Next door pit bull concern?

Question

I have a 10 foot privacy fence between my neighbors yard and mine. A new tenant has brought his pitbull, who is vicious thorugh the fence toward my beagles. Now he is starting to chew through the wood fence. I mentioned this to the neighbor who said she would fix it tomorrow. I am afraid this is just the beginning of the chewing. I plan to put up steel fencing on my side. Any other ideas? Should they meet on a lease and maybe this will stop the aggression? This dog seems like it wants to eat my dogs though. Do I have a right to ask them to get rid of it? My dogs are my babies and if anything ever happened to them, I would be devestated. Thank you.

Answer 1

I have owned many pit bulls in my life and they are very territorial animals so naturally they are going to be aggresive towards any other dogs that they feel are too close to their territory. Now with that being said, I dont think that it is fair for people to automatically want the person with the big dog to give it up because they have smaller dogs that could be gulped right down. Just because the dog is bigger doesnt mean its not its owners baby, besides when you complained the owner said they would remedy the fence, well you need remedy ur side of the fence with something the dog cant chew through. But try and keep in mind that if your neighbor had a toy chihuahuah that he thought your dogs posed a threat to how would you feel if he just jumped to trying to get rid of them without trying to come to an agreement about them.

Answer 2

I wouldn't ask your neighbors to get rid of their dog. How would you feel if someone asked you to get rid of your dogs? I bet you'd be offended and that could be the start of a rocky relationship with the neighbors.

Keep in mind that, having just moved, their dog is probably very anxious and stressed right now. He doesn't understand the extent of 'his' property yet. He hasn't gotten to know who the neighborhood dogs are yet either. I'd give this time. Your neighbor seems willing to cooperate and her dog may calm down once it's become adjusted to it's new environment.

I would wait until they can get along through the fence to have the dogs meet. If you do ever have them meet, make sure it is on 'neutral' territory away from both of the properties.

The metal fencing doesn't sound like a bad idea, just to be on the safe side.

Answer 3

Build a fence and send the bill to your neighbor. WTF if he wants to have a breed of dog that is KNOWN to be vicious, then he will have to pay for what it takes for you and your pets to be safe.
I will never understand people who defend pitbulls... The damned thing kills a kid and all they have to say is "I'm sorry"? or worse "It was the kids fault or the owner's fault".
No pitbulls anywhere close to my yard thank you... I shouldn't have to worry about my 3 kids being mauled to death by the neighbor's sweet loving pitbull who just happened to go beserk all of the sudden. I have a dog and I've owned several other breeds, and NO, not all dogs are capable of killing ok? Yes they can all be vicious, but if I had to choose between my kids getting nipped by a chihuahua or ripped to shreds by a pitbull, I'd go with the chihuahua you know. Even if I would go against common sense and believed those who say all dogs can be vicious (yes they can be but there are many breeds that are not very likely to be), the problem is that the pitbull not only has the temperament, but also the strength it takes to do a LOT of damage.

Answer 4

I am not an advocate for animal harm or cruelty. That being said, it would be horrible if the fence next door came open sometime during the day while your neighbor is at work and the dog happened to run away....;)
You might have to prop it with a stick so you can get away before opening the fence...like safely behind your fence....
Another approach...does the dog bark all the time? Most cities have what is called a "nuisance" animal clause...stipulates that if the dog is always barking...the owner has to either keep it inside or get rid of the animal or the fines start rolling in....give your local animal control a call in the morning. Good luck!

Answer 5

No, you can't tell them to get rid of it, but you can do everything necessary to protect yourself. The steel fencing is a great idea to start, and until you get it, I would place blocks, bricks, rocks...anything heavy...at the chewed spot to ensure he can't get under that fence. Keep in mind that he probably won't need as much room to get under as you think, so do it as soon as possible.
Also, I would make sure that their landlord knew about the dog. Some mortgage companies charge higher insurance rates or drop the insured completely if they find out about the dog. You may want to politely remind him of this and tell him about the already aggressive behavior.
Lastly, by no means should you leave your animals outside alone while their dog is out. Always be aware of what he is doing, and if he begins chewing while they are out, take them inside quickly!
For the time being, it may be better to take them for walks around the block as opposed to letting them get their free time in the backyard. Good luck!

Answer 6

First off, the breed of your neighbor's dog is irrelevant. I've had many neighbors with all kinds of breeds of dogs that have chewed through fences and were aggressive, and none of them were pit bulls. So the fact that his dog is a "pit bull" isn't necessary to emphasize. Just sounds like his dog is territorial (like most male dogs), and if his dog is male, and your dogs are female, then common sense says his dog is desperately trying to reach your dogs to sniff at them and to try and mate them (even if they're not in heat). But, it's unfortunate that pit bulls often end up in the wrong hands -- whose owners don't properly socialize their dogs to get along with other dogs. And if he lets his dog run loose in the yard all day, then his dog is obviously a guard dog, and is naturally expressing his dominance towards your dogs. The same can be said for my neighbor's black lab. It shares the same characteristics as your neighbor's pit bull. Very aggressive, and hates my dogs. I personally own 5 pit bulls, and they're all well-behaved. Pit bulls are absolutely wonderful and highly intelligent dogs, in the right hands.

Answer 7

You do not have the right to ask them to get rid of the dog. Using that logic, you could get rid of your dogs and resolve the problem. Put up the steel fence and if I were you, I would NEVER let the beagles out unsupervised. These pit bulls are capable of anything. I don't know if you could get the police or animal control involved at this point. Whose fence is it? If it's your and the dog is destroying it, you might have a case...I don't know. I wouldn't have my dogs around the pit bull....EVER, not even on a leash. You never know when these dogs will snap....even if they are "friendly," they can turn suddenly. Be careful.

Answer 8

It's true that it is your neighbor's responsibility to keep his dogs in his yard, but don't count on him to do so.
To be 100% safe, I'd put up a 6ft chain link fence on the other side of your wooden fence. Then, at the top of the chain link fence I'd put a row of electric fencing at the top of the chain link fence.
Pit bulls are both athletic and determined. The one you're referring to in particular also seems to be very dog aggressive.
If the pit bull wants in your backyard, a wooden fence will do little to stop it.
Take my advice, and fortify your fence immediately!

Answer 9

Be very care full, My neighbors pit bull he had for 7 years killed his daughter for no apparent reason a few weeks ago. And a few days after that, my friend Allan at work had his brothers 3 year old "Pit" attack him and he has now permanently lost the use of his left hand and wrist due to injuries received in the attack. I asked a simple question at the time if maybe they should outlaw the breed and received a lot of very vulgar responses. I agree with the previous responder, call animal control and find out what your rights are. If they get more than 3 complaints from different neighbors, then animal control can order the animal removed.

Answer 10

Do not let the dogs meet. It won't turn out any better. A vicious dog is just that...vicious...towards everybody and every other animal.

I would express my concern to the neighbor in a nice way. I would also notify her in no uncertain terms that you are photographing the damage and keeping a log in case you need to file a police report should more damage to the fence, your property or your dogs occur.

Most cities have laws about pit bulls nowadays...and none need to be vicious. Protect your babies.