Need Advice on dealing with dangerous dog. - Page 1

I've posted here a couple times about little things and have always gotten great advice. So I'm hoping that I can get some help with this issue. In January my neighbor accused my 2yr Male GSD and my 2yr Female GSD of coming in her yard and "waylaying" her 12 yr dobe resulting in an injury that required 1 staple. Now my dogs did manage to get out of the pen that day and I apoligized quite a bit and told her I'd have my husband call her. Well a week later she comes over and sees my female outside and asks "Is that your dog?" She then changed her story on the attack saying that my female and a large silver dog were chased off by her dobe when they walked past the driveway (all of this is referring for the same attack btw...) and then my female turned around and attacked her male. THEN the story changed to my female and the large silver dog holding the dobe down on the ground in her yard. After the story of the attack changing so drastically 3 times my husband told her that we wouldn't pay any veterinary costs until she showed us a reciept or outstanding bill. Fast forward to last Monday, my large walker coonhound is out going potty in my yard, I'm watching her, my dogs no longer go outside alone even in my large dog pen, shes walking up the hill right along the fence that devides my and the neighbors yard, and the dobe reaches through the fence and bites my coonhound. I run over to the fence to break things up and my neighbor calls her dog telling him "No, Don't" I rushed her to the vet for a puncture wound that didn't require any staples or anything but still costs me $38.50. My husband calls the lady and she immediatly starts defending the dog, saying what do you expect him to do with those dogs rushing the fence all the time, he feels threatened.... My dogs don't rush the fence. He's actually the one that rushes the fence and does so everytime a human walks near the fence, this fence is old and he hits it hard, its only a matter of time before it gives out. Only time it happened he was climbing over the fence while we were outside and my dogs are protective of me and my yard. Like a good dog should be. I have called Animal Control and am waiting for them to call me back. I am currently pregnant and worry about whats going to happen later when my toddler trys to pet the doggy next door. Any suggestions on what to do? I'd like to resolve this quickly but hate to admit that after dealing with her dog for over a year now and dealing with her other dogs getting in my yard and trying to bite me, I'm tempted to just shoot them all LOL. Hopefully Animal Control will be able to resolve the issue. If nothing else it will serve to document that her dog is dangerous. Thanks Sheena

My advice is what I would do----Put up a taller, stronger fence. If need be, double fence with hedges between the fences. I wouldn't call animal control and get them involved. She's sounds like a nutjob and could accuse your dogs of being vicious. Put as big a barrier between her home and yours.

yep - my advice is the same as LMH. Privacy fence that the irritating neighbor and her nippy dog can't see through let alone bite through. Or a no-climb fence that dogs can't reach through, and shrubbery in front so noone can see each other. molly

It's over. Get a privacy fence. Good fences make good neighbors. Also, I would not pay for any vet bills except for your own dog, unless you are feeling generous. Just as much her dogs fault as yours. Stories change but the bottom line is that it was a dog fight. Stuff happens. No serious harm done so far. The fence can not be very good if the dogs can bite through them. You can pick your nose but you can't pick your neighbors :)

I would also add security camers that record or activate with motion so you have recorded doccumentation on what exactly is happening. That way if she involves animal control you can show them what the truth is! They can watch for themselves and not have to listen to any of the drama that emotions often bring when it is a matter involving their pets. Vickie

DO NOT GET ANIMAL CONTROL INVOLVED, BOTH OF YOU WILL HAVE A BITE RECORD ON FILE. LMH IS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also both dogs could be asked to be quarantined. My Father spent the night in a jail cell, because my Mom wouuld not give animal control her dog when he jumped on a child and they only received a sidewalk abrassion.

Thanks for the information. I rent so the fence idea would have to be ok'd through my landlord, but I really like the camera idea. i'll be going to look at different models. Currently my dogs aren't allowed near the fence anymore and I carry my digital camera which has a video feature on it. Thanks for the advice on animal control, I figured it would serve to document issues with the dog as my goal is to get it declared a dangerous dog so that she has to take better precautions with it. But I did have my vet make a note in her file that will have to suffice. Would the dogs have to be quarantined if they are up to date on all vaccinations? My husband mentioned her possibly claiming that my critters were vicous but one would just have to meet them to see they aren't :) Thanks again. Sheena

Would the dogs have to be quarantined if they are up to date on all vaccinations? yes. Depending on where you live, and the officer, the severity of the bite, you maybe be albe to do it at your residence. However, Some require it at animal control at your expense. I would make nice with this neighbor, even thou she may/or may not be a nut case, just to protect my dogs.

I agree with the "do not involve animal control". Always trouble. Also, are you SURE you do not have more dogs AND cats than what you are allowed to have for your zoning? You may end up in violation of your municipal ordinances if you have too many animals. If you think you can hide your cat, if you have too many animals...he is sure to jump up in a window or meow at you at just the wrong moment, LOL.