I broke my neck a few years ago and I'm disabled. I could never hold one of those sticks with the rope at the end. I have no clue what they are called either. I have dogs that protect my house. Under zero circumstances would I allow them outside unattended. The neighbors hate their dog to begin with. I'm not sure why they have it since they hated their last dog. Their last dog died because she froze to death. She was an inside dog until they decided they no longer wanted her. She died in the night since it was -20. They said someone poisoned her. Ugh. They bought this dog and it's absolutely vicious. I'm not usually scared of dogs, but this one scares me. He's underfed, so he's hungry! You can see all his ribs. I try not to talk to the neighbors. It's frustrating to no end. I have called a few times that their dog is in my yard. One time this same dog got out and chased my other neighbor to her house snapping and growling. Of course the neighbor with this dog doesn't believe it. These people have burned so many bridges with everyone around here. We live in a very rural area where there are several acres between the houses. People seem to think its okay to let their dogs run loose. I have to constantly keep my eye on the flock while they are out. We are chain link fencing our property next year for our chickens and so we can give our own dogs a little more freedom when hubby plays fetch and when we take them outside. This should keep most of the predators out and we won't have to constantly worry. Dogs and coyotes are our biggest predators right now.Oh dear Nicole. Sounds like you don't have it easy. I'd have suggested animal control, but you say they won't do anything. Maybe they could lend you one of their long rod thingies with the noose on the end? Then you could take the dog to the pound or something or just hide it for a week until the neighbour says something. They sound like horrible people to live next to. How can they be so inconsiderate? I'm not sure what I'd do in your shoes, but I'm pretty sure it'd involve lots of plotting!