neighbors dogs growling at my kids?

Question

I have new neighbors that have 3 large chows in a kennel in their yard. The dogs are restrained and cannot get into my yard but they are growling at my daughters and our cocker spaniel and scaring them whenever they're outside. Legally, is there anything I can do? I said something to one of the neighbors yesterday about the dogs growling and he just said "oh.. they can't get out" but the point is my children and my dog shouldn't have to be scared in their own yard...

Answer 1

You should call dog control. It's a hell of a lot easier to report vicious dogs before you're pulling them off your child when, not if, they do get out! No fence is foolproof, there are a lot of dog owners who have found that out the hard way.

You have a right of enjoyment of your own space, regardless of what state you live in. Start with dog control, if they don't do anything call the police, tell them your neighbor has dogs that are menacing your child.

Answer 2

Keep a close eye on your kids when they're outside. Write your neighbor a certified letter, keep a copy of the receipt and every complaint you make. Check local dog ownership laws, and talk to people at the animal control. CALL THEM next time the dog gets out. A threatening dog is one step away from a biting dog. No one wants that to happen so it is in everyone's best interests to keep the dog under control.

Answer 3

Hi. Yes there is something you can do. Search for a product called "Dog Silencer Pro". This device worked in my situation and it has a remote which will trigger the device (which will not harm the dogs) whenever you feel threatened.

Answer 4

In most jurisdictions, a dog's fully within his rights to be growling at people from his owner's property. Barking in the middle of the night is another thing but just growling...

C'mon, work at teaching your daughters not to be wussy 'fraidy cats. There are "real" fears and then there's the fears we create ourselves.

I've never been afraid of dogs and they sense it. I once went through an acquaintances yard to ring the doorbell and had to walk by their viscious pitbull. When the acquaintance opened the door, he was amazed that I'd made it to his door without being bitten! You see, dogs sense fear and react to it!

You're right, your children and dog SHOULDN'T be afraid but obviously they're picking up something from you.

My dog's a 'fraidy cat and termnally shy but she picks up on my reaction and depends on my and my body language to tell her what is "safe" and what is not.

Instead of trying to control the dog or the neighbors, work on controlling your reaction to them and the reaction of your kids and dog.

Answer 5

You can put up a stockade fence. This will prevent thier dogs from seeing your daughter and dog. This will stop the growling.

Answer 6

Legally Im not sure but go and confront them and tell them your dog is scaring my children and what happens if they do get out ask them to move the dog pin.

Answer 7

Oh wow.
Unless theres a growling dog ordinance where you live....too bad
its not his fault your kids are scared
What do you propose, for him to take them out back with a shotgun...

Answer 8

Perhaps build a privacy fence so that the dogs can not see your kids or dogs.

Answer 9

Leagaly, there is nothing you can do, however I would advise consulting with a lawyer and maybe talking with the neighbour again, in a more structured form. (sit down at a the table )

Answer 10

There isn't a thing you can do because they are properly restrained. I suggest you either move or deal with it.