Neighbor's Dog likes to empty bowels on our side of the lawn. What to do?

Question

We're new house owners. Apparently, the neighbors don't seem to like us very much, and we don't speak French well, so it's another barrier. They're not hostile... The lady just doesn't speak to us, but the guy's a bit nicer.

We have suspected that their dog has snuck into our backyard before, but we haven't said anything. Imagine our surprise when we happened upon the 10-20 piles of smelly dog by-product on our side of the lawn... Should we have a talk with them about their little mutt, or should we just get a fence, get it over with?

Sorry, guys, I should specify... The dog sneaks under the fence in the back yard, but defecates in the front yard that we share with said neighbors. Another thing is that we live on a street where the houses are only 2-5 meters away, and no one else on our street has fences in their front yards (which aren't very big to begin with).

Thanks for the replies. I guarantee a Best Answer!

Answer 1

I'd get a fence anyway, if you can afford it only because it looks nice. There are products that you can sprinkle or spray on the lawn that is repulsive to dogs, cats, rabbits ect and they are inexpensive. Any garden center should have them. I've seen them in all the garden catalogs.

Answer 2

Oh bleah. Why do some people think that dogs should be able to soil where ever they want and not clean up? They give all of us dog guardians a bad reputation! This is an age-old problem and unfortunately the only way to protect your property is by erecting a secure fence. This will keep not only your neighbor's dog out of your yard but others as well. It's a pricey way to solve the problem but from your description of the situation probably the only thing that will work. If they say something to you then feel free to say that you've had a problem with dogs soiling the yard. No need to rub it in their faces - they'll know whose dog it was. There's a slight possibility it could be other dogs as well too though so taking the 'high road' will keep you on friendly terms - which is what you want with neighbors. I would not suggest retaliation - it is sure to backfire. Good luck ...

Answer 3

Definitely get a fence. Nothing breeds ill-feeling like proximity. Remember, as a home owner, it is conceivable that you will have the same neighbors forever. If that means you want to avoid conversation, especially a potential argument, then get the freakin fence.
The more responsibility you assume for your own property, the more satisfaction you will get out of being a home owner, and the less neighbor BS you will ultimately have to put up with. A fence is a nice, solid barrier. Anyone violating that border already knows they are wrong, true? Sucks that they don't confine the animal to their own yard.

Answer 4

Well can you repair the area where he sneaks in? I have found that once you 'talk' with neighbors, they take it as an offfensive statement of your superiority. So I would try everything to fix the passage where the dogs sneaks through and maybe spray this substance repellant in the front ? Then I always bring over cookies or cake on a holiday or something and introduce myself. Just that and nothing more. I dont bring up any issues unless absolutely necessary. It keeps the peace which is all I care about. Most of my French friends are very nice and so I do hope you get to meet them

Answer 5

Seems to me if your dogs poop in your yard then it's your business ... especially since you clean it up within a day or two. I'm not sure why this neighbor would go off on you like that and shouldn't have any right to do so. Next time he does that (if there is one) just keep calm and if he threatens to call the cops, offer to do it for him and go inside, get your phone and start dialing. Put your phone on speaker and walk just outside your home to explain the situation to the cops so your neighbor can hear. Good luck

Answer 6

First, tell the neighbors "I'm sure you have no idea this is happening, but your dog seems to prefer our lawn to do his duty. If you could please fix the fence so he can't get out anymore, that would be great." This will give them the chance to act surprised and apologize.

If it continues to happen, call up a doggy-doodie cleaning company (every town has one) and get a price quote for them to come over daily and poop-scoop. Forward this information to your neighbors in a letter, and let them know that beginning May 1, for example, you will have the yard professionally cleaned and they will be billed for it.

If that still doesn't work, call animal control. In theory, a loose dog could cause much more damage than just pooping on the grass (biting kids, etc.)

Answer 7

Where I live, people have a tendency to let their dogs roam around the neighborhood unleashed, as a result there is dog poop all over my yard. If I see the dog, I grab it and tie a little note to the collar it reads as follows, " HI I FOUND YOUR DOG ON MY YARD!! HE WAS USING MY YARD AS A TOILET!!! PLEASE COME TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS WITH A BAG AND PICK UP YOUR DOGS POOP!! IF IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN TWO DAYS I`LL PICK IT UP AND PUT IT ON YOUR FRONT STEP"! Boy, they come immediately when they read the note, they give you dirty looks but they come!! As a person that does not own a dog, ( for a reason, I don`t want the responsibility), I should`nt have to pick up after one.Stand up for your rights, and tell your neighbor to pick up. If they don`t buy a fence...

Answer 8

That is a very annoying and frustrating situation to be in, I know because I had a neighbor once and his dog did the same thing to us. Talking to them rarely solves anything and more often that not ends up causing resentment because now they see you as infringing on their way of life (I know that sounds stupid but people have become very good at putting their own spin on life). Just build the fence and get on with enjoying your backyard.

Answer 9

I would just talk to the neighbors and let them know about the dog incidents. Be mature adult neighbors about it.

If the dog sneaks under the neighbors fence then put something there to block it. If it continues and neighbors aren't doing anything about their dog then call authorities.

Answer 10

i would get the fence fixed a.s.a.p. and then i would take all the dog poop that has accumulated on your side of the lawn and throw it onto their side of the yard. see how they like it!. they sound like irresponsible pet owners to allow their dog to poop and not even clean it up! put up a nice fence that will give you privacy and if you happen to catch the dog call the pound and get it picked up.