How do I handle this (neighbor's dog issue)?

Question

My neighbor has a dog that keeps coming into our yard. My dog seems to like it as it is the ONLY animal he won't chase away. Because it seemed like a nice dog, my husband let it run around with our dog a few times (our dog is only outside when we are). Well, the other day, my daughter and I walked out to the mailbox and our neighbor was outside raking his yard. His dog came over and the guy yells over at me and says "hey, protect your daughter from her because she has a problem with biting at little kids". All I could think to say back was "she (his dog) is over here quite a bit actually" and he just says "yeah, I know and I'm getting sick of it". He then proceeds to call his dog back home. After a while, I realized.... It shouldn't be ME having to protect my daughter from the dog, it should be HIM having to keep his dog away! Am I right? How would you guys handle this?

Answer 1

Go buy some xylitol sweetener from the local health food store, mix in 1/4 cup into 1/2 pound of raw hamburger meat. Make some meat balls... keep your dog inside and put it outside in your yard over night. Dogs can't handle xylitol and it will put the sucker into a diabetic coma... problem solved and you don't have to worry about your kid getting killed... and don't worry it isn't like antifreeze, a vet wont see any tale tale signs like liver damage the dogs own body will just turn on itself.

Answer 2

I would ask him nicely to keep his dog in his yard that you clearly do not want the dog to bite your daughter. If he get irrational then call the animal police. This could be a dangerous situation for your child. He would be responsible for his dogs actions. I don't know if he knows this or not. Some ppl just let their dogs run loose. I had a problem when my dog went into heat a neighborhood dog stayed on our front porch pretty much day and night. At night he would jump on the screen door and howl! Another neighbor called animal control and they left a note on my door telling me to keep my black and white dog up or i will be paying a fine! I dont have a black and white dog.(it was the pestering one) I called them and told them and they said well the neighbors were complaining about my dog and they kept on and on like they didnt believe he wasnt mine! I was so pissed and like you my dog is an inside dog and is only outside on a leash with me or roomie with her. She never gets out of our yard! Thank god her pre menistral is over and the dog went back home! He was a pest though.

Answer 3

I have the same problem with my neighbors dog. He's friendly and my son loves him but one day he bit him. It didn't leave a mark so we didn't say anything, but I've thought about calling the police because they let both their dogs run loose every day while they're at work. I also have a dog that I keep in a fenced in yard and when he sees their dogs, he barks like crazy. We've had neighbors call the cops on us twice cuz of barking.

Bottom line is they need to keep their dog in a pen or on a chain. It's the law, so talk to the neighbor first and if that doesn't work then go to the police.

Answer 4

If your really concerned that the dog may bite your child you need to tell your neighbor he needs to do something about his dog. I'm betting there are leash laws where you live, so just tell him your concerned and that it's HIS responsibility to keep his dog in his yard and not yours. If he doesnt do anything call animal control and have them come over and cite him. Also, take pictures, pictures of the dog in your backyard, the place where she is getting into your yard (i'm guessing it's fenced and the dog has figured out how to get in) and if you can, her running loose in the front. This could be a serious situation because it's not only YOUR child that could possibly be in danger, it's any child in the neighborhood, and if something happens to another kid and you could have done something about it.... I would be devastated. Good luck. I hope you find a soulution.

Answer 5

Yes, you are right, it is something he should be dealing with, especially if he feels the dog is a threat.

I would try talking with him first, and explain that the dog is over in your hard quite frequently. If you feel comfortable, ask that the dog not be outside unless he is, and can control the dog and keep it in their own back yard. He may or may not agree to this, and he may get defensive - be careful with how you say anything.

If you feel the dog truly is a threat to your daughter, than I would also contact the local animal control and just fill them in on what has happened. Let them play the "bad guy" and confront the neighbor to keep his dog contained.

Answer 6

Well, being naturally suspicious of other people, my first guess is that he told you that to cover his *** in case the dog ever does actually bite anyone in your yard- that way he can say you knew about it but let the dog stay on your property anyway.
I'd go knock on his door, and (being perfectly nieghborly) I'd tell him that since he has been kind enough to let you know his dog could bite, you would now like to ask that he confine the dog in his yard.
Then, if the dog comes over, you have every right to take it to a local shelter.
BTW- sounds like your own dog would like a playmate.

Answer 7

YIKES! Your neighbor sounds very irresponsible. Call animal control and see if they will come out and talk to him. They will usually just come out and give a warning that they need to keep their dog contained. We have a neighbor that is the same way. The dog has never done anything but I'm worried because they know the dog and have warned me.

Answer 8

The next time the dog is in your yard, call the neighbor and ask him to remove the dog from your yard and please keep it on his own property or the authorities will be called. I will not have a dog that may bite someone over on my property.

And make sure you follow up.

Answer 9

If he KNOWS that his dog is inclined to bite anyone, then he certainly is being irresponsible to allow his dog off his property and out of his control. In fact, he could be sued if his dog does bite because he knew it could.
I would definitely ask him to keep his dog restricted to his property, and notify the Dog Control if he fails to do so. And do NOT encourage this animal to remain any where near your dog or your family. If it does go off and try to bite, he can say you encouraged the animal to leave his property and so were at fault.

Answer 10

Of course you're right. This guy falls into my mannerless hog dog owners category. Tell your neighbor that you're not comfortable having her around your daughter and to please keep an eye on on his dog. Keep telling him until he gets the message, that's outrageous. If you're a little nervous about having it out with the neighbor just think about the resulting consequences - your daughter being attacked and badly bitten.