Loose dogs in the country - don't know what to do

[justusnak]

gurley.....I live in the country as well. There are several houses sorta near me, and a few have let thier dogs roam. We also live about a half mile from the dog pound, where MANY dogs are just dropped off. There has been a few come around my place....so I bought a BB gun....pump it up to about 6 or 7..and get them in the hiney. WOW you should see them critters jump!

I know it stings them pretty good. Once usually does the trick....dogs learn pretty fast!

 

[hencackle]

Well, if you use a paintball gun you sure embarrass the owner to death having a bright pink dog running around. Maybe after the dog owner cleans up his dog a time or two, he'll realize that somebody might use a shotgun the next time.

Stephanie

 

[justusnak]

Good point hencackle.....and they smart as well!!

 

[4H kids and mom]

My hub is a OTR driver, and often on the road for a week or two at a time. We live in a very rural area with coyotes, fox, raccoon, possum, woodchucks (which I dont mind..they're cute!), owls, hawks, etc. Hub bought me a simple to use air rifle for when he's gone. It shoots large BB's and anyone can own and use one (no permit needed). If you dont want to shoot to kill the dogs, you can give them a painful warning by shooting them in a less lethal area (leg, butt, etc...not the head or chest). Chances are, it'll only take once for them to learn that your place is not a good one to visit when they're trolling the neighborhood. Best of luck

PS...If your going for a way to get back at the dogs owners a little, the paintball idea is a good one! It will hurt the dogs enough (I know! I play! Gotta wear pads! lol) for them to get the point, plus, the owners will get the idea that you mean business. Not to mention...its sorta funny!

 

[loveladyp]

We have dogs that pass through our property. I am a dog lover but I think V Chic Chick has the best advice.
S
S
S

 

[4H kids and mom]

Can anyone link me to somewhere I can read more about SSS laws?

 

[silkiechicken]

With a pellet or bb gun, depending on it's velocity, be careful where you aim. I've shot a few and with the winchester 1000b, you can go though 1/2 inch ply wood like it wasn't even there, take out a coon or possum with a head shot, and blow out the screens on TVs.

 

[cockadoodlemom]

I was in your shoes not long ago and I shot at them with BB gun then I went to the peoples house a 5:30am but they would not come to the door and they knew I was there and so did a few other neighbors. We live down the dirt road from the very little town. Well later that day when I had gone to get the mail I stopped by again and talked to them and they said how sorry they were and would keep the dog chained up. They also understood if I had to shoot to protect my critters. Good Luck and hope you shock some sense into 'em.

 

[chickenlips]

A couple of years ago we had trouble with our neighbors cows jumping his single strand of barbed wire and trashing our property, so I had my son use his paint gun and plaster one cow with bright pink paint balls. THAT cow never returned and I'm sure the farmer got the message loud and clear. A new season has begun, though and his cows are back...my son has moved out, but the pellet gun is locked and loaded and was used a few days ago. I say do whatever works to protect your animals and property because 9 times out of 10 you'll get an irresponsible owner, like our neighbor, who could care less.

 

[gurley157FS]

Thanks for all of your replies. I would definitely use the paintball method if I could - just to get my point across - that's a good one.

I have used a BB gun in the past but unfortunately I have not been here when the attacks have occured.

I do now have 3 strands of hotwire around my pen and house and my old lab got a taste of it last night. He won't go near the pen at all now - I am hoping the other dogs will have the same response.