Our new neighbor brought a dog along. He is on a tie out with a doghouse most days, however we were woken up at 2:30am to the dog barking louder than usual. Luckily we got there in time. The dog had slipped his collar off and was going after our rabbits (we have a rabbit tractor that we keep growing rabbits in) the dog wouldn't leave our yard without force. My husband had to chase him off with a stick, and my husband is 6.5 feet tall and 300 lbs. I usually let my chickens and ducks out to freerange but am now afraid that the dog will get lose again. No doubt if that happened it would be awful. There is a leash law but as our dog is fine with all animals (including that dog) and only leaves our yard to play with the neighbor who lives to throw things for him I would hate to not be able to let our dog out. Other than having a predator - prey attraction to our animals I think the dog is fine. Other than fencing (which we can't really afford right now, but plan on doing a little at a time) can anyone think of a way I could safely let my animals out to get some grass? I simply do not trust the tie out or the dog. he could break his collar, the tie out... I am also unsure of how to respectfully tell our new neighbor that if his dog is ever caught hunting/chasing our animals on our property we will be in the right to do whatever necessary. I hate the thought of having it come to that but I will not put myself in danger trying to pull the dog away. We will use whatever we can to get him away. suggestions?
