.

Your responsibility is your family and d$%n if I wouldn't do what I necessarily had to, to protect them!!!!! Please keep us posted because this could be a very serious situation.

Tayluvheryorkie · 03-03-2011, 04:41 PM

You have to find away to get their attention, A small claims court is what I am thinking. I would also, take pictures, (time and date stamp) and keep stuff in writing and start reporting to your county animal control. IMHO all it takes is one weekend out of town for them the chew into your yard.

yorkieusa · 03-03-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasmineNoelle

We had to put up a chain link fence along with the wooden privacy fence bc of neighbors dogs. Very frustrating. Sometimes the authorities won't do anything until someone is hurt, which is way too late. I totally understand your frustration.

Very good and inexpensive solution to keep everyone safe on your side. Plant some vines or a hedge along it to hide the fence if you like.

Rhetts_mama · 03-03-2011, 05:52 PM

I'm not sure hedges would be enough of deterrent to vicious dogs. A raised bed with chicken wire buried along the fence might slow them down though.

03-03-2011, 12:49 PM	#1
Bellasmom30 YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Royse City tx Posts: 341	Need advice So our neighbors (whom we share a fence with) have 3 dogs that live outside. Two Heelers and a mixed something. All 3 are fairly good sized dogs. Well, the Heelers are literally biting the planks off of the fence from the bottom trying to get to my Bella and my moms poodle! My 13 yr old was actually nipped by one of the dogs last week. I went next door and talked with her and she was not too disturbed by this to say the least! She and her husband did replace that particular plank. The dog had stuck her head through one of the planks she had apparently bitten off and when my 13 yr old tried to remove my 1 yr old from the dogs way so he wouldn't get hurt, he ended up taking the bite! Just a scratch from a tooth but still ticks me off! She and her husband did replace that particular plank. I have replaced some of the planks, and put sturdy bricks in front of the others, but these dogs are viscious! They bite more pieces off EVERYDAY!! When I go to fix what they have destroyed trying to get to MY dogs, they try to bite at me! I don't even know what to do anymore?! I'm afraid to call the city because I don't want them to take her dogs and do something crazy (plus start WW3 with our neighbors) but there has to be some resolve here before someone gets seriously hurt! I couldn't take it if something happened to one of my kids or dogs! Any suggestions as to what to do? __________________ Mom to five children, one Yorkie Bella and a Maltese Sugar

03-03-2011, 01:05 PM	#3
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	It does need to be reported because now your child is in danger. Are you sure the dog was current on rabies? Really only the city or county could confirm that for you. For the safety of your kiddos, you may need to get somebody involved. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

03-03-2011, 01:27 PM	#5
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	I had a dog-related problem with a neighbor and put my concerns in a certified letter, RRR, which she apparently never picked up or signed for so I sent her a copy regular mail. Later, when the problem didn't stop, I wrote the City Manager with a copy to Animal Control and the neighbor, pleading for relief, advice, help and expressing my worries as to possible pranks or retribution for speaking up. The CM did some research and then had Animal Control pay her a visit plus he called the neighbor and me, telling me to officially report her if I got no immediate relief. After a while longer, I finally went over to visit her and told her my problems with the constant barking and she went off on me - yelling so that other neighbors overheard. I remained composed and businesslike and the next day she turned me into the City for a code violation for a satellite dish I'd recently had replaced, left lying in the garden by the TV people. I am disabled and could not lift it. I called the correct city department who left the code notice and told the code officer what had been going on and he came out himself, picked up the old satellite dish and took it off when he left and then told me within her earshot(she was out front watering when he came) that I should take her to City Court for the problems and now the harrassment. That day the problem - which was NONSTOP barking - and I do mean nonstop - stopped. I had been praying for some kind of help for years but that day, through just one very good, God-sent man and no doubt my neighbor's own good conscience, the problem just stopped! It is scary when dealing with neighbors as one never knows how they will respond. But I will forever bless my next door neighbor for stopping the barking! My life has been far different since my home is peaceful and quiet with just normal dog barking from next door You never know what some persistence and prayer can do with a neighbor. I think at first they think you are just trying to step on their rights or something but if you speak up for your own rights, persist and involve others without losing your cool and if you are as blessed as I was, you will hopefully some day, some way find a way through it. But proceed with caution as I read a story online of a woman who had 3 or 4 always barking German Shepherd Dogs next door and complained to the neighbors. Then she said one day when she was out bent over gardening, her biker neighbor came out and grabbed the back of her neck with his big hand and threatened her! I hope your neighbor is like mine rather than that one. Best wishes to you. Keep us posted. Last edited by yorkietalkjilly; 03-03-2011 at 01:29 PM.

03-03-2011, 01:29 PM	#6
JasmineNoelle YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 2,774 Blog Entries: 1	We had to put up a chain link fence along with the wooden privacy fence bc of neighbors dogs. Very frustrating. Sometimes the authorities won't do anything until someone is hurt, which is way too late. I totally understand your frustration. __________________ Jasmine's, Prissy's and Maggie Mae's Mommy

