My new landlords have two large viscous dogs that we have to pass every time we enter or exit my apartment. They are kept outside all day and night and are loose behind a chain linked fence. They growl, bark, snarl and jump at us... they actually throw themselves into the fence to get at us! I am really scared and have let the landlords know - but they deny that the dogs are harmful. We are looking into moving but that wont happen for another 6 months. Neighbors already called the ASPCA but that didnt go anywhere since they are fed and sheltered.
What can we do to stop these dogs from freaking out every time they see us? We dont want to hurt the dogs at all but is there a holistic remedy that would stop the dogs from barking and attacking?
2006-10-20 01:11:51 · 27 answers · asked by !?!?! 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Even when we go up close to the dogs in hopes that they will get used to us - they still go nuts!
2006-10-20 01:19:53 · update #1
The fence is about three feet away from us when walking around the house and to the apartment door. They begin to bark when they see us on the sidewalk and only stop when we are out of view. There is no reason to have guard dogs to this degree in a suburb - fine it you own a junk yard.. but not when kids live just next door.
2006-10-20 01:44:25 · update #2
treats dont work - that was the first thing we tried - I doubt they even know what the treat is.
2006-10-20 03:41:40 · update #3
poisonous meat !! or a BIG gun,,,,bet they look like their owner, they always do !
2006-10-20 01:15:09 · answer #1 · answered by musicman 3 · 1⤊ 7⤋
The dogs are probably more excited to see you than anything, since it sounds like they don't get much attention.
Many dogs sound vicious (and it is perfectly natural for dogs to sound the alarm when a stranger approaches their property), but they just have learned that being obnoxious is the only way to get anyone's attention.... if they didn't get negative attention, they'd get none at all.
You need to teach these dogs that you are a friend, not a stranger. By responding the way you do, running by them and sneaking into the house, you are reincforcing their assumption that you are doing something wrong.
I agree with the treat ideas. Whenever you go by them, approach the fence with a treat. Show it to them, talk to them nicely and tell them to sit. If they had any training at all they will gladly sit for a treat.
When they sit and calm down, tell them "good doggies" and give them the treat, rewarding them for calm behavior is what you want. Then calmly and confidently make your way inside while they are munching (or if you have some time, give them a bit of positive attention). Each time you see them, do the same thing and before you now it, they will sit and calm down before you even ask them to, in anticipation of a treat.
Dogs are smart and when treated with kindness you can turn any dog into a friend.
2006-10-20 02:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by mutherwulf 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like your landlords keep these dogs specifically for watchdogs. As long as they can't get to you and they are being cared for and restrained by the fence, what's the problem? It sounds like your complaint is comparable to someone being frightened by a tiger at the zoo.
If there seems to be a breach in the fence, that would be a problem. Barring that, the dogs are doing their job, and it's perfectly possible that outside of that area, they would be harmless. If you're really worried about them getting loose, carrying mace or pepper spray and keeping it in hand when you walk by would be a great idea.
Under the circumstances, though, there is no actual threat. If you were to feed the dogs ANYTHING, including treats, you are only creating a problem for yourself. You don't know if they could be allergic to something, and if you give them something that makes them sick or affects them in a pharmaceutical manner, it could be considered animal cruelty and the owners could call the SCPA on YOU.
Leave it alone. You're moving soon anyway, so just suck it up and ignore the dogs. Walk on by, don't make eye contact, and go about your business. That's all that they are doing.
2006-10-20 01:31:26 · answer #3 · answered by Tabikat 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't throw anything at them. Every time you go by give them a treat. This may help them calm down.
Many people think that in order to have a good watch dog their dogs have to be out of control. And if the dogs are acting this way they are going to one day really hurt someone.
Your only other option is to contact the property owner and complain. And tell him you are moving and why. When things start to affect someones pocketbook they will look up and see what's going on. Advise the other neighbors to complain to the property owner also.
2006-10-20 01:31:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatley theres not a whole lot you can do, it's up to the owner to control his dogs and if he wont reason with you when you talk to him maybe the best thing to do is move because like you said the ASPCA wont do anything, which is a shame because the dogs will have to actually hurt someone before any action is taken. The best thing to do would be to ignore them and maybe they will see that you have no intrest in them and hopefully they will calm down.
2006-10-20 02:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by HUBBS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every time they do this, call your local police department. I know in our city there are ordinances, and if the police receive enough calls, they will issue a citation. It can develop from there. The ASPCA won't do anything, they are just making sure the animals are not suffering from animal cruelty. The police AND Animal Control for your area CAN help you.
Additional:
Before taking any of the "treat" or other advice, I strongly urge you check out the link below. It is from the US Search and Rescue Team on Dog Bite Safety... Please visit this site, there is some VERY useful information.
2006-10-20 01:16:12 · answer #6 · answered by Michele A 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like a scary situation. I would do my best to move from there. These dogs could dig out and attack you or someone else in the neighborhood. These dogs will likely end up killing someone. I would not wait around for it to happen to me. If you have a lease, I am sure you will be able to break it because of the dogs.
2006-10-20 02:57:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Landlords or not this is your life and safety you are talking about. Report this to the local animal control or file a complaint with the police. As renters you have rights too. You might also want to buy some mace spray or pepper spray and when the dogs try to jump at you spray them through the fence. About once or twice of spraying them and they will stop.
2006-10-20 01:21:45 · answer #8 · answered by couchP56 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm amazed that only two other people "got it right". It's just common sense!
Moving is the obvious answer, but befriending them is a lot easier. Toss them treats, coo at them in a comforting voice, and before long they will like you.
They've probably been teased by some of the tenants - it's unfair to keep dogs locked up like that. They are just protecting themselves and their territory.
We were once given a doberman that "hated" kids after a couple neighborhood kids teased her. She was *great* with my kids who were kind to her, gave her treats, and played with her. She was actually one of the best dogs we ever had. Although I wouldn't recommend this for the "average" person (we showed and were heavy into obedience & rescue), it's perfectly do-able.
So talk softly, give them some treats and you'll probably have wagging tails instead of intimidating monsters.
2006-10-20 01:39:58 · answer #9 · answered by Ragdoll Kitty 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Maybe you could stand far away and throw them a treat... if you do this every time they see you soon they will begin to see you as a good thing and not as an intruder. While they are eating it... keep talking in a nice tone. I know that's probably more time than you want to invest in the situation but it might just work!
2006-10-20 01:48:19 · answer #10 · answered by fullofsugaw 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest that you ask the landlords to take you into the yard with the dogs, introduce you to them & let the dogs get to know you, play with them, give them treats, so that they know who you are. Explain to the landlords how uncomfortable and nerve racking it is every time you come 'home'. If they are decent people they should understand and help you settle in to your new house & make friends with their pets.
Best of luck to you,
:) Ms. BG
2006-10-20 01:59:46 · answer #11 · answered by Ms BG 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