Need Doggy Advice

[Tia Wood]

We have a rottweiler who has been socialized. He stays in the house all the time, is used to kids and we pay extra care to ensure he's not aggressive. We walk him on a lease 3-4 times a day.

The problem is our neighbors and their dogs. They know we have a big dog but allow their larger dogs to run outside unattended. This morning was a fiasco. Their dogs came into our yard and harassed our dog. A dog fight almost broke out. The owners were no where to be found.

There are no lease laws here in Missouri, unless in the event of a person or another animal getting bit.

I feel this is unfair to our dog and irresponsible of the dog owners.

Has anyone else gone through this and what have you done?

 

[draggar]

If their dogs are on your property and harassing / threatening you or your dog - call the police. Just because there is no leash law doesn't mean that the dogs can have a free run of the neighborhood.

I'd also check with the police to see how legal it is to defend yourself against their dogs. I had to purchase an air horn and pepper spray because one of my neighbors lets her pit bull (who has threatened several people, challenged me, and chased my wife back into the house - and yes, I can tell the difference between play, prey, threat, and a challenge).

 

[Tia Wood]

and yes, I can tell the difference between play, prey, threat, and a challenge).

I trust you on that. When you own animals you get to know behaviors of the species.

Actually, we did get an air horn but the wrong kind. My husband got the outdoor sports air horn which is way too loud and powerful. But a good idea. I'll have to get the correct one.

 

[draggar]

I trust you on that. When you own animals you get to know behaviors of the species.

I've done schutzhund bite work - very important to know the difference then.

Actually, we did get an air horn but the wrong kind. My husband got the outdoor sports air horn which is way too loud and powerful. But a good idea. I'll have to get the correct one.

Sounds like you already have the right one - the one we got is for boats. It's small enough to fit in my pocket but very loud and high pitched.

 

[tinner666]

I shot the last one to do that here. Cops ruled it a 'Good Shoot'.
We only use electric fence and they can come into the yard. I don't mind that, but snarl, growl, or snap and it's lights out.

 

[stewie]

I would phone your police dept and ask them for advice...tell them you have young kids in the area and feel these dogs could be a risk... I'm sure you must have some rights.
*next thing if that doesnt work... check out products like Bear spray ... I know a few people who use it up north and some carry it in their car cause pepper spray is illegal here.

goodluck

 

[Gerry]

If their dogs are on your property and harassing / threatening you or your dog - call the police. Just because there is no leash law doesn't mean that the dogs can have a free run of the neighborhood.

I'd also check with the police to see how legal it is to defend yourself against their dogs. I had to purchase an air horn and pepper spray because one of my neighbors lets her pit bull (who has threatened several people, challenged me, and chased my wife back into the house - and yes, I can tell the difference between play, prey, threat, and a challenge).

Good advice.

Also check and see if the county has a leash law or the city.

Many municipalities have their own laws.

 

[Tia Wood]

Just found out the dog in question isn't even the neighbors. I don't want to hurt it, though. It's a pit bull and very muscular. He seemed friendly and tolerant but it escalated this morning.

I guess in that case calling animal control would be the best solution.

 

[draggar]

Just found out the dog in question isn't even the neighbors. I don't want to hurt it, though. It's a pit bull and very muscular. He seemed friendly and tolerant but it escalated this morning.

So did my neighbor's dog until it started chasing people and it challenged me. If it's a dog you don't know, chances are it'll test and test until it knows it's limit - including challenging a human.

 

[replic8te]

We have a rottie too and many neighbourhood dogs off leash. No problems as of yet. Ours just wants to play when we go out walking and doesnt realise how large she is which is not always fun.

I dont know how things work where you are but I can say from experience that for every incident that happens, report it. Whether its the police or animal rescue, make sure you are building a record of the dogs intrusion and its behaviour.

It may seem like a pain and more paperwork than anything, but God forbid there is a tragedy or someone bitten one day, then you have that trail standing behind you to defend your case and show its not an isolated incident.

hth
Mike

 

[stewie]

Pitbulls are a banned breed here.

They are very strong and can be dangerous dogs...too bad a few have to wreck it for all. You really can not afford to wait for something to happen... even if the dog seems nice or they say he doesn't bite... Cause the next line is "Opps!!! he never done that before!!!"

Do Not let that dog run around your area without trying to stop it...get some support from your neighbours too. Its not good when you can't let your own kids or dog out in your own yard. Find the owner and ask them to control it...after you have done that you have been more than fair...Report it... Report it... and get your neighbours reporting and calling too. you need as Mike said to create a file/history on this Dog.

Goodluck