03-03-2011, 02:25 PM	#7
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	This is perhaps the biggest frustration I've heard from dog owners -- what to do about neighbors who don't control their dogs. As you've noted, there's no easy answer. I've had problems with neighbor dogs on both sides, and I've handled it different ways with each neighbor. Of course, my neighbor dogs don't seem vicious, they just like to bark and give chase. The first thing I did was to get my dogs from participating in the ruckus. They weren't as aggressive and mean, but I discovered they were often instigating it. They would run up and down the fenceline barking and having the time of their lives. So I started addressing it with my dogs every single time there was an incident. I didn't turn my back on them when they were outside. If they charged the fence, I was out there breaking it up, putting my body between my dogs and the fence and shushing them away. If they stayed away, they got treats. When that didn't totally stop it, I started bringing out a water bottle. When they ran to the fence aggressively, they got squirted. I tried squirting the neighbor dogs, but for some reason it just made them more enraged. I decided to stick with training my dogs. Eventually, I didn't even need to squirt my dogs. Just the sight of the spray bottle did it. The result, after about a month of work, is the neighbor dogs would charge up to the fence and my dogs wouldn't go near them. When my dogs did that, they were rewarded with treats. Pretty soon, the neighbors noticed what I was doing and started doing the same thing. Now we have harmony again. Their dogs rarely rush to the fence, and my dogs rarely engage. Nevertheless, on the rare times it happens, I'm on it immediately. On the other side was a neighbor we get along with well, but they own an australian shepherd who doesn't get enough exercise. Wonderful dog, just not outlet for its energy. So I offered to walk their dog. I did it several times and became friends with their dog. I even got them together with my dogs, so the dogs became friends too. That didn't eliminate the fencing entirely, but it made the encounters less vicious. I used the spray bottle on that side, too, and we now have pretty good harmony there. It was a lot of work, but I kept the peace in the neighborhood and solved the problem. If the going is slow, enlist the neighbor's help. Approach them in a friendly manner and ask for their help in solving your mutual problem. A little honey catches more flies __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube Last edited by alaskayorkie; 03-03-2011 at 02:28 PM.

03-03-2011, 12:59 PM	#2
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	Oh, I know what you mean. We had a cyclone fence around our yard several years ago and the people next dog bought a rocie. He looked like a horse and I was scared to death for my dogs. My husband put up a wooden fence and just ran it along the cyclone fence which really helped. Fortunately everytime these people got a dog it didn't last long and now there are no dogs around us at all. I don't know the answer for you but I would not let them go out alone to potty even with the fence. Its just worth it taking the chance. Hope someone can help you and I know its terrible to have to worry about something like that.

03-03-2011, 03:18 PM	#8
RONLYNN Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA Posts: 1,635	You could try putting some cement blocks so that way they won't be able to do anything even if they chew the bottom of the wood. __________________ Ronda & Teddi PPU - Petite Pups United Member The PINK Club Member **

03-03-2011, 03:31 PM	#9
Bellasmom30 YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Royse City tx Posts: 341	Thank you to everyone for such great advice! These poor dogs next door don't get any attention. It baffles me because I am a stay at home mom and so is the lady next door. Only her children are in high school so she has all day to do something with these animals. I think they are going insane! lol About every other morning I hear them fighting each other visciously and her breaking them up! I just don't get it. Why have pets if you don't do anything with them? These people act like they are annoyed at their own dogs, but it seems to me the problem is a result of them being neglectful owners. Maybe I'm wrong...... __________________ Mom to five children, one Yorkie Bella and a Maltese Sugar

03-03-2011, 03:43 PM	#10
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Oh, the same sad story we hear about so often - dogs stuck out in the yard living a hopeless life with uninterested, uninvolved owners. Those are the dogs that cause so much trouble - unloved, bored to death, probably scared with no real leadership in their little lonely pack of two. I could get into "shaken owner syndrome" with owners like that. That lady needs somebody to shake some sense into her. She's got a treasure trove of love and fun out there in that back yard and could care less! Heartbreaking story.

03-03-2011, 03:54 PM	#11
IamMiasmom YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Plattsmouth, NE Posts: 268 Blog Entries: 1	It is really sad because it isn't necesarrily the dogs fault. It's the owners! I had a neighbor who had made their dog mean by not giving it attention, it caught a glimpse of my terrier and tore in . I nearly lost her, told them I was going to file claim. They called animal control and guess what, ac told me they would also ticket ME for dog fighting. After we left there, one of our friends that were still there, had a lovely beagle that was attacked by the same dog. I swear people never cease to amaze me, i called them the mansons. I think they put the lab down, sad I think it was how they would tie him up and leave him forever. Be cautious you never want nut cases throwing poison goodies over the fence either. I would never allow them near the fence even on leash sounds like you have some terrible neighbors, sorry.

03-03-2011, 04:23 PM	#12
babbsiam44 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,132	Oh my, I can say that I truly feel for you. I would go insane if I had neighbors with dogs like that. It is true what one poster said...you need to watch for your childs safety and yours for that matter. If your child were bit and you had to go to the ER then they would have reported it to the Animal Control. I know you don't want to start WW3 but what in the world are you neighbors doing to prevent such a war...nothing? Have they put bricks, cement blocks or whatever on their side of the fence? Now that I think of it it might give them a leverage to get over the top. You have to do something. Your responsibility is your family and d$%n if I wouldn't do what I necessarily had to, to protect them!!!!! Please keep us posted because this could be a very serious situation. Last edited by babbsiam44; 03-03-2011 at 04:24 PM.

03-03-2011, 04:41 PM	#13
Tayluvheryorkie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pooler, GA USA Posts: 200	You have to find away to get their attention, A small claims court is what I am thinking. I would also, take pictures, (time and date stamp) and keep stuff in writing and start reporting to your county animal control. IMHO all it takes is one weekend out of town for them the chew into your yard.

03-03-2011, 05:52 PM	#15
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	I'm not sure hedges would be enough of deterrent to vicious dogs. A raised bed with chicken wire buried along the fence might slow them down though. __________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny.